Restoring an Ebonite / Brass Reel

A forum to show any of your restored or built traditional fishing reels.
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MrCrabtree
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Restoring an Ebonite / Brass Reel

Post by MrCrabtree »

Gentlemen advice please.
I have just been to a car boot sale and purchased a 4" widedrum ebonite centrepin with brass drum, foot and latch fittings.
I paid the princely sum of £2.

It is in a very dirty condition but nothing is broken. What is the best way to clean and polish both the ebonite and brass? Also is there anything I should be aware of especially when cleaning the ebonite?
All help will be gratefully accepted.

Mike

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LuckyLuca
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Re: Restoring an Ebonite / Brass Reel

Post by LuckyLuca »

Hi MrCrabtree, Some pictures would help so we know what condition we are dealing with.
If it was me I'd start off gentle with soapy water and a soft cloth or toothbrush. Then see what's left before progressing.
I walked across an empty land
I knew the pathway like the back of my hand
I felt the earth beneath my feet
Sat by the river and it made me complete.

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MrCrabtree
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Joined: Mon Mar 05, 2012 5:15 pm
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Re: Restoring an Ebonite / Brass Reel

Post by MrCrabtree »

Hi
I would like to post pictures but not sure how. On the information page it states I can only post images if I am sending them from a publicly accessible area not direct from my pc. I do not subscribe to those sort of websites though my wife does access facebook.
Anyway I will try your suggestion and use a toothbrush and soapy water to start with.
Regards
Mike

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LuckyLuca
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Re: Restoring an Ebonite / Brass Reel

Post by LuckyLuca »

Hi Mike, follow this link to instructions for uploading pictures.

http://traditionalfisherman.com/viewtop ... g+pictures
I walked across an empty land
I knew the pathway like the back of my hand
I felt the earth beneath my feet
Sat by the river and it made me complete.

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MrCrabtree
Rudd
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Joined: Mon Mar 05, 2012 5:15 pm
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Location: Salisbury

Re: Restoring an Ebonite / Brass Reel

Post by MrCrabtree »

Image Image

Thanks for that. These are the original pictures. I have started to clean the reel up. I will try and send some of the work so far.
Mike

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MrCrabtree
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Joined: Mon Mar 05, 2012 5:15 pm
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Location: Salisbury

Re: Restoring an Ebonite / Brass Reel

Post by MrCrabtree »

Image Image [img]http://

As you can see it's started to look a bit better. The ebonite or what I assume to be ebonite is a bit blotchy and I would like any tips at improving my polishing of the brass work.
All advice would be greatly appreciated.
Mike

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Aitch
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Re: Restoring an Ebonite / Brass Reel

Post by Aitch »

Brasso or Solvol on the brass work, I would say that Solvol gives good results, but is quite abrasive... I have also heard that toothpaste can bring up a nice finish
Just one more cast love, and I'll be on me way home

Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but pictures and memories

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Lea Dweller
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Re: Restoring an Ebonite / Brass Reel

Post by Lea Dweller »

It seems to be similar to a "Pioneer" reel made by David Slater, Milwards and Reuben Heaton. It doesn't look like a Slater, the star back is not right, but it looks like a quality reel, they didn't use ebonite on cheap reels, well done!

Paul D

Re: Restoring an Ebonite / Brass Reel

Post by Paul D »

What a lovely reel Mr C, coming up a treat. Does it spin ok? :Hat:

Walterswim

Re: Restoring an Ebonite / Brass Reel

Post by Walterswim »

A tip with these brownish ebonite reels is to keep them out of the sunlight - I had a few on display in a cabinet, and I was surprised at the fading - and I couldn't really get it back - I wouldn't personally overpolish the reel. You have I would say up to £75 worth there.

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