Hardy fly reel question
1 - 6 of 6 Posts
David1123
The new Hardy fly reels are not handcrafted, they are made on a CNC machine, some in England and the others in Asia. The older ones were made in England exclusively out of castings and were machined by hand, and then painted. I was just wondering when did they end the old process. I'm not looking for any certain reel, just curious. I have four of the old English made reels.
The new Hardy fly reels are not handcrafted, they are made on a CNC machine, some in England and the others in Asia. The older ones were made in England exclusively out of castings and were machined by hand, and then painted. I was just wondering when did they end the old process. I'm not looking for any certain reel, just curious. I have four of the old English made reels.
"Handcrafted" Hardy Reels
The question you asked is one that probably doesn't have and exact answer.
When Hardy began making making their own reels (their earliest reels were supplied by others) in the late 19th century the major components were cast and then finished 'by hand'. But, 'by hand' always involved machine work. Visualize the holes in the face of an old Perfect - they were drilled by a machine operated by someone. Over the years, Hardy used more and more machines to keep its costs down. Also, the casting process would have became more sophisticated as time went on, reducing the amount of work needed to finish a reel.
The complete elimination of the use of castings probably could not have been accomplished until CNC machines were used in the Hardy reel shop, sometime well after World War II. But, by then, I expect that the majority of finish work had already been taken over by more and more capable machines.
Another way to state your question might be this: When did Hardy reels transition form the "classics" of the earlier 20th century to the "modern" reels of the late 20th century? I've always considered the years around World War II to be that time.
The question you asked is one that probably doesn't have and exact answer.
When Hardy began making making their own reels (their earliest reels were supplied by others) in the late 19th century the major components were cast and then finished 'by hand'. But, 'by hand' always involved machine work. Visualize the holes in the face of an old Perfect - they were drilled by a machine operated by someone. Over the years, Hardy used more and more machines to keep its costs down. Also, the casting process would have became more sophisticated as time went on, reducing the amount of work needed to finish a reel.
The complete elimination of the use of castings probably could not have been accomplished until CNC machines were used in the Hardy reel shop, sometime well after World War II. But, by then, I expect that the majority of finish work had already been taken over by more and more capable machines.
Another way to state your question might be this: When did Hardy reels transition form the "classics" of the earlier 20th century to the "modern" reels of the late 20th century? I've always considered the years around World War II to be that time.
Joined
·
2,198 Posts
I'm 100% sure that some of the reels are CNC'd they have a stamped look to them. Yes they are machined after they are stamped but not much.
They stopped casting them because the CNC world became so advanced that they could complete a process in one step.
My thoughts.
KC
They stopped casting them because the CNC world became so advanced that they could complete a process in one step.
My thoughts.
KC
Hello.. In the 1974 catalogue, you can see someone pouring metal into a die. I have a faint memory that Hardy´s advertised the "JLH" as their first fully CNC´d reel, around 1990?? I like the looks of the new "Duchess" reel, BTW, reminds me of the Orvis "CFO" for some reason.. Yours borano20
1 - 6 of 6 Posts
Join the discussion
Join now to ask and comment!