In fact, I did a successful conversion myself with the help of several knowledgeable members: it took less than 10 minutes to go from LH --> RH and it works perfectly - no special tools needed and no surprises. ARI was visionary and his designs took into account ability to make most (if not all of his reels) easy to convert from LH--> RH and vice versa. No need to run away! Now I can use this beloved reel, and it no longer sits on my shelf as simply a work of art - it remains both a work of art as well as a highly utilitarian tool, to use as intended by ARI.