Is there a rule of thumb regarding reel seat sizing? For example, if a blank is 13.8mm will a 14mm work just fine or is it best to use a 15mm and build up to it with arbors? Which is better?

Tony Wilson
Cincinnati Ohio

If it will fit on the blank use the smaller diameter.

Some seats, like the Fuji ACS are actually meant to be reamed a little bit; so, you buy one that is slightly smaller than your blank. That particular seat is graphite construction, and very easy to ream by hand.
Fly reel seats should be as small as practically possible, in order to reduce overall weight, but are difficult to ream by hand; so, buy the smallest one that will fit over the blank, and still hold the intended reel.
A spinning seat should have enough diameter to fill the palm of the hand that holds it.

Use arbors when necessary.
Sometimes a few thread wraps are all that's needed to take up the space.

George Forster
Fort Collins, CO

I size my seats to fit my hand.

...............

George Forster Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Some seats, like the Fuji ACS are actually meant
> to be reamed a little bit; so, you buy one that is
> slightly smaller than your blank. That particular
> seat is graphite construction, and very easy to
> ream by hand.

Does that go for all casting seats, or is it different for an exposed reel seat and a full casting seat? If I am thinking about this correctly, casting reel seats built for exposed blank will need to be smaller and reamed to ensure the "window" is touching the blank, while casting reel seats built without that window can be sized larger and built up with arbors if needed, right?

Tony Wilson
Cincinnati Ohio



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/27/2010 09:58AM by Tony Wilson.

casting seats I have the supplier fit them about 2 " above where they will sit. Then ream lightly to fit perfectly. This way the inside of the seat is prepped and has a better bond.

Then I prep all seats for better bond.

Bill - willierods.com

Tony,
Whenever sizing reel seats - (i.e. seats needing an arbor) - I simply select the reel seat that fits the hand of the client.

If you are using a reel seat with an exposed blank concept, then you need to match the size of the blank. Try to obtain a reel seat that begans to get tight on the seat about 1 inch above the final reel seat position. Then, when gluing in place, the glue will lube and allow the reel seat to slide nicely into place with an excellent fit.

If in doubt, buy two or three seats and use the best fitting seat. You can ream the seats, and then clean up the exposed hole with an exacto knife, but it is nicer if you can slide the reel seat into positon, without any extra reaming or filling.

Roger

Toney, You are are right on track with what it takes to size a exposed casting reel seat. I also do what Roger says and size the casting reel seat to fit a inch above final position it will be placed. Keep good records on the final placement of the reel seat and the size of seat you use on each rod you build. This will help you when ordering parts in the future.


Clearwater Custom Rods
Monroe, Ohio