Penn Mag 10 build **Finished**

[xjchad]

Since it's been slow in here lately, I figured I'd throw this up for fun.
This is a reel I've been building for the last couple months.  I've thought of it as my catfish reel, but really, it will work great for inshore fish and should be strong enough for some larger stuff as well.
I started with a nice condition, older model Penn Mag 10.  These are great reels right out or the box!  Great levelwind system, 4:1 gearing, factory mag tuned for cast control, and bearings instead of bushings.



I have another one I'm going to be tweaking for bass and stuff, but this one is getting Frankensteined 
My plan is to remove the levelwind to increase the casting ability and beef it up to make a really strong reel in a small package.
(I know, I know... I could have bought a newer reel that will do all this, but what fun would that be?  )


First step was to make a stainless rod to delete the levelwind.






Next, I made some mods to install a Cortez Conversions free spool lever.













I'll continue to add more as I get time.

[xjchad]

Next step was to beef up the bridge.
I added a stainless steel gear sleeve and double dogged it with two stainless steel dogs.

[1morecast]

Sweet, can't wait to see what happens next!

[xjchad]

So next, I started on implementing a stronger reel stand.
The original is thin stamped steel and does not have provisions for a clamp.
I made some spacers so that I could mount a 30-49 stand from a larger Penn reel that is thicker steel and has holes for mounting a clamp.





This is a great upgrade, but I had an idea I could take it further...

I picked up a Newell aluminum stand/clamp for a Newell 220/Penn 501.
I also got a piece of aluminum tube and headed out to the Bridgeport.









That's about where I'm at now.  I drilled and tapped the hole pattern for the side plates and hopefully I'll  have the rest of the machining done by the end of the week!

[Latimeria]

    WOW   

[Pinoyfisher]

Very intrigued! By the way, diggin those handles, where can I get one that'll fit a Shimano 15/30 and 20/40?

[xjchad]

Very intrigued! By the way, diggin those handles, where can I get one that'll fit a Shimano 15/30 and 20/40?

Mike, those handle blades are only made for Penn reels, but I can probably get others that will fit the Shimanos.  The knobs are available here: https://squareup.com/market/pro-challenger-llc/

[Pinoyfisher]

Very intrigued! By the way, diggin those handles, where can I get one that'll fit a Shimano 15/30 and 20/40?

Mike, those handle blades are only made for Penn reels, but I can probably get others that will fit the Shimanos.  The knobs are available here: https://squareup.com/market/pro-challenger-llc/

Hook me up! Let me know what itll cost me.

[xjchad]

Roughed out and ugly, but getting closer on the frame.
I also got a nice counterbore to open up the holes in the side plates for the larger screws.

[xjchad]

Here's the finished frame ready for test fit.



Here it is assembled to the side plates with the level wind delete bar.
I was not able to have the spool installed as I found one more little spot where it rubbed the frame.  
I bit more clearance and it's good.  Hope finish that tomorrow and then final assembly by the end of the week!

[Latimeria]

That is crazy cool looking Chad!  Most people go out and buy kits... you just make your own!

[xjchad]

That is crazy cool looking Chad!  Most people go out and buy kits... you just make your own!

Thanks Tom!!

[FISH86R]

Nice.. I've been looking for a Bridgeport for a decent price.. You definitely have the gears in my head turning..

[xjchad]

Final lube and assembly done!
Had to fine tune a couple more things, but I love this reel!
Just need to spool it up.  I'm thinking 50 lb. braid and 30 lb. mono top shot?  What do ya'll think?

One last step will be to pull it back apart in a couple of weeks to get the frame anodized. 















(I wish I was better at taking pictures  )

[Pinoyfisher]

Sweet buildup!! Really digging that handle.