Fly tiers do it, rod builders do it, so how about...

[eclecticguy]

if we reelsmiths have the first ever Reel Swap?! Basically, here is what I had in mind:

Several of us (at least 2, no more than 6) reelsmiths build a variant of the simple brass frame reel. You can customize it any way you'd like - different materials, hole designs, different finishes, smaller/larger, alternate foot mounts, etc. We would have a specified amount of time, I'm thinking March 1st, 2010 as the dead line, to complete and mail your reel to me (the host for this swap). I will assign each reel a number and have my wife draw numbers from a hat to determine who gets which reel. If someone gets their own, I will redraw the number so you get a different reel.

That's about it. To sweeten the pot (as they say), I will offer a full materials package to anyone wanting to join in for 50% off (that comes to $20 plus $4.95 shipping US). If you know that you are going to substitute some parts like the Delrin handle for instance, please let me know so I don't have to send something you won't use.

As for shipping, we would each package our reel in a small box that would be reused to return your new reel. Either include a check or cash or postage stamps for the same amount it cost you to ship the reel to me. I'll pack your reel with a little surprise I've prepared just for this inaugural event and return it to you.

So who's in!?

1) EclecticGuy (aka Michael Hackney)
2) Woody
3) fishketcha (aka Wayne)
4) peter dallman (aka Peter Dallman)
5) landrodz
6) Amabilis (aka Randy)

Let's make the deadline to enter in 2 weeks, December 21 (if there are any interested reelsmiths that is!). Please reply to this topic if you are in or have any comments. I will email everyone to announce this event tonight. If you are interested in the material package, let me know that too so I can set up PayPal for this special deal (no obligation to use the materials packages though).

Cheers,
Michael

[fishketcha]

Michael,

This sounds like fun! Count me in! I have a couple of pleasant changes from the original.

Wayne

[eclecticguy]

Excellent, thanks Wayne! Now we have 3, room for 3 more!

cheers,
Michael

[eclecticguy]

and now we have 4! Here is what my friend Peter wrote:

"Yes, I'll theoretically work on it over Xmas. I will make the Barker reel
that uses no screws (in that period screws were expensive and handmade.) The
wood is some rare English yew I have from Sherwood forrest."

Wait until you see this reel! It is very cool.

[eclecticguy]

We still have 2 slots open for the first ever reel swap! It's sure to be a fun time.

cheers,
Michael

[Amabilis]

Finally recouping enough after shoulder surgery so count me in also.
~Amabilis (aka Randy Fridlund)

[landrodz?]

I haven't built my first one yet, otherwise I would be in - I am willing If everyone is ok with a complete rookie being in the swap.

Let me know, if so Michael - I will order two kits - on at full price and one at the discount - I will build one for me, and one for the swap!

[eclecticguy]

Absolutely! Everyone has to start somewhere! It is much easier than you might think, just look at all of the great reels folks have built and show in the Reel Showcase. There is plenty of time to get started and make the deadline on March 1st.

Cheers,
Michael

[landrodz?]

Absolutely! Everyone has to start somewhere! It is much easier than you might think, just look at all of the great reels folks have built and show in the Reel Showcase. There is plenty of time to get started and make the deadline on March 1st.

Cheers,
Michael

Cool - I am in - I will send a PM about ordering the kits - I was going to order one from the link I found on this site - so I will just make it two!!

[fishketcha]

Give away your first reel????? Not even to my best friend. Stick with it. Save your first and enter your second into our swap. Your first reel will be precious someday. You will be able to make your second reel much faster and easier than your first.

Wayne