Polishing spool shafts

[Blue Streak]

I have been reading discussions around the Internet about fine tuning reels and polishing the shaft in particular. Maybe someone can enlighten me on this. As I understand this they are polishing the part of the shaft that is actually inserted into the bearing. If that is the case, wouldn't that make the shaft spin inside the bearing instead of gripping the bearing and letting the bearing do the spinning. My point is a shaft that is a little rough should stick to the inside of a bearing and make the bearing spin. And after all isn't that what we want? Seems to me that a polished shaft would slip and create friction and take the efficiency away from the bearing. What do you guys think? Is my theory right or wrong.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

You're absolutely right. Super Tuning should NEVER include altering the part of the spool shaft that rides in a bearing. We polish the spool shaft ends and the section that spins inside the pinion gear. Also polished are the pinion gear itself, spool tention shims, cetrifugal brake drum and metal drag washers.

[Blue Streak]

Very good, an answer from an expert. I think I am beginng to understand. Is it actually the tips of the spool shaft that are polished where they contact the shims? And how much contact does the shaft actualy make with the inside of the pinion gear?

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

The ends of the shaft are polished carefully to give them a glass like finish without altering their convex shape. The shaft and pinion are just tight enough to avoid sloppiness. The contact is minimal but it does exist. Polishing these contact points allows the most free spin possible, again without altering the actual shape.

[Blue Streak]

Thank you for that information I understand now. I have always put a little oil on the shims where the spool contacts them, looks like a place that gets a lot of wear. Thanks again.

[Triton12]

Thank you for taking the time to respond DVT, good stuff!

[MickD]

No offense to the tuners, but just a question- I don't understand why tuning is an improvement to a reel when I have to add a little "drag" or centrifugal brake to reliably cast it without backlashes anyway.  Maybe I'm just not skilled enough to cast a reel that is almost totally friction free?  thanks.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Mick, the idea is make the reel as efficient as possible making casting easier and thus more accurate. The difference you notice depends on what you're starting with. The reels you use may not even be something that would benefit from Super Tunning at all.