Guest Report post Posted March 9, 2004 I sure didn't like the instructions (or lack of) with my Magic Tool. It was primarily trial and error, but I'm beginning to like the results. Blending dubbing and making hair hackle is a breeze with this tool. Seeing that we have quite a few new members that are just getting into tying, I did a step by step for a basic nymph using the tool. Step 1 Make some lead wraps and secure it with thread. Step 2 I used a red floss tag and secured the copper rib Step 3 Here I'm blending the dubbing which consists of Hendrickson #47 (kind of a mulberry color) and Blood worm Mohair on the table fixture. Once blended it is trapped in the crotch of the table with a length of thread and then transfered to the clamp. (2nd pic) Step 4 Transfer the dubbing into a loop and trim to size prior to spinning it. Step 5 Wind the dubbing toward the eye of the hook and bring the wire rib forward. The rib will add strength and a little flash to the fly. Step 6 Attach the wingcase (I used amber Thin Skin) Step 7 Making fur hackle. The see-thru clamps are ideal for this, since you can see the length of the hair, but with practice a regular heavy-duty paperclip will do the same. Attach the clip to the animal and then cut it off. This will include some of the underfur, but that will be brushed out in the next step. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Report post Posted March 9, 2004 Step 8 Make another dubbing loop and trap the hairs while judging the length and spin into a brush Wind the hackle toward the eye of the hook while pushing the hair toward the rear of the fly. Step 9 Bring the wingcase forward and tie it off. Here's the finished product. Quite simple and fun to tie. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Report post Posted March 9, 2004 I've never been able to get a hair hackle to look right, but have not tried your method for aligning the tips (the clamp idea). Looks like I know what i'm going to do tonight. steve Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Report post Posted March 9, 2004 absolutely beautiful work, Ralf.....you may have some talent yet!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Report post Posted March 9, 2004 You have that Magic tool mastered better than I do Ralf. You make it look so easy. looks Like I gota get mine back out and try to master it like you have Good Job OSD. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GlobalFisher 0 Report post Posted March 9, 2004 This is my first time seeing the magic tool and even hearing about it. Is the MT the plastic object you are mixing the dubbing in? I would assume so, just making sure though. You did a great job, and it looks like the MT helps quite a bit. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Report post Posted March 9, 2004 Global, The Tool has several components. 3 tables, 2 clamps and 3 dowels. The dowels are used to cut long items like flashabou. The price is a little steep, but it's fun to work with. http://www.greencaddis.com/product_info.ph...d3724e364e2db34 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Report post Posted March 10, 2004 Ok since no one will ask this, I will. (Me being the cheapscate I am) What would be a cheap alternative to this magic tool? I like the way the dubbing comes out looking. Also what type of thread would I use? I tie everything in a 8/0 or 6/0 uni-thread right now. Would I have to get a different type of thread? I saw that you had to split the thread. Thanks Jim Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Report post Posted March 10, 2004 I believe he used a dubbing loop rather than splitting his main thread..... steve Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Report post Posted March 10, 2004 the price may seem a bit steep, but I assure you that Green Caddis has the cheapest price you will find....This product still isn't commercially available in any of the shops in Ky or ohio...... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
uncletube 0 Report post Posted March 10, 2004 Not bad stuff there Ralf, I think for the price of the tool Ill stick with me dubbin twister and chip bag clip Tube You get my wets yet? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Report post Posted March 10, 2004 No split thread. You trap it in a dubbing loop I hear ya Tube. Looking at the dynamics, it's easy to somewhat duplicate it. Chip Clip is perfect for the hair. If you can find a clear one, better yet. A regular flat surface will suffice for a mixing table. I'm a gagdet freak and hoped the crotch of the table would be shallower and allow squirrel to be trapped, but it's too deep and it disappears. I'll work on a filler... Got your bugs today, but ran out of time to post them. Sweet! JBrowning, I use mostly 8/0 It's more forgiving and makes nice heads. I only go heavier for larger streamers, deer or buggers Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
uncletube 0 Report post Posted March 10, 2004 I am a gadget nut too, Ralf. For now I am fighting the urge to buy one ( I know I will end up with one!) The chip clip works good for the hair but the CDC is a different matter . Tube Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Steeldrifter 0 Report post Posted March 10, 2004 Glad ta see the two of you are getting along better ralph(you&magic tool) Very nice work and a helluva cool instructional post! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
