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flyflinger

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Everything posted by flyflinger

  1. I find myself in agreement with all these responses. As on old retired engineer, I'll suggest some physics-related observations: I have frequently left flies in vises overnight, or even for days (during over 40 years of fly tying) - I've never had a problem. Large hooks seated in a vise with a lot of pressure would be the upper-end stress test. Small hooks held with nominal pressure would be the lower-end stress. Some vises have built-in mitigation in their design, like a vise that has notches in the jaws for increasing hook sizes (friction-fit from the notch, not requiring as much "cam" pressure to the jaws). In pure physics, if you left a large hook, seated with huge pressure for a long time, in a vise with jaws made of steel with some "elasticity", there could be deformation of the jaws. (i.e.: if deformed by a 5/0 hook, the jaws might not hold a size 22 very well.) Also, the jaw profile is a factor - if you put a size 4 hook in a "micro" jaw designed for small 18-24 hooks, you could damage it immediately, never-mind overnight. And by the way, you really shouldn't clean cast iron cookware with soap - that one is not a myth. Soap damages the "seasoning" which is so important to cast iron. Regards,
  2. If you want to have fun with surround sound, crank up the volume and watch the movie Top Gun! The sound track is awesome, especially the music . . . Regards,
  3. Polly was a classic gentleman, pleasant fellow, and incredible fly tyer - his book is considered by many required reading . . . "Tying and Fishing the Fuzzy Nymphs". I put him in the same class as Sylvester Nemes who specialized in soft hackle flies . . . both fine gentlemen who enjoyed sharing their expertise (and wit!) with everyone. Regards,
  4. At the risk of providing too much technology content . . . ๐Ÿคช The best UV light for curing resin is one that emits UV-A light with a wavelength between 365-405 nanometers, but the actual "sweet spot" varies with the specific composition of the resin you use. If you have to post-process your flies then it is possible you have a wavelength mismatch between your resin and flashlight (aka "torch" in the UK) . . . or you are not curing it long enough, or with the optimum technique (start with short burst of distant intermittent exposure, and then slowly move the lamp closer and for longer duration). You may notice that if sometimes you "blast" the fly at close range with a higher power lamp, there is a little puff of smoke from the fly - this is bad for two reasons: the cure is too intense and can make the resin brittle, AND the smoke is toxic! Multiple applications of thin coats is better that one application of a thick coat. Also, some folks believe that exposure to actual sunlight somewhat tempers the cured resin (especially for thicker applications) - I have no evidence that this works (or doesn't). Lastly, all UV resins are not created equal. I've tried a quite a few, but not as many as Charlie Craven (see his video below). I use Solarez in several viscosities, and a "reasonable thickness" cure is accomplished in less than a minute using the technique mentioned above, and the Solarez High Output UV Flashlight Resinator Kit (powerful, rechargeable, with extra battery). I am certainly not suggesting there aren't MANY other resins and lamps that work well, but this is what an old retired engineer (tying flies for almost 50 years) finally settled on! . . . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TA-l1Qknuyc Regards,
  5. Lures? . . . you don't need any "lures". You need flies !!!! ๐Ÿคฃ ๐Ÿ˜ƒ You are going to the place that many people consider the birthplace of fly fishing in America. Enjoy! Regards,
  6. Wow! This is a very complete, detailed, and well-referenced write up. Thank you! Regards,
  7. Ain't technology fun! . . . Super High Definition video and incredible audio systems (not that my old ears can hear that sound spectrum anymore). I just bought a new desktop PC and monitor with a 4K resolution, and it makes the latest fly tying videos just amazing! Many of them are now being recorded in super high resolution. Regards,
  8. Yes sir, I totally agree - less is usually better. Fortunately, my earliest fly tying mentor Tom Lentz coached me many years ago to minimize materials (most of the time) to match the slender profile of most trout flies. Of course in the 1970s there weren't nearly as many thread options. I sometimes use Semperfli 18/0 (30 Denier) . . . But I'm not generally a fan of gel-spun thread. I find it too slippery, and requires waxing for reasonable purchase of materials, and many of the colors look washed out to me. Just my 2ยข worth . . . Regards,
  9. Amen brother! The magnification level of my "reading glasses" has been constantly increasing over the (many) years/decades I've been tying . . . I'm up to 2.75X for day-to-day use, and 4.0X for fly tying. For small flies, avoiding too much bulk is the key. The increasing availability and colors of these very-small-diameter tying threads in the last decade has been very helpful. Ed Engle has several excellent books on small flies - highly recommended! Regards,
  10. I've always admired Rick's flies (and they work really well!). There's a certain detail and eloquence to his flies . . . reminiscent of Chuck Stranahan's work. Regards,
  11. Yeah, perhaps a very minor inconvenience, BUT . . . We have this terrific forum to share ideas and techniques, exchange flies, and help newcomers learn about fly tying. That is my take-away! Kudos and thanks to all those who administer and support this forum! ๐Ÿ‘
  12. That is a nice tool. But being budget-minded by nature, 25 British Pounds is about $30 (USD), plus $14 shipping . . . which makes that safety pin tool pretty attractive. Regards,
  13. This is very clever and straightforward! Thanks for sharing.
  14. Just spectacular !!!!! . . . some of you guys have absolutely amazing skills. I tie mostly size 20-22 flies (that don't take many hours to complete). But I do like a beautiful jungle cock cheek on some streamers . . . Congratulations and Best Regards,
  15. I second the Uncompahgre River! . . . (not that there's anything wrong with the Dolores). Given your posted location, I'm guessing you're already familiar with the San Juan.
  16. Having been through this challenge, I would mention (not) getting caught up in the "bigger is better" concept. Analyze how far you sit from your TV and decide the correct (for you) screen size accordingly. It helps to go to a store with a large selection like Best Buy and experiment with what works for you. It is also a big deal how high you mount your TV for viewing comfort. I personally enjoy some of the benefits of a "smart" TV that I wouldn't have guessed I "needed" previously. With the fine eye for detail that you obviously have (after seeing your flies), you might consider at least 4k resolution, and OLED technology. You can read about comparative features as review sites (like the link below). Enjoy! Regards, https://www.rtings.com/tv/reviews/best/tvs-on-the-market
  17. Merry Christmas and best wishes for a New Year filled with good health, fishing, and many relaxing hours at the vise! . . . Sincerely,
  18. Darren McGavin would be proud! And I bet your son gets a Red Ryder BB Gun for Christmas . . . Regards,
  19. I should have mentioned that Charlie is also a southpaw . . . not to mention a really friendly character! ๐Ÿ˜œ Regards,
  20. Most (perhaps all?) of Charlie Craven's videos feature a Dyna-King. Clearly great minds think alike! Regards,
  21. I suspect you are right about the Regal counterbalance, unless it too can be switched to the other side (screw holes?). Secondly, if you are truly going to use the rotary function of the vise to wrap bodies/hackle/etc. (and not just use it to flip over the hook/fly to access the bottom), then I personally don't think that the Regal is the best choice - Rensetti clearly makes some fine rotary vises and the 4000 clearly shows a left handed option. Lastly, since you are in that premium price range, there are many fine choices . . . and I'm guessing some of them are left handed, or perhaps ambidextrous. HMH (TRV), Dyna-King, Petitjean, Stonfo, etc . . . Regards, p.s. I'm sure you realize that your question has the potential to open the proverbial bucket o' worms - we on this forum are exceptionally good at that! ๐Ÿ˜‰
  22. Like you, I've only used the feet, but using the mask sounds quite plausible . . . not to mention the whole pelt. ๐Ÿ‘ Regards,
  23. SalarMan, Yeah, I almost bought a TRV . . . but I tie mostly very small stuff (18-24), so I recently ended up with a Petitjean Swiss-Vise Master. Regards,
  24. Just FYI, you can get many of the attributes of the LAW Vise (and its clones) with a USA made product from HMH called the TRV Vice at around $600. https://tyingvise.com/product/hmh-trv-vise/ or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Po6zq0Xw2JI There is also the FNF Talon Vise (Scotland) at about $900 (mentioned by Bruce above). https://www.flyfishfood.com/products/fnf-talon-vise?srsltid=AfmBOoqz4oN9-4PxmUOjfn3Wuak84xuQ4jOiDI0-gHjJVp5MvSGhnx2A or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3JoqeFTqDM Regards,
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