Started on the lamp project a few days ago —
Have around 940 old candidates slated for these lamps, maybe some will become bookends also.
Reels are between 40 to 90 years old.
Freshwater baitcasters, spincast reels, spinning reels, fly reels, Saltwater conventionals, etc...
Many brands, lots of history.
Clean and restore the reels — mount them on a base.
Everything uses only UL approved components.
Lamps are 22" high, all components including the HD cord and plug are UL approved, 3-way switches, the wire knot inside the socket is an Underwriters approved knot, there are vinyl dots under the base to keep it from moving, the top finial is solid brass, a hole was drilled horizontally from the rear so that the 8' cord would be neat and clean, HD fender washers and lock washers were used under the lamp in a cavity bored with a Forstner flat bore bit. Decided on solid Native American Oak and Walnut as choices.
The assembly line has fired up.
Best,
Fred
Very nice! So are the reels removable and usable?
At this point, the prototypes are removable until I decide how to mount them.
For me, they all have to be usable and ready to operate properly — inside and out — and there will be a difference in mounting methods depending on if it is a top mounted or under-mounted reel.
And the reels must be mounted in their operational configuration — not sideways, or upside down.
Best,
Fred
What a great idea, Fred! The bookends sound pretty cool as well! Darin
Very nice Fred! those would look nice in anyone's man cave...good job!
Sal
When you first mentioned this project, I envisioned a pile of reels welded together to make a base & stand!?!?...
Cool looking project Fred. Ugg, the knot. I don't know who at UL approved this. It was not allowed before. Before the cord needed a real strain relief. Someone let a customer the knot and its was game over as it could lead to unfair trade. Knots were not allowed before. That is all I have to say about that.
In doing some research, Bryan —
The underwriters knot started to be used in lamps in 1944 as a way to eliminate strain on the lamp socket connection terminals.
Works OK — simple enough.
Over the years, I have installed many, many ceiling fans with and without light kits. On some of the most expensive ones — no knot guidelines were followed from the factory. On some of the cheapest ones — everything was clean with safe connections with a good UL knot (not a square knot that could possibly pull and scrape off some insulation).
So I just pay attention to plug polarity, right wire to each terminal for proper polarity, and no chance of the wire connection being pulled away from the socket screw lugs.
Best,
Fred
Beautiful workmanship Fred! And in looking around my own "pile of stuff" and I suspect I am not alone in this - I have a handful of reels with great sentimental value that to be honest, while they are still 100% fishable I never really use them since it never quite "feels right". This looks like a great alternative for those kinds of reels so they can become an attractive conversation piece in the open instead of sitting in a box in the shop. What an awesome idea, and thanks for sharing! - John
Great Project Fred !! Great Way To Re-Purpose Those Old Reels. Easy To Repeat And Very Useful. Did A Project Myself Using Broken Rods And Reels I Wanted To Keep. Used Thrift Store Lamps As Beginning. Best Of Luck With Your Project,
Barry
Great looking lamp, Barry!
Best,
Fred
Lovely work as always Fred. The knot in the cable I don't like - any way it would be against wiring regulations in the UK and other countries.
Nice but some of the older reels should not be modified.
Quote from: Tiddlerbasher on November 13, 2018, 03:23:53 PM
The knot in the cable I don't like -
X2
None of the reels are, or will be modified, Lee — only original.
Best,
Fred
Fred!
Beautiful reel lamps to say the least!!!
If you make one using a Penn 970 please put my name on it!!!! ;D
Wayne
Quote from: foakes on November 13, 2018, 04:05:41 PM
None of the reels are, or will be modified, Lee — only original.
Best,
Fred
:0)
nice project Fred.
do you have plans to make the 940 lamps ?
Well, that is one hope and plan, Alex —
But I am not sure where this will go — however, I will have fun building these, and continue to be productive.
There have been a few important things that I have learned so far in my life —
Near the top of the list would be to have plans and goals.
Along with that, be ready and willing to change our focus as conditions dictate, or other opportunities arise.
Many times, our seeming best plans will open other doors that we never dreamed of.
So, we shouldn't hang on too hard to the past or the future — just live each moment trying to be the best, the most helpful to others, and the most productive that we can be.
In other words — adapt, improvise, improve. Be ready for other possibilities, listen to other wise folks — then just do our best each day.
The time we waste is a gift squandered.
Speaking for myself, we need to see where good things lead, and quit holding on too firmly to perfect models of the future. What we have is here and now.
Just my opinions.
And if this works out, I have perhaps another 500 — 700 reels that can be added to the mix. If it doesn't work out — nothing ventured, nothing gained, nothing lost...
Best,
Fred
Quote from: foakes on November 13, 2018, 07:11:03 PM
And if this works out, I have perhaps another 500 — 700 reels that can be added to the mix.
if by chance you get tired after 250 lamps built, you can add a new model with 2 reels per lamp, that will short your time for the next 400 reels ;D ;D
Quote from: gumpie44 on November 13, 2018, 10:51:43 AM
Great Project Fred !! Great Way To Re-Purpose Those Old Reels. Easy To Repeat And Very Useful. Did A Project Myself Using Broken Rods And Reels I Wanted To Keep. Used Thrift Store Lamps As Beginning. Best Of Luck With Your Project,
Barry
Nice!!!
Quote from: foakes on November 13, 2018, 07:11:03 PM
Well, that is one hope and plan, Alex —
But I am not sure where this will go — however, I will have fun building these, and continue to be productive.
There have been a few important things that I have learned so far in my life —
Near the top of the list would be to have plans and goals.
Along with that, be ready and willing to change our focus as conditions dictate, or other opportunities arise.
Many times, our seeming best plans will open other doors that we never dreamed of.
So, we shouldn't hang on too hard to the past or the future — just live each moment trying to be the best, the most helpful to others, and the most productive that we can be.
In other words — adapt, improvise, improve. Be ready for other possibilities, listen to other wise folks — then just do our best each day.
The time we waste is a gift squandered.
Speaking for myself, we need to see where good things lead, and quit holding on too firmly to perfect models of the future. What we have is here and now.
Just my opinions.
And if this works out, I have perhaps another 500 — 700 reels that can be added to the mix. If it doesn't work out — nothing ventured, nothing gained, nothing lost...
Best,
Fred
Great advice Fred! Thank you for sharing your thoughts, I try to learn as much as I can from you guys in all areas of life, not just reels. :)
It'd be pretty neat if turning the reel handle acted as a dimmer or on/off switch. Just a thought!
Super Deluxe Idea! They look reely, reely nice. Perfect Feng shui for any angler or reel aficionado.
And since I have seen some suggestions, ideas and so forth....I'd like my Reel-Lamps® ( just in case you'd like to purchase my trademarked and copyrighted brand) mounted in the galley and Captain's Quarters of a fully outfitted, live aboard aluminum hulled Fishing Vessel. :o ;D :D ;)
Quote from: xjchad on November 13, 2018, 11:15:28 PM
Great advice Fred! Thank you for sharing your thoughts, I try to learn as much as I can from you guys in all areas of life, not just reels. :)
I agree Chad. Listening to Fred talk is a great way to learn...his thoughts always make sense. 8)
Working on painting about 8 DQ's today -- after cleaning, inspecting, sanding, and prepping.
It takes a little while to paint each reel properly -- what with cleaning, sanding, painting, and baking.
So I had a little extra time in between reels -- decided it is time to start making reel lamps once again for selling during the Christmas Season.
Pulled out a few old reels -- and realized that on some of these, the original Patina and original line in some cases -- adds to the finished project. So some will not need to be restored -- just a quick clean and lube to preserve the old, original, vintage appearance.
What do you guys think?
Best,
Fred
I'd say the "original" look is a good thing.....for most folks, anyway.....if "old reels" fit their décor....the reel should "look old' !
Wow, you've got some very cool and interesting looking reels Fred! I love the look "as is"!
Yeah, I think most guy's wantin a man-cave lamp would like the "just as you find them" look. Bright shiny restored look for the ladies? I never seem to know what they might prefer.
If someone were to be surprised that the reel worked smoothly then you would have the right look.
-steve
Fred, every time this thread pops up what my brain thinks I see is, "how to get rid of old 940 fishing reels" and I think, "Fred has my address!!!"
John