Engraving a fishing reel

[mikeynnj]

Im looking for a place that can do engraving on an Avet fishing reel. The reel is blue anodized aluminum and im having a difficult time finding someone to engrave a name on it. Most engraving places i have called dont do metal. I have not tried any jewelry stores yet but will call a few this week. This reel is a retirement gift for a friend. I was able to purchase the reel from Avet without the usual engraving on the side of the reel so i can have his name engraved there instead. Anyone ever done this before or know a place i could have it done ?

[IKAT]

Checking with a good friend in the Clifton area and will get back as soon as I hear from him.

Very nice what you are doing   

[Ms Fish]

Awwww Mikey Mike.... how nice of you!!!  I hope it comes out as nice as the thought!!!!  I am missing you!!! Haven't seen you on the water  ...RB area... 

[Wreckfish]

I'm not a expert but I think anodizing aluminum is a surface process and if you engrave it you expose the aluminum under the anodizing to oxidation.

[Reckless]

I'm not a expert but I think anodizing aluminum is a surface process and if you engrave it you expose the aluminum under the anodizing to oxidation.

Thats correct. It isn't very thick .002. Engrave it and you will be into the softer material.
Anodizing will protect the aluminum parts by making the surface much harder than natural aluminum.  Aluminum oxide is grown out of the surface during anodizing and then becomes aluminum hydrate that is extremely hard.

[fluke - u]

 ...Maybe a local gun shop...

[mikeynnj]

I was thinking after the engraving is done I would be able to go over the engraved area with something like a clear nail polish to seal the exposed aluminum. If that don't work..then hey..it's the thought that counts...right...lol

[mikeynnj]

Trish...I swear. Every time I make plans to go out on the boat either the weather sucks or some family thing comes up. I can't believe I have only been out 4 times all year.Just means when I do get out I will enjoy it that much more.

[IrishAyes]

Have you tried a place that make trophys? They engraved the metal plates on them. 

[overbite]

Irisheyes Wins  If you do not go with the Engraving have a tiny plate with the name they to can do that to

[mikeynnj]

Thought about the name plate thing but it just would not hold up since it's only glued on. Thanks for the suggestion anyway

[overbite]

Take it to the Trophy engraver anyway and see if there is a sealing material, Plus the Anodizing will only be removed in the Engraving, and proper cleaning will keep it new Go For it  And come to think of it I have some Anodized items that show no wear or corrosion such as Boat dash id Plates.   

[mikeynnj]

I have tried trophy engraving shops. They don't engrave on metal. Those name plates that come on trophy's are actually made of plastic. Keep the ideas coming though...I'm not giving up that easy. There's got to be someone who's done this or knows where i can get it done.

[overbite]

  Ok Mickey I gave the Job to my 6 Year old grand son Conor he did a Goggle web search
( Engraving NJ )and came up with this.  Little Falls Trophy & Engraving -555 Rt 46 east
 # 973-256-5222
there web page Conor says Engraves all materials Metal threw plastics  If that is not close enough you Goggle search ( Engraving NJ ) There are 100s in Nj

[mikeynnj]

Thank your grand son for me overbite...i was at little falls trophy today and they looked at the reel and said that there's no way for them to hold it in the machine to be able to engrave it. Did the google thing myself and the only place I found that sounded promising was a place in Rahway. I will call them tomorrow. Was just looking for someplace closer to where I live in clifton.

[overbite]

That says a lot for American Craftsmen ship 
they need a Mach. What ever happened to free hand .  I have seen and had Jewelers hand engrave skeet shooting medals for me. on the spot.   

[Ms Fish]

Trish...I swear. Every time I make plans to go out on the boat either the weather sucks or some family thing comes up. I can't believe I have only been out 4 times all year.Just means when I do get out I will enjoy it that much more.

Well you know you have a spot on my boat anytime!! You say the word and youre there!!!  Yes all good things come to thoes who wait... 

[fellinger]

Thank your grand son for me overbite...i was at little falls trophy today and they looked at the reel and said that there's no way for them to hold it in the machine to be able to engrave it. Did the google thing myself and the only place I found that sounded promising was a place in Rahway. I will call them tomorrow. Was just looking for someplace closer to where I live in clifton.

Try a gun shop that does custom work. They hand engrave their inlays, names, etc.

[wimpy]

You could always use an Alodine pen for sealing the exposed alum.

[Ms Fish]

Thank your grand son for me overbite...i was at little falls trophy today and they looked at the reel and said that there's no way for them to hold it in the machine to be able to engrave it. Did the google thing myself and the only place I found that sounded promising was a place in Rahway. I will call them tomorrow. Was just looking for someplace closer to where I live in clifton.

I am in Colonia, so you need me to pick up drop off or help in anyway give me a holla!!! And remember we still need to get that trip going!!!