Within the last year I have started machining my own wedding band reel seat hardware, along with turning all the reel seat inserts. I use both Nickel Silver and Aluminum. The weight difference between the Nickel Silver and Aluminum is quite noticeable. If you are concerned about weight on a smaller rod, you might think about using an Aluminum seat. As with any metal, Aluminum can oxidize over time. The oxidization can be avoided by properly caring for your rod. When you are done fishing for the day, wipe the entire rod down before you store it. Then again, patina can give the rod a bit of personal character...... as in: "I bought this rod to use and by golly I'm using it."
Eventually the plan is to become a Rodsmith and make the majority of the components in-house. Along with the reel seats, the hope is to include machining the Nickel Silver ferrules for the Bamboo rods and making my own snake guides. The guides will have the old school look and will not be chrome plated.
Below are a couple of the seats and inserts that have come out of the shop. The top seat is Aluminum with a Sycamore insert. The bottom seat is Nickel Silver with a stablized Maple Burl insert.
Eventually the plan is to become a Rodsmith and make the majority of the components in-house. Along with the reel seats, the hope is to include machining the Nickel Silver ferrules for the Bamboo rods and making my own snake guides. The guides will have the old school look and will not be chrome plated.
Below are a couple of the seats and inserts that have come out of the shop. The top seat is Aluminum with a Sycamore insert. The bottom seat is Nickel Silver with a stablized Maple Burl insert.
Until next time my friends, Merry Christmas
Pete
Pete
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