UV flashlights

[Rick58 0]

Just getting started tying and still gathering tools, I was looking for a UV resin cure light. The one I really liked was a Solarez Resinator, but at most places it's $60.00.

I got to searching for an alternate, same power (395-405 nm 10w) and found one that cost $15.00 bucks. Anyone else used this one?

https://www.amazon.com/Flashlight-Ultraviolet-WF-502B-Blacklight-Flashlights/dp/B07JKD522X?crid=2MO7Q1SWVSVPJ&dchild=1&keywords=solarez+uv+light&qid=1616663114&sprefix=solarez+uv+light,aps,392&sr=8-20&linkCode=sl1&tag=glytterati-20&linkId=ff272affafb8a2fc24ede58172e2bf6a&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

[Poopdeck 0]

If you’re just starting out I would recommend skipping the UV resin. Starting out money can be more wisely spent elsewhere, or not spent at all. I see your favorite species is trout. When I think trout I think little bugs where UV resin is next to pointless. Myself, I rarely use UV resin. I’ve had the same tube for years and years. For me, and maybe for you, it brings nothing more to the table that super glue, Sally Hansons Hard As Nails (SHHAN) or head cement does at a far cheaper price. For me UV is good for building up heads and that’s about it. So if you’re not building up big heads on big streamers it’s really not needed. If big or shiny heads is what your after, most guys spend less then ten bucks on a cheap UV light. 

[Rick58 0]

Thanks for the advice. Yes, trout is my main target fish. All the tying videos I've been watching have been using UV on nymph's, though I can see using other glues. 

[Trouttramp 0]

What PD said

Plus, 
Be Careful.  The really powerful lights can off gas fumes,   Seems a bit toxic.  
I use the loon battery powered one, works well.   The Loon rechargeable one is too powerful, in my opinion. 
Used to use a cheap one from home depot, battery life really sucked, and didn’t work so well. 
I

[Poopdeck 0]

2 hours ago, Rick58 said:

Thanks for the advice. Yes, trout is my main target fish. All the tying videos I've been watching have been using UV on nymph's, though I can see using other glues. 

Yep it is sometimes used on nymphs but it doesn’t have to be. On a lot of nymphs it’s a preference. Some nymphs may require it so I simply don’t tie those nymphs. The greatest thing about fly tying is you can tie and/or use whatever you like. 
 

Tying with UV resin can be awesome and does produce some good looking nymphs but there is no need to spend 60 or even 20 dollars on a light. I can’t tell you the name of my light or where it came from. It’s just a generic cheap UV light. 

[FIN-ITE 34 0]

In answer to your original question, yes the cheap light work fine for your use. I bought mine at Harbor Freight for about 10 bucks and it has worked for me for a couple years now. If you are tight lining and want to make those type of slim bodied nymphs (and I do) you will have to coat with something and the fastest, easiest way is with uv resin.

Amazon probably has dozens of "torches" that will work and are under 20 bucks.

[DFoster 0]

Rick I have mixed thoughts here.  I owned a Loon UV bench light ($50) which was great.  It would cure the U.V. very quickly and only required a single AA battery.  I made the mistake of leaving an apparently factory defective Duracell battery in the light for a few months.  When the light got weak and I went to change the bat I discovered that it had corroded to the point I couldn't unscrew the housing. Even with pliers it wouldn't open and I ruined the housing of the light.  I bought the Loon as an upgrade for my original UV light which was Cabela's brand ($10). That's the light I'm currently using although I am seriously considering another Loon.  The downsides of the Cabela light are that it requires 3 AAA batteries which seem to go weak fast and it definitely requires a "longer" amount of time to fully cure the resin. I talking 25 seconds vs.10 so you can decide if that time sayings is worth the extra money.  Either option will work.  If you have an appreciation for fine tools you won't be disappointed with a high end UV light, just remember to remove the battery when not in use.  The inexpensive lights work just fine they just require a little more time and a couple extra batteries.  Please remember that UV light is bad for your eyes so don't directly stare at it.  

[flytire 0]

i have used this light for years and its less expensive. highly recommend

Amazon.com: LE Black Light Flashlight, Small UV Lights with 21 LEDs, 395nm, Ultraviolet Light Detector for Invisible Ink Pens, Pet Dog Cat Urine Stain and More, AAA Batteries Included : Pet Supplies

if you want to start using uv resin go right ahead. i would also recommend solarez bone dry resin

[niveker 0]

I say go for it if you think you'll use it.  I picked this one off of Amazon about a year ago, I think it was @ $24, from a recommendation on another forum.  No longer available.  It looks pretty much the same as the one you're looking at, but rechargeable.  Works much better than the cheapo one I had.  I don't use it much, but it does comes in handy when I need to build up bodies or add durability.    

[niveker 0]

Spend a little extra on the light, and less on the resin, IMO: 

https://www.amazon.com/Resin-Transparent-Ultraviolet-Decoration-Activated/dp/B07FJNGC4R?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1

[Sandan 0]

I use a Loon rechargeable. It's easier for me than having to think about batteries.  It works great. The cheapies work too. Depends on what you want and budget. I tie mostly for trout and while I don't use resin or head cement for that matter,  I do use resin on plenty of nymph patterns, streamers and sometimes to reinforce quill bodies on drys.

[RickZieger 0]

Just for info I have been using the liquid for 3D printing and it cures well.

Rick 

[rscconrad 0]

I have a Uv light but I went a different way and Ike it a lot better. A Uv curing laser pen. 
I like working with the small beam.  They are powerful and cheap. 

[Rick58 0]

On 12/24/2024 at 8:22 AM, niveker said:

Spend a little extra on the light, and less on the resin, IMO: 

https://www.amazon.com/Resin-Transparent-Ultraviolet-Decoration-Activated/dp/B07FJNGC4R?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1

I think you're right. The wife uses Kisrel brand on crafts, I watched some test video and saw where JDiction UV Resin tested to clearest, and non-sticky. I found it for around $22.00 for three 100g bottles in Thick, Thin, and Regular. That equals out to being 10.5 oz, forgot to mention it was the hardest as well.

[Rick58 0]

Update on the light, cures tack free in about 10 sec. Build is pretty nice, o-ring seal end cap, switch is well-made. I have only used it zoomed all the way out, like a standard light, and pretty sure zoom in to a pinpoint beam it would be stronger. I did find a video from McFly Angler that he recommended it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LcJW9StSSj8&ab_channel=McFlyAngler