THE CASTING REEL 41 



More than once I have found an aluminum reel 

 hors de combat when taken from its case, bent in 

 transit. So we return to the statement made but a 

 moment ago, the best all 'round material is undoubt- 

 edly German silver. All pinions, bearings, in fact, 

 all working parts should be of finest tempered steel 

 if the winch is to render lasting service. 



Which brings us naturally to the matter of jeweled 

 bearings. Undoubtedly well fitted jewels add to the 

 life and free action of a reel, and is not, therefore, a 

 mere fad as some seem to think. Personally I be- 

 lieve the lengthened service more than compensates 

 for the added cost. Naturally the "jewels" should 

 be evenly set and accurately ground or the spool 

 will not run true and disaster result. When a jewel 

 cracks, and I am told that they sometimes do, it 

 must be immediately repaired or the reel will be 

 speedily ruined. Fortunately ordinarily the jewels 

 are set in screw-off oil caps and it is an easy matter 

 to replace them. In this connection it is well to add 

 that at least one reputable reel maker is producing 

 winches without jewels, claiming that the phosphor- 

 bronze bearings used by him are more durable and 

 altogether as satisfactory. Undoubtedly phosphor- 

 bronze bushings offer a smooth surface for the spool 

 journals but I have yet to be convinced that the end- 

 thrust should not be supported by jeweled spool- 

 journals. If you can afford it, by all means purchase 

 a sapphire mounted reel. 



