John Ski
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Last visited
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0 NeutralAbout John Ski
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Rank
Beginner
- Birthday 05/06/1971
Previous Fields
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Favorite Species
trout
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Security
2010
Contact Methods
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Website URL
http://
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ICQ
0
Profile Information
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Location
Maine
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Do many of you pluck and sort your hackle feathers ahead of time? I find I'm not very good at judging size and so end up plucking out 2 or 3 before I get the right one. I was think sorting them ahead of time would save me some time. Are there any downsides to doing this? I was also thinking it would be easier for me to keep just the materials I need at hand this way. Rather than bring up a whole neck or whatever (the basement is too cold for me to tie in this time of year) I could just bring up a dozen or so of hackle feathers I need for the night. Thanks for the info!
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I gave most of my unused stuff to my sister's nephew that past christmas. I have tons of copper wire from extension cords... if your interested, I can send you some, let me know. ETA: I just came across two old school S&M bobbins I forgot about. I had picked them up on ebay because I wanted to try them. I found they were pretty rough on the thread and I stopped using them almost immediately... they are yours if you want them!
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Found this one in the pattern database by letumgo- looks like fun, so put me down for the 'Copper Rear Hares Ear"
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If there's still room, I'd like to join in. Let me know and I'll figure out what to tie!
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I've never participated in a swap either. But, I've read the rules and sticky threads about swaps- I'd like to join if you find a host!
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I use both deer hair and elk hair when tying elk hair caddis. I find the biggest difference is that the deer hair tends to flair and spin more on you. You can do it, you just have to fiddle with it and hold on tight while you wrap the thread down. I actually place it a little on the side of the hook towards me, and then thread torque will pull it on to the top. Experiment a bit. I think you can also bleach it if you want a lighter color than what you have on your hide. I've never done that, but I know there are several books and lots of instructions on the web to tell you how. Here's an older thread on the topic: http://www.flytyingforum.com/index.php?sho...13824&st=15
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Thanks halcyon Just read the very fine print on the package and there is no mention of Styene. It does say it contains toluene and petroleum distillate... so I'm guessing I'm okay with the Xylol, if I decide to go ahead and try this. Didn't mean to cause such a stir with this question about mixing glue everyone. I hope none is getting fumed over this. See what I did there... I made a funny. Thanks again everyone, I really appreciate the info.
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I just got a Renzetti Traveler that I'm loving. Still learning to use it, but I'm finding the rotary a step up from my last vice. It was a gift from my wife, I think she paid a little over $150 (it was the display model I think). I think they normally go for about $180-$190. If you have a well stocked fly shop near you, go spend some time with a sales person playing around and checking out the features. A quality vice will last years, and the more 'hands on' research you can do, the happier you'll be. If not, you can't go wrong with any of the suggestions, and I have had great service from J. Stockard
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Nice! When you say the dubbing is in 'split thread' I assume that means you are splitting the thread and using it like a dubbing loop? Sorry if that a stupid question, but I'm pretty new to this.
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Oh man... All I wanted to do was save a few bucks on a flexible cement. Alcohol is a carcinogen? My brain could turn to jelly? My fridge looks so sad and empty now. Even if I put in the small can of Xylol I was going to use... the beer shelf still just looks so forlorn. All kidding aside, thanks for the great info. Here's what I'm taking away from all the answers: 1. Xylol should work in place of the toluene. 2. All of the chemicals are nasty wether you make your own cement, or buy it. Most of them probably have some methyl-ethyl-bad-stuff and it's good to be aware. 3. Caution and common sense are called for in either case (store bought or home made); don't inhale anymore fumes than you have to, work in a well ventilated area, keep the caps on unless you actually using some, keep the kiddies away 4. Throw out your beer because it causes cancer. Okay, I hope that last ones not really true... thanks again for all the great info. In all honesty, I might just stick with Sally for a bit. This time of year, I do most of my tying at the kitchen table, and have two small boys who like to watch, and grab things as soon as I turn my back. The recipe for home made cement could turn into a recipe for disaster!
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They all look great! Comparaduns and Spun duns are next on my list to learn to tie. I just bookmarked this thread so I have a few "This is your goal" pictures for reference.
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Thanks for the quick answers everyone. He did have Xylene or Xylol (can't remember what the can said) on the shelves... in the spot where the Toluene used to be... Turns out I need some bolts for the blade on my plow, so I'll run back over this afternoon and swap. Any excuse to visit the hardware store. I'm using Sally now, and have in the past. Just wanted to give this stuff a try and see how it works. I've seen the goop recipe in several spots on the web and I know it's recommended in one of the books I have (Scheck maybe?). I've never had a problem with hard as nails, but you know, just have to tinker. I don't post on here often, but man, when I have a question you guys are the best! Thanks again!
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So, I wanted to try the homemade head cement recipe I always see posted. Have the Goop, but I can no longer find Toluene. My favorite hardware store had it just a few weeks ago, and when I went in this morning, it was all gone, and the owner said he can't order it either. Chatted with the owner for a bit (he likes talking to me about flies and fishing) and he eventually suggested I try Methyl Ethyl Ketone after looking at various MSDS sheets and the like. I guess it's in the same family of chemicals. I went ahead and picked up a can (he really spent alot of time trying to find some for me) saying I would try it, and he said if it doesn't work to come and back and hell refund me the 8 bucks. But before I play mad scientist, I thought I would check with the experts here. Anyone have any thoughts about this, how long it will last on flies if it works, that kind of thing? Any other places I should check for toluene? Thanks in advance for any help!
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Thanks for the help guys- you saved me a ton of time. Now I can get tying instead of searching. I've tied about half the patterns you both mentioned before, I may be back for more help with some of the others! Thanks again, I appreciate it (And I'm sure my sister and her nephew will as well!) John
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Hi all, I've lurked here for quite some time and always found answers. I'm hoping you can help me again. My kid sister's nephew tried fly fishing this summer when they went to Yellowstone. Now he loves it and she has asked me to tie him some flies she and my brother in law can give him for Christmas. I know he lives in Utah, and I know he's fished in Yellowstone. Other than that, she really has no idea where he'll most likely fish. So, can you recommend some patterns I can tie for him? The 10 or 20 flies you always have in your box no matter the water or the time of year? I live in Maine, and have never fished any further away than NY, so I really have no idea. I figure wooly buggers and elk hair caddis are always good, but beyond that? Thanks all, I appreciate the help! John