Question on Dubbing materials?

[robow7 0]

First let me apologize to all you more experienced tyers for asking such a basic question and let me say that I did try to run a search on the topic but the threads are over whelming. I purchased some super fine dubbing and am having trouble getting the stuff to attach to the thread let alone getting an even application. Are there easier dubbing materials for a beginner to work with or should I consider a wax of some type to improve adherence. These are for basic drys. Thank you for your suggestions.

[Guest]

You can try using dubbing wax. What kind of dubbing are you using? Usually you can roll it around the thread. Can use a dubbing loop too, just place the material between the thread and spin. You have a variety of options.

 

Plus, no such thing as a basic question. This is what this board is here for. So if you have a problem don't be afraid to ask.

[Guest]

You will need a good tacky wax.

Opps

I step on your reply SH69

I agree with 69, but when tying small Dry flies a dubbing loop may create too much bulk

 

 

OSD.

 

[robow7 0]

I think the brand is Wapsi super fine dubbing. The nearest fly shop is well over 100 miles away so I appreciate any info you can give me. Thank you again.

[Guest]

http://globalflyfisher.com/tiebetter/dubbi...t_ring_wax.html

[robow7 0]

Thanks OSD, it seems you fellows are as creative in finding solutions in this craft as we rodbuilders are.

[JoeFish 0]

you might be able to moisten your fingers to have it apply easier.

 

i heard that one somewhere, but have not had a chance to try it yet.

 

 

Joe

[robow7 0]

Joe, tried that and maybe helped a little but it seemed that the super fine stuff stuck more to my fingers then and not to the thread.

[pacres 0]

You quite a piece from a shop, so I would try a bit of saliva before putting a very sparse amount of dubbing onto the thread. Failing that, your best bet would be to find the tackyest (sp?) wax around you be it in the form of a candle, or whatever. You just need to make the thread tacky.

 

Good luck

[Calvin 0]

Is your problem perhaps that you are trying to dub too much material to your thread? I find that, especially, when using superfine dubbings that less is more. The smallest pinch is often all you need and using too much dubbing results in problems similar to what you've mentioned.

 

Just a thought.

 

Calvin

[picketpin 0]

The best wax i found is from wapsi super sticky formula. also if you know any bee keepers try to get bee wax also good for cleaning glasses for fog and steam tight lines MIKE

[Joe Hard 0]

make sure you hold your bobin of thread realy tight and take very small pinches of dubbing. When you go to put it on the thread only use half of what you got. twist it on the thread then add the other half. you dont need much especialy a dry fly.

[skeet3t 0]

Interesting question. For the experienced tyers....could you rub the thread with something like Chap Stick or would that be subject to outside temperatures? Like the candle idea- my wife has a bunch of candles collecting dust. Maybe gardenia or lavender scent?

[mgj 0]

superfine is about the easiest material to dub that there is.

lick your fingertips and rub them along the thread to be dubbed.

rub fingertips dry on your pantleg and tease out a very whispy piece of dubbing and twist it onto the thread. pull out additional whisps of dubbing and add it to the thread, always twisting in the same direction (ccw for me, I think).

 

if you have difficulty it's probably because you are using too much dubbing. even for larger flies, dub lightly and add more wraps to build the taper. you merely want to color your thread w/ the dubbing. on smaller flies you can build the taper onto the thread.

 

I wouldn't bother w/ any wax. though that's just my personal preference.

 

mgj

[Guest]

yep I believe the previous post is your answer. Beginners always use way! too much dubbing. Try applying a small pinch which should amount to just a dozen fibers or so , spin it around the thread under lots of pressure from your thumb and index finger, A small! amount of wax or saliva can help but is not nescessary. Continue adding dubbing to your thread in the same amounts untill you have built up a sufficient dubbing rope to do the job. After some experience you'll learn just how much of which type of dubbing you can apply in one twist but if you experience difficulty always use less dubbing and apply more pressure. Good Luck