Flytyer-1

A few weeks ago someone on the site mentioned "Devil Sauce". I have heard it is made by a tyer in New England/Mid-Atlantic area. I have seen Bob Lindquist use it to stiffen synthetic fibers used on baitfish patterns, such as Puglisi's Bunker sytle flies. John Haag, a tier I visited with at Flyfishing University in Danbury in January, said it is made with Red Devil Clear Acrylic Caulk and a solvent. I cannot remember if it is toluene, acetone, xylene, or whatever. Anyone here know what solvent is used to make this stuff?

Thanks!

Stack Scoville

Yes, it does; but not as much as not getting old!!!!!!!!!!

Not sure how practical this might be, but try airing them out, perhaps on a screened in porch. They may not have those where you live. Or in a large garage-any where that air can circulate around the materials. Perhaps elevate the stuff on those heavy "screen" cooling racks used to cool cookies. (Check with the Missus before taking this step). Then, get some moth crystals, not moth balls, and store the materials in a closed container(s) with the crystals. I have found that even duck wings with some flesh down deep become odorless when stored with moth crystals. I hope this helps; more importatly, congratualtions for kicking the habit. May you live long and tie well and abundantly!!

Best from Nashville-

Stack Scoville

Pujic,

What is the wing material and how was it prepared?

After tying for an hour or two, sometimes after a shorter period, I develop pain across the middle of my back. I suspect this may be due to the height of my vise, or the distance I sit from the vise, or something entirely different, or a combination of these variables.

Does anyone else have this type of problem?

At what height is your vice, say relative to your elbow?

Do you "belly up" to the vice, or is it at "forearm" distance?

What is your vise mount: pedastel, c-clamp or c-clamp with extention?

Do you tie seated on the edge/middle of your chair, or sit against the back of your chair

Food for thought and thanks for your help- I am tired of loading up with ibuprofen!!

Best-

Stack Scoville

Schlappen???

Best-

Let me know off forum if you find any!!

Best-

If it isn't already white, no amount of bleach will turn it white.

Best-

I am not familiar with "Northern Lights". What is it? Is it on a cord like estaz or loose like coarse dubbing (Lite Brite)? Where is it available?

Best-

Stack Scoville

Unless the materials you use are too coarse/bulky, why can't you tie the same pattern on yet a smaller hook?

Best-

Stack Scoville

I often wonder how THEY did IT!

Basst...,

Can you share your "recipe" for devil sauce. I spoke with John Haag last month about it. I think he uses clear acrylic or polyacrylic caulk and dilutes/dissolves it in toluene/xylene/acetone/isopropyl alcohol- I cannot remember!

Best-

Stack Scoville

You seem to be bored in a VERY SMALL way, ;>}. Remarkable. This makes me happy to tie salmon flies on 4/0-8/0 irons!!

From Nashville, Best-

Stack Scoville

I believe that Flexament is simply shoe "GOOP", the adhesive available at hardware shores, diluted with toluene, available at paint stores.

Stack Scoville

Amazon has it for $68.00.

Stack Scoville

It is my understanding that all of the 5 Minute epoxies both yellow and are not water proof. On the other hand, the same source told me all of the 30 Minute + epoxies remain clear and are water proof. FWIW!

Stack Scoville

Obviously, an underbody, whatever the material, will give a "fatter" body, as opposed to wrapping the biot on the hook shank or on a single layer of thread. It depends on the effect you are trying to achieve. Using the biot as a "rib", which I have never done (but an interesting idea!), would give a very different appearance to the body-compared to touching turns of the biot.

Best-

Stack Scoville

Charlie,

Thanks for your accolade. As I have said on this site before, I believe the Stimulator is one of the most versatile dry flies that there is for use in freshwater!

Stack Scoville

Hank,

I will be a tier for the show. I hope other listers will stop by and say hello! I have tied at this show for the last several years. Admittedly it is a smaller show than some "up East", more "intimate". Having said this, there are great tiers there and a real opportunity to watch, ask questions and learn different techniques.

Best-

Stack Scoville

Caleb,

My best wishes and a hearty congratulations. You do have a talent. A word of advice. Tying flies should be fun, perhaps challenging, but always a source of enjoyment. When the time comes that you are tired of tying, and that time may NEVER come, it will be OK to back away and take a breath. When you come back to the vise again, it will be like an old friend and you will have a renewed sense of purpose. Even Rembrandt and Picasso put down their brushes from time to time!

Again, all the Best!

Stack Scoville

Having done a little fly and tying sequence photography, I know it is a labor of love. Thanks for your dedication!

Tight Threads and Sharp Focus!!

The fly was invented by a fellow named Doug Prince, from California, I think.

Tight Threads!

For example, if you are trying to tie a golden pheasant breast feather as the tail of an Irish shrimp pattern, hold the feather by the tip and pull almost all the fibers toward the butt of the feather. Tie the feather to the hook by the few fibers remaining as the tip, with the dull side of the feather FACING the hook shank. Attach it to the farside of the hook shank. Once secure, attach hackle pliers to the butt of the feather and wrap froward, sweeping the fibers rearward as you go, until the tail/collar/soft hackle is complete, or you run out of feather. Tie off on the bottom of the hook shank. I hope this is the answer to the qestion you asked! I agree with others that it was a bit comfusing. Nevertheless, this is a good general description of wrapping a soft hackle.

Tight Threads!!

You can get a life time supply by going to your local hardware/paint store and look at the brushes with synthetic bristles. It probably makes little difference what color you choose. Tied on individually, or even as 5 or 6, they have basically no color on the fly. Good Luck!

Another option is using natural, INDIRECT sunlight. Mike Radencich, of photographic and salmon fly tying fame, told me the best light is morning sunlight, best on a cloudy day, but at least in the shade. This type of light renders the "truest" colors, and shadows are not a concern, assuming the camera has a long enough exposure, and a tripod is used.