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Polishing Up the TD-Sol, an exercise in tuning
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Tackle type: |
Reel
Maintenance |
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Manufacturer: |
Daiwa |
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Model: |
TD Sol |
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Author: |
ChuckE |
Introduction:
Although the title implies applying a little ‘elbow grease’ and wax to give the
outside of the Sol a makeover, this article is actually about the inside of the
reel. By polishing a few key parts, you can improve the way the reel
disengages/reengages, provide a little better spool tension adjustment, and
maybe even reduce some spool noise that gets generated while casting or
retrieving. Although it won’t turn a Sol into a Steez, it is a step in that
direction. Many of the Sol parts are similar to those used in the other Daiwa
low profile reels, and layout and construction is almost identical. So far,
I’ve done similar work on some of my Pixies, Alphas, and even a couple of brand
new TD-Zs and Alphas. So, let’s get the work bench ready to do a little super
tuning beyond the typical spool bearings, Carbontex drag washers, new handle,
and other upgrades!
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TD Sol
Baitcaster – Internal Construction, Parts and
Layout Similar to Other Daiwa Low Profile Reels |
Background:
The Daiwa Sol is a nice reel
right out of the box. Not only is it light and a perfect size for palming, it
also has that unique ‘sunset’ color that makes it so appealing. It can be used
for many different presentations and you can find an excellent review by Zander
in the Review Archive. However, with use you may have noticed any or all of the
following periodically occurs:
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The reel takes a minute amount of extra time to reengage with the spool when
the Handle is initially cranked.
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There is a very subtle hesitation in disengaging the reel when depressing
the Clutch Lever right before a cast.
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That spool tension adjustment becomes a little critical at some settings, or
tension adjustment just doesn’t seem as linear as it used to be
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There is a very light and subtle vibrating noise that occurs while casting
the reel (e.g. dampened buzz), or retrieving at higher speeds (like while
“burning” buzz baits or spinner baits)
Now
let me start off by saying that the previous issues aren’t necessarily easy to
detect, and many anglers wouldn’t even notice them or be that concerned if they
did, especially when using the reel on the water. Also note that I used the
word ‘issues’, since they could hardly be categorized as problems [they really
are quite subtle] – maybe more like minor annoyances while using a very fine
reel?
Let
me also say that the cleanliness and lubrication of various reel components can
also contribute to any or all of these issues. In these cases it won’t matter
if you have one of the Alphas, TD-Z’s, Steez or other similarly designed reels.
Increased friction will always result if moving parts get extremely dirty, over
lubricated, corroded or are in need of lubricant. However, I gradually began to
detect some of the previously described issues on my Sol after a couple of
seasons, even though I maintain it and my other reels in a very clean and
lubricated condition.
I
even polished the parts described in this article in a couple brand new Alphas
and TD-Zs, and immediately noticed an improvement in the way the reel
disengages/reengages and spool tension adjusts. So far, I haven’t detected any
of the previous issues with these reels after a season of use, and these reels
still engage/disengage very distinctly.
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Fabulustre Jeweler’s Rouge and Dremel Tool |
Onto the polishing:
I use Fabulustre© jeweler’s rouge with a small buffing wheel mounted in my
Dremel tool to lightly polish components, while DR uses wet 900
grit Wet and Dry emery paper to lightly buff them. I got my Fabulutre©
from McMaster-Carr, but a whole host of similar products could also be used –
just remember that you are not trying to remove base metal, but rather, are just
trying to knock-down the sharp edges, any burrs, minor surface blemishes, etc.
on the surface. So stay with very light rouges or extremely fine grit
cloth/papers. Also note that changing/affecting the tolerance of an
interference fitted bearing is not usually advised, since it can cause some
significant problems; while the consequence of removing too much material on
other reel components can also have an adverse impact on how the reel feels or
performs after tuning! For example, removing too much metal from the tip of the
Spool Shaft can result in a loss of upper-end spool tension adjustment, or
making an end of the Pinion Gear supported by a bearing ‘out of round’
can cause the reel to feel “jerky” while cranking the reel under load.
[Special thanks to DR – for information on his polishing technique and related
details.]
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Using a Dremel Rotary Tool to Polish Part of a Pinion Gear –
Limit Polishing to Only Those Areas Described in the Article |
I
suggest you proceed slowly and periodically examine components while polishing
to check on progress (like with a magnifying lens). Don’t get carried away, use
slower speeds if using a rotary tool, and try to limit polishing/buffing only to
the areas described in this article. Also remember that you are probably
affecting any warranty on the reel when you do this super tuning!
After the components have
been polished they can be cleaned with a solvent or cleaner to remove any
residue, buffing compound, etc. I prefer to use Naptha and Acetone, just
because it cleans quickly and easily, but that’s just my preference. Simple
Green can also be used, but will take a little more time and scrubbing effort,
and requires a good rinse with clean water afterward. I soak and swirl, or even
ultrasonically clean all the parts except for the spool tip. I use a rag wetted
with a solvent to clean the spool tip and adjacent areas, and pay particular
attention to getting the hole in the spool pin absolutely clean. If you do use
a solvent to clean components, just make sure you exercise appropriate safety
precautions – solvents are flammable, toxic, can irritate the skin, requires
special disposal, etc.
Give all parts except for
the spool tip a light coat of your favorite reel lubricant and begin reel
reassembly. [I use Hot Sauce Grease inside my reels, and a light drop of Hot
Sauce Oil on the spool tip and spool bearings, but that’s just my preference.]
If you haven’t cleaned the reel in a while, now might be a good time to clean
and lubricate the rest of the reel, since you already have it disassembled.
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Lightly
Coating a Pinion Gear Using an Old Toothbrush and Hot Sauce Grease |
Super Tuning the Sol:
This
article does not go into disassembling and reassembling the Sol. A previous
article I prepared, titled Sol Mini-Lube and Inspection already covers
much of this information, and it can be found in the Maintenance section of the
Review Archive. Since the Sol is similar to other low profile Daiwa reels,
that article can provide general guidance for reel disassembly/reassembly of
other Daiwa reels. However, I don’t advise that you attempt to perform reel
disassembly/reassembly or the super tuning, unless you are already familiar with
doing similar work. Also make sure you have your reel schematic handy, so you
can refer to it as required, since there are differences between reel models.
You can find other tips for working on your reel in the Sticky Post located at
the top of the Maintenance and SuperTuning Section of the TT Forum.
Next Section: Super Tuning cont'd
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