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kendavis Regular user 182 Posts |
I use a round palm thread reel for ring on silk and other silk effects. Recently the thread broke. Has anyone ever tried to take one of these apart? Any suggestions how I may retrieve the thread would be appreciated before I shell out another hundred bucks. Does anyone know if someone manufactures one with a screw off cap so it can be serviced? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
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KenW Elite user 439 Posts |
What type of reel are you talking about? If you can open it, you can repair it. Some reels are snap closed some have a screw in the center and some are impossible to open. Which are we talking about?
KW |
kendavis Regular user 182 Posts |
This one is made by UGM and came with Johnny Hirose's "Ring and Silk". It looks like it might unsnap as it has and extra "v" shaped hole between the two halves. I'll give it a try. Thanks for furnishing me with a starting point. I also own one with a brake purchased from Hocus Pocus. Works better and quieter but construction appears identical. If anyone like to recommend a good replacement, please feel free to do so!
Posted: Mar 6, 2007 3:33pm Many thanks to KenW. The reel did pop open. Not only was I able to fix it but I improved it. It is quieter and faster now! Thanks again for the helping hand. |
martonikus Regular user 167 Posts |
Hi! I also have Johnny Hirose's "Ring and Silk" (purchased from Stevens Magic Emporium some time ago) and I set out to learn it tonight - and after a few practice runs of the untying silk, the thread broke at the silk end. I took the reel apart per instructions on the DVD from UGM and got it back together and started again - and it broke again almost immediately, this time at the reel end so I could not continue. If it breaks so easily in practice, I don't see how I could ever trust this in performance. The routine is beautiful and I'd love to learn it, but this issue is a problem. I don't think I was rough with it, but the thread broke very easily. Any suggestions re: which thread to use, and how not to break it so quickly? Any help will be greatly appreciated!
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rhettbryson Elite user Greenville, SC Not ashamed of his 406 Posts |
Tango's new "Ultimate Reel" uses a very reliable thread and the DVD explains the ease with which this fine reel can be repaired.
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kendavis Regular user 182 Posts |
There are several things that may be the cause of your thread breaking.Check that the grommet is still in the exit hole otherwise the steel edge will cause it to break. Also check the inside for any sharp burrs that can be fine sanded. If the spring is wound too tight, it will break any brand of thread that you use. Also make sure that the thread is long enough for a your arms. If not it will keep breaking at the silk end. Stevens is an excellent company to deal with and may be willing to offer you a replacement set if you return the original. I would give them a call. Because my reel was OK, I wrote to UGM and they sent me new thread! I have not had any more problems with thread breaking after my initial repair.
Good luck! |
Motley Mage Special user 572 Posts |
I had a similar reel many years ago and was able to replace the thread with help from (wait for it) my mother. (My grandmother was a drapery maker, so thread was in our jeans...er...genes.) Take a piece of the thread, or the whole reel for that matter, to a sewing supply store (e.g. JoAnna Fabrics) and show it to someone who knows thread. They can likely point you to an exact match or a more heavy-duty alternative.
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Bill Hegbli Eternal Order Fort Wayne, Indiana 22797 Posts |
A point, never let the reel snap back without a silk attached.
You can replace the thread with 3 pound clear nylon fishing line. This should not break at all. Use the figure "8" knot to secure. If you are replacing the thread with standard sewing thread, this is not the proper thread. You should be using a braided line, fishing type black line will last longer then ordinary thread. The only reason a thread would break in the middle is if there is sharp edges cutting thread or the string is suffering from dry rot and age. |
martonikus Regular user 167 Posts |
Hi, thanks for the information! For now, I have ordered this replacement:
http://madhattermagicshop.com/magicshop/......_id=4157 and I will try to keep the above points in mind as I continue to work on the routine. |
Bob Sanders Grammar Supervisor Magic Valley Ranch, Clanton, Alabama 20504 Posts |
I think that Richard Hughes here on The Magic Café repairs reels.
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Bill Hegbli Eternal Order Fort Wayne, Indiana 22797 Posts |
If your reel has a cap like the one in the photo on Stevens site, it shows a finger pressure plate in the center. To open, place both thumbs on that plate or brake disk, now put your index and second fingers on the edge of the cap. Now gently push with the thumbs and use the fingernails to work the lid off. Some are very tight so it may take a little while to work it free.
The one you just purchased looks like a copy of the old Paul Diamond model, if it is made correctly, it should serve you well for a long time. |
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