Salmo22

Used the search function and it seems that Stillwater patterns have not been discussed with any detail recently. I'm especially interested in some of the leech, nypmh, chironomid and streamer patterns you find effective. Photos would be most appreciated. Thanks.

Thanks to a couple of great suggestions from other tiers, I found these two sources.

http://www.uline.com/

http://www.veripack.com/

Thanks.

I am looking for a source where I can buy different sizes of "Ziploc" style clear plastic storage bags. I am trying to organize my fly tying materials for improved storage and accessibility.

For example, like most I purchase dubbing in a clear Ziploc style plastic storage bag that is approximately 4-1/2" x 3-1/4". I also tend to hoard these types of materials when I find something that I like. Instead of storing numerous 4-1/2" x 3-1/4" plastic bags of the same color/type of dubbing, I would prefer to find a single size that would let me consolidate duplicate materials more effectively.

Any recommendations or links would be appreciated. Thanks.

As I celebrated my tenth lustrum I noticed that my once "eagle" eye sight has begun to diminish. One of my ocular challenges involves sufficient/proper lighting for my tying desk. I'm currently using a single Giraffe Tying Lamp that I ordered from Chris Helm at Whitetail Fly Tying Supplies - shameless plug. It is the very best lamp I've ever used. I ordered mine with the optional full spectrum Chromalux™ bulb which closely simulates natural daylight and operates at cooler temperatures.

I am considering getting a second Giraffe lamp and create a set-up similar to the picture below.

How many of you use more than one lamp at your tying desk? What type of heat does this dual arrangement create? Does it create too much glare? Any pros and/or cons would be appreciated. Thanks.

I've been using S&M bobbins for many years. I really like the weight of these bobbins (they can hold materials in place just hanging from the hook), how they fit in the palm of my hand while tying, and the fact that they will stand upright on my tying bench when I need to set one down. My only gripe has been related to the metal tube. They can develop grooves that ultimately fray or break the thread. Typically I can repair the damage by putting a round wooden tooth pick in a Dremel tool and coating the tooth pick with a jeweler’s polishing abrasive. I then insert the tooth pick into the end of the tube and polish-out the worn area. While this solves the problem (and works for all metal tube bobbins) it is time consuming.

I’ve always hoped that S&M would produce a ceramic tube version of their bobbin. Based on a recent visit to the Wasatch Custom Angling Products website, it appears they have acquired the rights to the S&M bobbin design and will be selling a version with a ceramic tipped tube (ala Dr. Slick, Griffin, etc). They’ve even added a wood accent that improves the looks. I will be attending the Idaho Falls Fly Tying Expo in April. Wasatch Custom Angling Products always has a booth at the Expo and I will be checking these new ceramic S&M bobbins out. If they are as good as they look on the website, I will be replacing my old models immediately.

What do you think?

wickedcarpenter:

Thanks for the information. As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words.

Can you recommend a good source for these feathers?

Can you get them dyed different colors?

Do you wash or prep them before using?

Looks like the feathers in your photo are high quality and might be dyed olive. Thanks again.

Recently I've run across a few leach style patterns that calls for pheasant rump feathers as the tail material, rather than marabou. I've never used these feathers. Anyone have experience using them for tails? If so, what is the difference compared to marabou? In addition, what part of the pheasant rump feather do you use? Thanks.

I have a single packet of Canadian Series Mohair from a company called ABox, Inc. Their location (as listed on the packet) is:

2935 South 150 East

Bountiful, UT 84010

Does ABox, Inc. still exist?

Can you still obtain this material?

If yes, where?

This is a cosmic material for tying leach patterns. Really hope to find a reliable source.

Thanks - Jeff

I have a custom "caddy" from these folks and could not be happier with their product, materials, and craftsmanship. Unfortunately, I'm not sure I know the difference between "plastic" and "solid laminated mdf". In simple terms, I would describe my caddy as being made from "plastic". I've attached a picture of my caddy so others can see what these products look like.

Philski:

Would be interested to know how many hours do you have in this project? Also wondering what your material costs are? It is clearly a magnificant piece of utilitarian furniture. You are a master craftsman in more than fly tying. Great job!

A Giraffe tieing lamp was recommended to me recently by another tier. Before I commit any $$$$ to a purchase, would like to hear any comments or experiences you could share regarding the Giraffe? Thanks.

I have/use a LAW Vise and like it very much. Excellent design, materials, and craftsmanship. My only negative comment is the price. It is typically more expensive that the Master. It all depends on the US dollar to UK pounds exchange rate. Law, Renzetti, Dyna-King, are all good rotary vises and will serve your needs for many years. Just a matter of personal preference. Enjoy the search.

The FFF Buz Buszek award is presented annually to that person who has made significant contributions to the arts of fly tying. This list of past award winners is most impressive.

1970 Jacqueline Knight, 1971 A.I. Alexander, 1972 Dave Whitlock, 1973 George Grant, 1974 Ken Bay, 1975 E.H. "Polly" Rosborough, 1976 John Schollenberger, 1977 Andre Puyans, 1978 George Harvey, 1979 Everett Drake, 1980 Boyd Aigner, 1981 Doug Prince, 1982 Darwin Atkin, 1983 Art Flick, 1984 Frank Johnson, 1985 Bill Blackstone, 1986 Billy Munn, 1987 Dick Nelson, 1988 Bing Lempke, 1989 Jimmy Nix, 1990 Kent Bulfinch, 1991 Wayne Luallen, 1992 Stanley Walters, 1993 Chuck Echer, 1994 Royce Dam, 1995 Marvin Nolte, 1996 Ned Long, 1997 Judy Lehmberg, 1998 Jeff" Bear" Andrews, 1999 Al Beatty, 2000 Bob Jacklin, 2001 Bruce Staples, 2002 Helen Shaw Kessler, 2003 Bill Heckel, 2004 Chris Helm

If you could, whom would you nominate for the 2005 award?

Try the book "Basic Fly Tying" by Wayne Luallen and John Rounds. Photographs are by Michael Radencich. I think this is simply the best beginner book - period!