Trying to find a tool that splits quill barbs evenly

[chugbug27 0]

If I could count to the same number twice I wouldn't need a tool.😉

[Tom Cummings 0]

I use the hook method. Works perfect every time. No need for another tool that does multi splits unless your doing production tying.

[saltydancindave 0]

Haven't done quill splitting in decades & did a quick look thru a few drawers for what essentially is 2 parallel exacto blades which would open & close by means of a wheel on a threaded adjustment bolt in between a couple of pieces of tubular aluminum that held the exacto blades. After getting the wheel set at the proper separation a rubber band would hold it in position for one set of matched quills or a few dozen +.

[Kimo 0]

This might work by just poking holes.



It's called an Ames Lettering Guide.

Kimo

[foambug 0]

When I have tried I have used a #11 scapel

[Gene L 0]

I tape two matching quills together with masking tape and then measure them with dividers. Not ideal, but I don't do a lot of quill wing flies.

[Tom Cummings 0]

The most I can suggest has been posted. Hook size down 1 or 2 and use hook gap. Tools isn't needed unless planning production line

[SpokaneDude 0]

Tom Cummings: so do you take the downsized hook, insert the sharp on one side of a barb, then push it through the hook, turn it 90 degrees and pull up so as to split the wing segment? (that's the only way I can figure out how to make it work) Hope that makes sense...

 

SD

[flytire 0]

Just stick the hook point into the feather near the shaft and drag it through to the outer edge of the feather

 

Or

 

Scroll down and read crackaigs posting

 

http://www.flytyingforum.com/index.php?showtopic=80822

[flytire 0]

insert a couple of pins/needles into your xacto knife or pin vise set to the width of your wings. general rule of thumb is wings should be 2/3 the gape of the hook

 

[SpokaneDude 0]

flytire: that's an interesting way of doing it... unfortunately, I already purchased the Herter's unit, but haven't had time to try it out yet... I played around with it a bit, and must say, it doesn't seem to be that accurate (of course that could be a pilot error on my part too)... SD

[flytire 0]

 

see how its used

 

[SpokaneDude 0]

flytire: I am selling the Herter's Wing Took and going to use the proceeds to purchase the xacto knife (with some $ left over :-} ); your method couldn't be more simpler, and I don't tie large (> 12) anyway, so it will work perfectly... thanks for showing me... great idea!

 

SD

[flytire 0]

Check with bazzer on the following thread. He wants to buy one

 

http://www.flytyingforum.com/index.php?showtopic=86772&page=2&do=findComment&comment=721137

[SpokaneDude 0]

flytire: already sold to him; ready to be shipped this am... as already stated above, I'm going to use your Xacto blade handle approach...