I’ve tried a lot of different Tenkara line spools, some are light, some are cheap, and some are rich in features. Each brings its own pros and cons to the table. And the fact that there’s so many types of spools out there shows that one size doesn’t fit all. However, I still think there’s room do better, because I have never seen a spool the winds itself.
Let me explain myself a little. Since day one on Tenkara I’ve been bothered by how tedious it is to change lines. Slowly and carefully winding line around the spool is by far my least favorite part of the system. Some spools make this easier than others, but none can actually do it for you. At first this was just a funny idea, but it stuck with me. Every time I wound up a line, I found myself wondering how it might work. Eventually, an idea coalesced into a design.
Over a year of development later and I’m nearly done. Take a look:
After winding my line, I like to take my arbor (lillian slip) knot, place it the spool and pull the tag end that has a figure 8 “handle” knot at the end to tighten it around the spool to keep the line from unravelling. Also the arbor knot cannot collapse into itself; making it a nice neat package. I simply pull the tag end again to loosen the knot when I want to unwind the line. It could be easier if there was a specific notch or hook somewhere on the spool to securely hold the arbor knot.
Does your spool and winder system provide a way to secure the arbor knot?
Very cool! I’ve never been bothered by winding up my line with a standard spool, but this is really creative. My favorite part is actually the magnets haha.
@Brian_Miller I do something similar, that is, closing the arbor knot around the spool at the end.
Back to your question:
Does your spool and winder system provide a way to secure the arbor knot?
Yes! You can secure the end of any line, regardless of what knot you use. The groves on the top are undercut, so that when you pull line into them it gets locked between the coiled line and spool.
Nice work Gunther, I like the concept and design. It kinda reminds me of an old school carpenters chalk line but without the little flip out winding arm.
