A question for all you spiral wrappers.

I built my first spiral wrap using the Obrien method.
I noticed when there is a load (a fish or a billed crankbait) it feels like the reel is grinding.
I tried different reels and line but it is always there.
Did I miss read something or is this the way it is?

I will assume you used the O'Quinn method. In certain situations and with some hard running crankbaits, you will find that the offset first guide puts a bit of pressure on the level wind mechanism. This is likely what you're hearing. (You should never reel/wind against a fish - you pull him towards you with the rod and then recover the gained line as you lower the rod. But that's another topic.) Do you find that your line is stacking heavier on one side than the other?

The Revolver Rod Spiral, which many bass fishermen perfer, offsets the butt guide opposite the side of the spiral which means that the incoming line will always be coming in directly on the 0 degree axis. This may be a better system for you if you're using crankbaits that pull that hard on the retrieve.

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O'Quinn yes - mixing up hobbies.

That sounds like something I could try. I could wrap a test guide on right in front of the current first guide. If this works I'll move it.
How much of an offset?

Tom mentioned the line stacking on one side of the reel and that it could be causing you your problem. What causes line stacking on any level wind reel is the line guide (worm gear & and pawl) needs and should be replaced! If this problem is not corrected it could cause a other major reel problems.
Good Wraps Bob

Offset it just enough so that the line itself is on the 0 degree axis.

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You didn't say what kind of line that you were using, but braided monofilament is noisy under tension. It will play sime weird tunes.C2