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Post by Pond Olive(lately Colona) on Jan 5, 2006 9:35:00 GMT -5
I'm not sure if this is quite on-topic, but I wondered if any of you practical rod-building guys know how to restore or even create newly the old traditional black-lead finish on a reel?
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Post by Silver Stoat on Jan 5, 2006 9:54:22 GMT -5
If it's a brass reel then gun blue will do the job. You can buy this from any good gun shop.
Polish off any remaining colour using a chrome cleaner and de-grease with white spirit or meths before applying the blue according to the instructions.
It's crucial that you don't put any fingerprints on the cleaned metal or the blue will not take where these are so hold it in a piece of cloth when applying the blue. You will find the job is easier if you can heat the metal a little but if there are any plastic, wood or bone fitments this might not be practical.
If it's an aluminium reel then it was probably anodised or painted when new. Anodising is not something that is easily done without the proper equipment but you could strip old paint and respray it.
Dave.
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Post by finecanerods on Jan 5, 2006 15:56:18 GMT -5
Hi,
I'm assuming you mean the grey colour so liked by many on the older Aerials etc? If so there is a product I have been meaning to try that is produced by Birchwood Casey for use on Aluminium, I use their brass blacking which works well so it would be worth a try.
The product is called "Aluma black A15 immersion" and is supposed to simulate a pewter finish so it may suit you. They say it is light duty from which you can assume it wear off, quite authenitic then!
If your reel is brass it is worth experimenting with bluing solution from several sources as the results vary from grey through pale blue to black.
Regards
Gary
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Post by Silver Stoat on Jan 5, 2006 18:14:14 GMT -5
Yes, the 'colour' you get will depend to some extent on the composition of the brass alloy used to make the reel as well as the bluing formula. Lots of possible variations.
I've found the gel blue made by Phillips gives quite a dark result on most brass alloys.
I would be a little sceptical as to life span of a non- electrically applied 'anodising' dip for aluminium, but would be interested to hear how you get on if you do try it.
Dave.
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Post by Pond Olive(lately Colona) on Jan 6, 2006 2:41:54 GMT -5
Thanks for that guys but was the old black-lead finish? Was it anything to do with stove-black?
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Post by Silver Stoat on Jan 6, 2006 6:22:52 GMT -5
I'm afraid you've got me on that one. I've never heard of black lead being used on fishing reels, do you have a reference to this.
It was used on kitchen ranges' (before the danger of lead was fully realised) but, as it will rub off fairly easily, I would have thought that it would have been considered too much of a temporary treatment for a reel ?
Most of the bluing/browning solutions are/were acid based and etch the surface slightly whilst creating an oxide layer (usually a modified copper oxide) as far as I know.
Dave.
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Post by mikeconnor on Jan 6, 2006 6:55:00 GMT -5
Thanks for that guys but was the old black-lead finish? Was it anything to do with stove-black? Black-lead is merely ground graphite. It contains no lead. It was applied to cooking ranges etc, and then polished to make them look smart. It is not at all suitable for applications subject to wear and handling. Quite a few reels were "black japanned" which is now known as "Stove enamelled" . A special lacquer is used, and "burned in" with heat. TL MC |
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Post by mikeconnor on Jan 6, 2006 7:20:32 GMT -5
If you want to re-finish a reel like this, there are now epoxy finishes available which are superior to stove enamelling, and one can do this quite easily. There are quite a few available, this is a good one; www.steel-it.com/epoxy.htmTL MC |
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Post by Silver Stoat on Jan 6, 2006 7:28:27 GMT -5
MC,
You are correct in saying that modern 'black lead' is based upon graphite but I seem to recall reading somewhere that some of the earlier versions did contain Pb.
An early urban myth perhaps ?
Dave.
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Post by mikeconnor on Jan 6, 2006 7:36:03 GMT -5
MC, You are correct in saying that modern 'black lead' is based upon graphite but I seem to recall reading somewhere that some of the earlier versions did contain Pb. An early urban myth perhaps ? Dave. It was always merely powdered graphite. People not wishing to buy the powder, which was relatively expensive, ground up "Black- lead" pencils, such as the large wide ones used by carpenters etc. I think this is where the confusion arose. I remember having to grind some of these up myself for my grandmother. Of course there is no lead in a "lead pencil" either, it is merely graphite. TL MC |
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Post by finecanerods on Jan 6, 2006 10:33:18 GMT -5
You may wish to try Garry Mills at: www.milltackle.co.uk/I am sure he can give advice more specific to reels. Regards Gary |
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Robin
Full Member
Posts: 221
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Post by Robin on Jan 8, 2006 20:45:09 GMT -5
Grate black was bloody horrible stuff,we used to use it on Cornish ranges,but no longer,thank god!
I have a vague recollection that the graphite was mixed with some sort of oil or grease,but no idea what sort.
Unless you have a cast Iron fishing reel this post has,for some time,been totally irrelevent!
Robin
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