Jigmaster bearings

[sprtsracer]

Did a search and found a ton of stuff about adjustable mags (nobby) for squidders that should work for the Jigmaster as well (Gotta make a trip to Harbor Freight). I have non-adjustable mags mounted now, and will probably convert. I was wondering, however, if anyone has ever converted their Jigmaster or other Penn conventional to regular Ball bearings rather than the factory brass. Seems as though that would be the ideal set-up. I.e. adjustable magnets with abec or ceramic bearings. I realize it might take a little drilling/tapping, etc to accomplish this, but it seems like it would be worthwhile. Anyone??? or am I going to have to destroy a few sideplates and post pics so someone can benefit from my costly mistakes?:D :D :D

[bstarling]

I converted my Jigmaster to a 535 with fixed magnets. Works great. The Jigmaster/Squidder project was fun, but the old reels just don't compare to the new ones, at least not for me.

A 535 with an adjustable magnet would be a really nice reel.

The Old Ones, if set up properly and given an aluminum spool and an adjustable magnet will work wonders. I did a Squidder a while back for Fingermullet and actually was surprised with the end product. It actually casted as well as my Daiwa SHV30 (maybe better). I am sure the Jigmaster would do the same. The old plastic spools and brass spools aren't the best, so go with the aluminum ones.

Bill

[Samurai]

Easiest,but not the cheapest,would be to get Accurate sideplates.These come with bearings allready installed.Another option would be to use parts from a Newell 338 which is esentially a graphite,ball bearing Jigmaster.Alot of the parts interchange between the two but don't know for sure if you could install the Newell sideplates directly to a Jig.I've seen alot of 338s with aluminum jigmaster spools installed.
I personally like the Accurate route.I have two pimped out jigs that are wicked to cast.They may be the farthest casting reels I own.I don't recall ever seeing someone sucessfully installing bearings into a factory Jigmaster sideplate.
Another option to consider is a 505 Jigmaster which come stock with bearings and also high speed gears.They can be found on that popular auction site for a reasonable price.The downfall to these is ,there is few aftermarket parts if later plans call for "pimping your reel".
If you do find a way to fit bearings into a stock jig sideplate,I would appreciate some info as to how it was done.---Live Aloha!!

[Don B]

Before you go to the effort of converting the bushings to ball bearing, try a different lubricant. Most oil sold for fishing reels is too thin for bushing bearings. Rocket Fuel Liquid Grease works wonders. If it isn't readily available, try gear lube. The problem with most oils is that they easily run out of the bushing and leave it dry. Much heavier oils will stay in the bushing and actually let it run smoother. A drop of gear lube shouldn't cost a lot ;)

Don

[big brother]

harbor freight? why?
charlie

[sprtsracer]

harbor freight? why?
charlie
There is some info on here from bstarling in a different thread concerning an insert tool from harbor freight that will install threaded inserts into the sideplate. Takes a little drilling, but one can then install an adjustable magnet to control the cast.

Some good info here. I already considered installing an Accurized Kit, including the frame as well as the sideplate, and some high speed Newell gears. I'd just hate to drill through those nice sideplates. May get the kit and then send it out to someone to make into a Nobby.

[HuskyMD]

Haven't done anything with the bearings, but i do have a jigmaster I put rare earth magnets into to mag it and am getting the 505 conversion kit for x-mas.

Curious to try casting it after the conversion kit is installed. Do you mind telling me how your jigmaster is magged? Was it custom or did you do it yourself with rare earth magnets?

I know Orest has two of the jigmasters he magged himself. I think he even converted at least one of them to a 505.

[VICIII]

I magged mine as well.. Just glue washers and put on rare earth mags...... Cast fine but not like real casting reels...

[HuskyMD]

When/why are the washers necessary? I just glued the magnets right to the inside of the sideplate.

[sprtsracer]

When/why are the washers necessary? I just glued the magnets right to the inside of the sideplate.

That's what I did as well, but the washers tend to magnify the strength of the rare earth magnets for some reason. Therefore, you get more braking force. If you are a good thumber, you shouldn't need the washers and if you are just starting on conventionals, then you may. Not only will they intensify the magnetic field, but they will also move the magnets closer to the spool. I guess to sum it up, you need to try it both ways to see what works best for you. That's why I want to do the adjustable mag, so that you can have your cake and eat it too.

[VICIII]

When/why are the washers necessary? I just glued the magnets right to the inside of the sideplate.

I glued the washers so I could add mags as I wanted and take them off when I wanted..
The lenz law may work better if they are closer to the spine fo the spool.. so washer would seem to make the mags stronger. If you glue the mags you will not get them off..

[Fishman]

Other than corrsion what is the difference in using ceramic bearings over ball bearings?

[VICIII]

MAG IT OR THIS CAN HAPPEN
http://pierandsurf.com/photopost/data/500/THUMBBURNER_.jpg

[sprtsracer]

Other than corrsion what is the difference in using ceramic bearings over ball bearings?

Ceramics supposedly cast smoother and last longer. Not sure they are worth the extra cost however. Also not as much heat build-up.