Turning Reel Seat Spacers

     Turned out a couple of reel seat spacers this morning from Koa. I use a custom made mandrel to turn the spacers. It has eccentric hubs to turn the spacer off center. This makes things a lot easier than trying to mortise by hand or with a router. For me anyway.

Please be advised that all Lathe operation is inherently dangerous. Use caution and know what you are doing before operating any type of power tool. Also use eye protection and have dust protection. Disclaimer Done. Use Your Head.

The wood block or pen blank is drilled out and mounted on the mandrel. I then turn it to the proper outer diameter (.650).

The mandrel is removed from the chuck and the eccentric hubs are added. The mandrel is chucked in the lathe again and about .090 is removed from one side of the spacer. This makes a mortise for the reel foot to fit in.

Spacers are trimmed to size and sanded. Then cleaned up with mineral spirits.

Spacers are now ready for varnish. Shown in the last photo with one coat of Tru Oil. The process of applying Tru Oil is different for everyone. I will apply 3 to 4 coats a day for a week or so. Sanding between coats. This will give the wood a great finish after it is thoroughly dried and then polished.