After 6 skunkings in a row fishing 2 long rods each time, I've decided to put together a critter rod to try and get some kind of action while the big bait is soaking. I already had a vintage 9' Fenwick that I picked up at a yard sale for $20 and I just found this little Penn Beachmaster 155 for $15 on Craigslist.
My plan is to build out this little reel to be bullet proof for critters, but still handle a medium size bat if it happens. I'm adding an aluminum spool, custom adjustable mag, Carbontex drag stack, stainless sleeve, power handle and knob, upgraded stainless screws, and stiffening the frame with a Newell base and custom spacer bar braces that I 3D printed.
Here's what it looks like before disassembly.
(https://i.imgur.com/ccyC6kF.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/yfwLcOK.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/nKlDOvO.jpg)
I'll add to this post as I get the parts and begin the build.
an undersung fav. you had my attention BEFORE you said 3-D bars...now i really want to see this. what material? and didn't you just sell a 980 which is the same size :)
Quote from: thorhammer on November 30, 2017, 10:27:07 PM
an undersung fav. you had my attention BEFORE you said 3-D bars...now i really want to see this. what material? and didn't you just sell a 980 which is the same size :)
I haven't sold the 980 yet, still trying. It's a great reel, I love fishing my 990! But the 980 is in too nice of shape and has all the matching accessories, I couldn't bear to fish it. I'd rather it go to a collector.
The 3D printed spacer bars are more of a support for the stainless bars. I played around with the idea of making them completely 3D printed, but I'm still not sure that is the best way to go. What I'm trying first is a support that works with the original bars. The first set is PLA, but if they work like I think, I'll make a set out of ABS. I think this route will still add a lot of rigidity, but not much extra weight.
Sneak peak:
(https://i.imgur.com/XkVsFID.jpg)
Those bars will be strong and look cool. Keep us posted please.
Keith
That is a nice looking cross bar
I have a 155 narrowed with a Newell kit but I put a 24-49 handle on it. Kind of like a power handle much longer blade than the stock one. Just one way to skin a cat
That's a cool handle option too since it still has the counterweight!
I'd be real interested in the "custom adjustable mag"! Please, more info n' pictures if possible.
Gfish
Yes you have started something here Chad! I'll be needing 10 sets of those of those bars when you dial it in. 😎😎👍👍. Actually I'm serious if you get around to producing a few. They'll fit Squidder and 200 Surfmaster too.
Quote from: Gfish on December 01, 2017, 02:48:54 AM
I'd be real interested in the "custom adjustable mag"! Please, more info n' pictures if possible.
Gfish
I did a prototype set up on my Sealine-x 50 and it works great!
Getting quotes now for having production parts made.
Still a few weeks out but I'll post all the details as soon as they are ready.
I'll probably do another prototype on this build as well in the mean time.
Quote from: thorhammer on December 01, 2017, 01:21:59 PM
Yes you have started something here Chad! I'll be needing 10 sets of those of those bars when you dial it in. 😎😎👍👍. Actually I'm serious if you get around to producing a few. They'll fit Squidder and 200 Surfmaster too.
If these work like I hope they will, I do plan to make more and sell them. I think they will be a great low budget upgrade to many of these Penn's :)
I'd be in for some narrow ones 146,27 that sort of thing
Great stuff you are doing there Chad.
I prefer to Narrow my 155 Critter Gitter's with an aluminum spool and ss posts.
If you get some bars made, I would be interested in a set or two.
Daron
Got some parts from Smooooth Drag and McMaster Carr today :)
Everything has been soaking in Simple Green all weekend.
Hopefully I can finish cleaning and assemble it this week!
(https://s20.postimg.org/kg05oqg2l/IMG_3567.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
As for the spacer bar supports. Once they get tested on this reel, I'd love to start making more for anyone that's interested.
Thanks for the encouragement!
Well with the fires up here and Christmas around the corner, the Critter Gitter has taken a back seat. :(
Hope to make a little progress on it this week though!
Thanks for all the encouraging words guys!
I was able to get a little progress on it today.
Fabricated and installed the adjustable mag system.
(https://i.imgur.com/2teRSBj.jpg)
Cool! take us step by step...if you don't mind.
Best,
Sal
Wow, Abu's beware! ...Theyre's gotta b a squidder somewhere in this
Mark
Cmon man that's messed up, not showing us under the plate. What Sal said. I'm gonna need some knurled knobbies too it looks like.
John
Sorry guys, I'll get some more pics up when I can, just too busy right now. Lots of craziness...
I feel ya, crazy doesn't begin to cover it
Quote from: Alto Mare on December 14, 2017, 10:43:43 PM
Cool! take us step by step...if you don't mind.
Best,
Sal
Here's a quick rundown.
I drilled and tapped the side plate 5/16-24 to accept a stainless steel threaded insert (inside threads are 10-32).
Installed the insert with locktite.
(https://i.imgur.com/YmK8SJZ.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/3hDDhWb.jpg)
316 stainless steel stud(10-32). Drilled and tapped the end 4-40 to mount the magnet.
(https://i.imgur.com/o3RJcON.jpg)
Aluminum knurled knob. Tapped the ID 10-32.
(https://i.imgur.com/sCXao7G.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/enHgGo5.jpg)
Installed in side plate with spring.
(https://i.imgur.com/1AVPJQI.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/1fIujRB.jpg)
Once I fine tune the adjustment and travel of the magnet, I'll file a flat spot on the threaded stud for the set screw to lock the knob in place.
I did the same set up on my Sealine-X 50 and it works awesome :)
That's some craftmanship, looks reea nice. Is that so you can adjust the brake on the fly during a cast or is it set all the time.
Buy the way still have a hard time getting over landing that fish in your avatar,that's crazy.
Quote from: Swami805 on December 15, 2017, 11:47:51 PM
That's some craftmanship, looks reea nice. Is that so you can adjust the brake on the fly during a cast or is it set all the time.
Buy the way still have a hard time getting over landing that fish in your avatar,that's crazy.
Thanks!
I generally just set it for the current conditions and leave it. I still use my thumb on the spool a bit too.
I've never tried adjusting it on the fly, but that might call for more coordination than I'm capable of :D
I landed that Black Sea Bass while fishing for sharks/rays, so I was using my heavy gear. Thank goodness, cuz it still was a heck of a fight! :)
Thanks for the pics and detailed instructions Chad, very much appreciated.
I just made this a sticky and a well deserved one at that.
Your job now is to make and sell us some of those adjustable mag system kits.
Very good work, maybe some stars are in order as well.
Best,
Sal
Very Nice Chad.
You have some skills. ;)
Wow, I'm very honored!
Thanks for the kind words guys!
Most of the credit goes right back to you all and all the great info on this board.
I'm working on putting together adjustable mag kits to sell as well as the 3D printed cross bar braces.
Hopefully in January sometime :)
Greatest thing since the flush toilet ! Can't wait!
Mark
Here's the 9' Fenwick it's going on.
(https://s20.postimg.org/kqa3vcqst/IMG_3652.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
(https://s20.postimg.org/g4dzn0czh/IMG_3651.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
I don't live to far from you. If you ever need help with rods let me know. We need to wet a line sometime!
Chad, how long is your rod? I have a 10' foot that really throws tins well!
sensei, nice post!
Quote from: Swami805 on December 16, 2017, 05:00:30 PM
I don't live to far from you. If you ever need help with rods let me know. We need to wet a line sometime!
Thanks! I do need some guides replaced.
Let me know when you head out, would love to join you!
Quote from: fishhawk on December 16, 2017, 05:02:54 PM
Chad, how long is your rod? I have a 10' foot that really throws tins well!
The Fenwick is a 9 footer.
As soon as this is over we'll get together.could use some surf fishing tips too!
Stay safe up there man!
Fantastic thread! Looking forward to seeing it all finished up.
I reckon there will be at least one of my Jigmasters that will get the adjustable mag treatment. Thanks for the inspiration.
I know most of you guys are DIYers, but I do installations as well. Just PM me.
That's impressive Chad. It seems like the spacers would provide a lot of extra stability and help prevent the frame from warping without adding weight. The mag is great too. You could change the magnet diameter and height to get the braking force in the ball park and then fine tune with the knob. Well done.
-steve
Hey Chad, I see the wind up on your end of the fire, Hope you're not close and stay safe!
Quote from: oc1 on December 17, 2017, 08:50:10 AM
That's impressive Chad. It seems like the spacers would provide a lot of extra stability and help prevent the frame from warping without adding weight. The mag is great too. You could change the magnet diameter and height to get the braking force in the ball park and then fine tune with the knob. Well done.
-steve
Thank you Steve!
Quote from: Swami805 on December 17, 2017, 04:03:47 PM
Hey Chad, I see the wind up on your end of the fire, Hope you're not close and stay safe!
Thanks!
It was scary for the first few days when the fire was only a couple of blocks away. We're in the clear now though.
Crazy stuff for sure! Hope you're safe and faring well up there Sheridan!
Ok guys, here she is in all her glory!
Penn Beachmaster 155. Aluminum spool, Newell base and clamp, Smooth Drag handle, knob, stainless sleeve, and drag washers, stainless allen screws, custom adjustable mag, and custom 3d printed spacer bar supports. Can't wait to spool it up and put it to the test!
(https://s20.postimg.cc/g0369rfvx/IMG_3665.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
(https://s20.postimg.cc/62s5go5p9/IMG_3666.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
(https://s20.postimg.cc/jv6kcvwn1/IMG_3668.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
(https://s20.postimg.cc/z56fji7el/IMG_3669.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
(https://s20.postimg.cc/exszr6mrx/IMG_3671.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
(https://s20.postimg.cc/ct8mq4g0d/IMG_3673.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
Wow, that's the best looking 155 I've seen - the spacer bar supports and adjustable mag have got potential.
Mike
Sweet - I like :)
Really nice job on this reel! Cant wait to hear how your mag system works once you get a chance to test it out?
I am interested in buying the components from you if you would ever consider selling a kit. Currently, I don't have any tools, but would purchase a tap and die kit for the side plate if you were to supply the rest of the components.
Again, really great idea that turned into a functional upgrade on an old classic reel.
Smols
Quote from: Smols on December 18, 2017, 03:52:39 PM
Really nice job on this reel! Cant wait to hear how your mag system works once you get a chance to test it out?
I am interested in buying the components from you if you would ever consider selling a kit. Currently, I don't have any tools, but would purchase a tap and die kit for the side plate if you were to supply the rest of the components.
Again, really great idea that turned into a functional upgrade on an old classic reel.
Smols
Hi Smols,
I'll gladly put together a kit of the components for you.
One thing to note is that it is critical to get the tapped hole parallel to the spool shaft. This is easy on a reel with flat side plates, but on side plates that are curved it's a bit more tricky.
This week is pretty crazy, but I'll try to have it ready for you after Christmas.
Xjchad,
thank you - not a hurry at all. understand getting the hole drilled parallel to the spool shaft is critical. i do have access to a drill press and can fabricate a jig to get the hole drilled. just let me know what i owe you and i will send payment via paypal or otherwise - whatever you prefer.
thanks again,
Smols
Great Work Chad,
That reel looks Awesome!
Beachmasters closed on the Dow Jones up 309%.......
Squidders are up 500%!
Haha, Thanks guys! It was fun working with a reel that wasn't as popular as some of the others out there :)
Quote from: Smols on December 19, 2017, 05:43:36 AM
Xjchad,
thank you - not a hurry at all. understand getting the hole drilled parallel to the spool shaft is critical. i do have access to a drill press and can fabricate a jig to get the hole drilled. just let me know what i owe you and i will send payment via paypal or otherwise - whatever you prefer.
thanks again,
Smols
Smols,
Sounds good. I'm looking at possibly adding the drill and tap to the kit so let me know if you'd like that or not.
I'm also working of final design of some other components to make the kit easier to install and allow it to work on a wider range of reels.
I'm trying finish my drawings so I can start getting quotes on the machining.
Chad
Quote from: xjchad on December 19, 2017, 05:33:19 PM
Haha, Thanks guys! It was fun working with a reel that wasn't as popular as some of the others out there :)
ONLY because 155's are lacking your cast control....Squidders originally had finned spool bells to slow them, and guys would use STP in the bearings.
Quote from: Smols on December 19, 2017, 05:43:36 AMunderstand getting the hole drilled parallel to the spool shaft is critical
Why wouldn't you want the hole drilled perpendicular to the curvature of the flange at the point where the magnets approach the spool.
Some people broke or cut the fins out of surfmaster spools. Plastic spools can't be slowed with magnets though.
-steve
Nice job Chad. Easily adjustable and the reel looks great!
............Lou
Quote from: oc1 on December 19, 2017, 11:09:35 PM
Quote from: Smols on December 19, 2017, 05:43:36 AMunderstand getting the hole drilled parallel to the spool shaft is critical
Why wouldn't you want the hole drilled perpendicular to the curvature of the flange at the point where the magnets approach the spool.
Some people broke or cut the fins out of surfmaster spools. Plastic spools can't be slowed with magnets though.
-steve
Steve,
The magnets seem to have more effect when they are parallel to the end of the spool (hole is drilled parallel to the spool shaft). I'm not sure if it's because of the physics of it, or just simply because you can get the whole magnet closer than if it's on an angle. I'm not very good at explaining with words so I did a crude drawing. I hope this helps.
(https://s20.postimg.cc/e9q48an65/Mad_Orientaion.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/h3t9lqpc9/)
While I might not be interested in the magnet, I like the spacer bars. Let is know if you plan on making a run on them. I am interested in the Squidder 140 size which I think is what you have.
Scott
Chad, I meant perpendicular to the curve of the spool flange not the curve of the end plate. That way you could get more magnet mass closer to the spool. Just thinking aloud.
I initially thought magnets would work better if they were close to the periphery of the flange where the spool speed is faster (more feet/second with the same rpm). But, I had better luck putting them as close to the axis/center as possible. I don't know why it works better though. Could be because of the steel in the journal, clicker ratchet or pinion compared to the plated brass at the periphery. It could also be because the distance between the end plate and the spool flange is greater near the center so a taller stack of magnets and more magnet mass can be used.
-steve
Quote from: oc1 on December 20, 2017, 07:33:05 AM
Chad, I meant perpendicular to the curve of the spool flange not the curve of the end plate. That way you could get more magnet mass closer to the spool. Just thinking aloud.
I initially thought magnets would work better if they were close to the periphery of the flange where the spool speed is faster (more feet/second with the same rpm). But, I had better luck putting them as close to the axis/center as possible. I don't know why it works better though. Could be because of the steel in the journal, clicker ratchet or pinion compared to the plated brass at the periphery. It could also be because the distance between the end plate and the spool flange is greater near the center so a taller stack of magnets and more magnet mass can be used.
-steve
Steve,
Thank you for explaining that, I understand what you mean now.
I have generally thought that positioning the magnet closer to the OD of the spool would be best as well, but in reality, placement has usually boiled down to making it fit. :) I love the sound of a clicker, so I've never removed the clicker in order to try moving it closer to the center of the spool. Also, I've only been working with aluminum spools so far. Now you have me curious and I'm going to need to do some more testing! ;D
I have a brass spool Long Beach that will be next!
Hey guys,
Thank you for all the kind words and interest in this!
I talked with Alan, and I'm going to start offering the Adjustable Mag Kits and the Spacer Bar Braces for sale here soon.
As soon as I'm geared up, I'll put up some posts in the For Sale forum.
In order to help me get going, please message me if you are interested. Let me know what parts you're interested in and how many. This will help me get stocked up on what I need.
As far as the Mag Kits, for those that are unsure of doing the drill/tap of the side plate, I can do it for you.
I'm also working on a 2nd version that will not require tapping the side plate, just drilling the hole. This is still a month or so out as I need to have some parts machined.
For the Spacer Bar Braces, I will work with you to make kits to fit as many reels as possible. Let me know in your message what reel you want them for.
Right now I have the ones for the 155 and I'm working to figure out exactly what other reels these will fit. If you have a narrower reel or different diameter, bar spacing, etc. let me know and I'll work with you to get them designed and produced.
PM or email @ cjsreelandrig@gmail.com
Thank you!
Chad
155 will also fit 200 Surfmaster and 140 Squidder, perhaps more.
160, 150, are same
180, 100, 146 are same
Quote from: thorhammer on December 20, 2017, 07:46:32 PM
155 will also fit 200 Surfmaster and 140 Squidder, perhaps more.
160, 150, are same
180, 100, 146 are same
Thank you for that very helpful info John!
I have some 180s that could use stiffeners.
QuoteI landed that Black Sea Bass while fishing for sharks/rays, so I was using my heavy gear. Thank goodness, cuz it still was a heck of a fight!
Yeah, I bet it was! Is that the same kind of Black Sea Bass we catch on the east coast on wrecks and such? It can't be - or you were fishing near a nuclear power plant! Honestly, that is the biggest Sea Bass I've ever seen! You don't happen to be a wizard at Photoshop, are you? no reason just curious! (joke - that's an impressive fish!)
Quote from: Pelagicide on June 06, 2018, 09:28:29 PM
QuoteI landed that Black Sea Bass while fishing for sharks/rays, so I was using my heavy gear. Thank goodness, cuz it still was a heck of a fight!
Yeah, I bet it was! Is that the same kind of Black Sea Bass we catch on the east coast on wrecks and such? It can't be - or you were fishing near a nuclear power plant! Honestly, that is the biggest Sea Bass I've ever seen! You don't happen to be a wizard at Photoshop, are you? no reason just curious! (joke - that's an impressive fish!)
I'm pretty sure it's a different Black Sea Bass than what you're catching on the east coast. They used to be very endangered here and are protected. They are making a comeback thank goodness!
That is actually a small one. They can get 400+ lbs.