Weighted Replacement Feet for Uhlmann Reel

[griffindm]

Has anyone out there ever tried to create weighted replacement feet for an Uhlmann turtle reel? I have quite a bit of lead I could use for casting, and was wondering if a set of four lead feet covered with some grippy rubber might end their habit of following one down the strip.

Any comments/suggestions?

[SJCFU#2]

Anything that adds weight should help. I've found that putting a 1 kg dumbbell weight on top of the reel is often enough to keep it from following its fencer down the strip.

You might also consider putting a piece of non-slip shelf lining (the stuff that looks like rubber cheesecloth) on the floor underneath the reel. This may not be enough to keep the reel from moving by itself, but it does help. Combine this with a little more weight (maybe fit 50 grams worth of fender washers fit between each foot and the underside of the reel) and the combination may be enough to do the job without increasing the weight of the reel too much.

[Mergs]

The problem is not the weight, but the coefficient of friction vs the contact surface area. I designed and built an easy way to take care of them both. PM me for details or see sig line below.

[griffindm]

Anything that adds weight should help. I've found that putting a 1 kg dumbbell weight on top of the reel is often enough to keep it from following its fencer down the strip.

You might also consider putting a piece of non-slip shelf lining (the stuff that looks like rubber cheesecloth) on the floor underneath the reel. This may not be enough to keep the reel from moving by itself, but it does help. Combine this with a little more weight (maybe fit 50 grams worth of fender washers fit between each foot and the underside of the reel) and the combination may be enough to do the job without increasing the weight of the reel too much.

Craig,

I saw a number of these reels being towed down the strip this weekend at Charm City, with the rubber cheesecloth under them being pulled along as well . I think the washers might work I knew the correct mix of weight and grippy surface to add to the feet.

Mergs,

I've been meaning to pick up a copy of your book for the UMCP team armorers, but it's been down the priority list, especially with the holidays approaching.

Dave G.

[brtech]

Might be better off creating some kind of tray with enough grip and weight. I don't think feet would do it.

Tape actually works fine if you do it right: flip the reel upside down with the fencer end facing away from you. Put a 12" piece of tape through the handle and attach to the black plastic round spring cover. Attach the other end to the floor. Flip the reel over so the fencer end is pointed down the strip. Although we use 3" or 4" gaff, 2" tape is fine. Even a couple lengths of painters tape will work if you don't trip over the reel and tear it.

Tape DOES NOT WORK when attached to the top of the reel.

[oiuyt]

Tape DOES NOT WORK when attached to the top of the reel.

Depends on how much tape you attach to the top of the reel, doesn't it?

-B

[SJCFU#2]

I saw a number of these reels being towed down the strip this weekend at Charm City, with the rubber cheesecloth under them being pulled along as well .

As I said, it may not be enough to stop the reel from moving by itself, but it does help to slow it down a bit (actually it seemed to be working better on Saturday so dust build up on the floor may have been a factor).

I think the washers might work I knew the correct mix of weight and grippy surface to add to the feet.

It may require some trials to figure out the optimal number. For reference, a Favero reel weighs 4.8 kg (10.5 lbs).

I'll also recommend looking at Merg's book (page 127 of the 2nd edition). His solution is simple enough to justify the effort.

[Mergs]

Thanks, Craig. It also has a discussion, and illustrations, on what Brian talked about. The skid plates took me about 15 minutes to crank out for a pair.

[telkanuru]

The problem is not the weight, but the coefficient of friction vs the contact surface area.

F = Nu

Force of friction = normal force (mass x gravity) times the coefficient of friction.

Surface area has nothing to do with it.

Just sayin'.

[brtech]

Depends on how much tape you attach to the top of the reel, doesn't it?

-B

Well, depends on the tape.

I've seen people try to use painters tape or floor tape. I don't care how much you use, it won't hold on a gym floor. The same tape on the bottom, with maybe 3-4 lengths work fine.

Now you CAN use enough gaff in most cases, but it takes an awful lot of it.

[oiuyt]

Well, depends on the tape.

I've seen people try to use painters tape or floor tape. I don't care how much you use, it won't hold on a gym floor. The same tape on the bottom, with maybe 3-4 lengths work fine.

Now you CAN use enough gaff in most cases, but it takes an awful lot of it.

Ah, yes. I was thinking more along the lines of an awful lot of gaff or duct.

-B