cdc clamp

[partsman 0]

I was just wondering if anyone here has some experience with cdc clamps? I have been using cdc lately for some euro nymph/soft hackle type flies, I don't like wrapping the cdc on with quill and have watched some videos using a clamp to hold the fibers and put them in a dubbing loop to wrap. Looks pretty cool, but there just a little expensive. If anyone has used these and has some thoughts on them or maybe another option I would like hear it.

Thanks, Mike.

[SILKHDH 0]

I was just wondering if anyone here has some experience with cdc clamps? I have been using cdc lately for some euro nymph/soft hackle type flies, I don't like wrapping the cdc on with quill and have watched some videos using a clamp to hold the fibers and put them in a dubbing loop to wrap. Looks pretty cool, but there just a little expensive. If anyone has used these and has some thoughts on them or maybe another option I would like hear it.

Thanks, Mike.

The clear plastic version is on E-bay for a little over five bucks and have several sizes to choose from or a four piece set for $10.99. Search cdc feather clip. Might be a little wait though. They come from China and shipments are being held up because of the coronavirus. I know first hand. I have some dirt bike parts in limbo. Or just use a bulldog clamp (second photo) from Walmart with some black tape on the jaws. The black tape helps to grip the fibers a little better. I used the bulldog clip for a long time until I made a clip of my own.

[SILKHDH 0]

I actually made these. Is what I use now. I copied these from some I saw on the web.

[DarrellP 0]

Man, that looks like a speculum for looking up hoohahs! Careful with where you put that thing.

[TheCream 0]

It's just the latest fly fishing/tying tool that gets people up in arms over the cost. I know people who use it and love it (I have Petitjean clamps, so I don't really have a need for it). Does it seem expensive for what it is? Sure. But look around what we do. You can spend $50 for fly tying scissors or $5 at a craft store. Want to spend $300+ for a tying vise? You can, or you can spend a fraction of that. $80 nippers or a $2 pair of fingernail clippers at WalMart? Do you need $300 Abel pliers? People buy them every day. Are you a $900 fly rod person or a $150 fly rod person? Yeti bucket or Lowe's bucket? My personal stance, if a certain product is worth it to you, then buy it. If not, don't.

 

From what I know of the CDC clamp, it is very good for what it is designed to do.

[SILKHDH 0]

Man, that looks like a speculum for looking up hoohahs! Careful with where you put that thing.

AH HA HA HA! Would be a tiny hoohah. This thing is not very big at all. Maybe 2 1/2" long tops. LOL

[SILKHDH 0]

This is the one I copied. Like I said it's not very big at all.

[fishinguy 0]

I use steel clip like silkhdh showed. Works good for me.

[chugbug27 0]

I bought the clear plastic clips from China but haven't tried them yet.

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/5PCS-Clear-Fly-Tying-Feather-Clips-Hackle-Holding-Tools-Fly-Fishing-Accessori-EF/283777994330?hash=item42127c8e5a:m:my3EY1uqF6fgO5qtyZfupaA

 

If I can get a chance today I'll post pics.

 

They come 5 of each size for the price listed, so I've got extras if anyone wants a full set of five of each size let me know, the first three to ask will get them.

[chugbug27 0]

They look like they'll work well, but wow that clip silkhdh made blows this bargain shopping stuff to smithereens...

[Flat Rock native 0]

I bought the clear plastic clips from China but haven't tried them yet.

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/5PCS-Clear-Fly-Tying-Feather-Clips-Hackle-Holding-Tools-Fly-Fishing-Accessori-EF/283777994330?hash=item42127c8e5a:m:my3EY1uqF6fgO5qtyZfupaA

 

If I can get a chance today I'll post pics.

 

They come 5 of each size for the price listed, so I've got extras if anyone wants a full set of five of each size let me know, the first three to ask will get them.

Will gladly take a set and will offer you an assortment of wire shanks for articulated patterns

[Mark Knapp 0]

I bought the clear plastic clips from China but haven't tried them yet.

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/5PCS-Clear-Fly-Tying-Feather-Clips-Hackle-Holding-Tools-Fly-Fishing-Accessori-EF/283777994330?hash=item42127c8e5a:m:my3EY1uqF6fgO5qtyZfupaA

 

If I can get a chance today I'll post pics.

 

They come 5 of each size for the price listed, so I've got extras if anyone wants a full set of five of each size let me know, the first three to ask will get them.

Me, me, I vote me. I would love a set. Thanks. What you need?

[partsman 0]

Thanks guys for the replies, I have to just sit down and figure out what I want. SILK I love your creativity! And Chugbug thanks for the great offer to forum members also! I have to say I really like dealing with the folks who sell the swiss cdc clamp, I love there tying videos, they are a really creative and fun loving bunch of fly tiers for sure. My wife will probably really pissed, because I have ordered stuff every month this winter from these guys, but it looks like another order is going in.

Thanks for the replies, Mike.

[Kimo 0]

I should say right off that I love working with all this shit. Stalcup got me into it and it hasn't stopped. I have a lifetime supply of CDC that he dyed himself.

I have used all of the current CDC Clamps except for the one referenced by Chug.
I got both style of Petitjean clips when they were on clearance from Gander MTN($15). Later the minis, also on sale.
The bottom ones were gifted to me by Stalcup and another friend (taught him how to tie my flies).
I purchased the Swiss CDC Clamp within the last 2 months.
The Swiss CDC Clamp is exceptional at picking up hair from a hide.
The weakness in the Petitjean clamp is that it doesn't clamp down as hard as the Swiss Clamp
but I just add a O-ring to compensate.
The platen at the top is what I use with the medium and Magnum Petitjean clips to create composite loops.
If I had to pick one it would be the Petitjean Clips.

The bulldog clips will work but a lot of the time the blades don't line up properly and it's nice to be able to see the end of the material in the clamp.



Kimo

[mikechell 0]

I don't have it with me, it's at home and I am in an airport at the moment.

I made a fairly efficient clip from a CD holder. Not the hard plastic ones, but the softer plastic. I'll see if I can remember to take pictures when I get home.