essequamvideri

... Suddenly sneezing while tying! Michael

Kudu, Thank you for the kind words. I do appreciate it. I truly enjoy playing with wood. I belong to a group of woodworkers that have helped me tremendously with my projects. I'm finding my ideas and my talents don't always line up. It is a great help to have others more talented that I to bounce ideas off of. Josephcsylvia, What Kudu is speaking of is the fact that I have a small business that I build kayaks and canoes. I you search canoes you will find a thread that I started entitled What else I do? in The Lodge This was a fun thread to watch. Michael

For me, I have used Mustad Classic #3366 #2. Michael

Finally getting back to this post. Again, huge thanks to everyone for their help with ideas. Looks like we have a descent plan in place with lots of room for change. I've now been informed that there might not be anyone new but a hand full of intermediate tiers. Not really sure how this is going to work out, but it should be interesting either way. Michael

I hadn't though about teaching tools, materials and their uses. Again, huge thank you for this input. Michael

Just my two pennies... I have the Peak with all three jaws. I have used the salt water jaws to tie 6/0 SS hooks. There was no slippage that I could find. I have enjoyed owning this vise. For me, I'm not sure what the advantage of the new LIRS system would be. Please keep in mind this is just my opinion. However it looks really cool. Michael

This is a huge amount of help. I had not thought of focusing on the technique. I can see how that will work, i.e. working on a technique, cutting it off, repeat, then end up with a completed fly at the end of class. Then build off of that first fly to progress onto the next technique. As for type of fishing here; trout (brookies and browns), salmon and touge in the spring, bass and pan fish in the summer, a combination of everything in the fall. Although last year I caught a fess of Fall Fish in the spring, that was unique. Thanks to everyone who was willing to give their input. I do appreciate it. Michael

I have been asked to teach a 6 week course on fly tying. I have a couple of patterns to start, however that will not fill 6 weeks. There is going to be mostly newbies with a couple of intermediates thrown in there. Any Idea of what to tie? Michael

ddickey, Interesting question. I know of one family farm that is in Northern Maine. I've have seen his necks at a couple of shows. They are exceptional, especially for the prices. If you call him, they have the feathers right there an can high grade them for what you are looking for. http://www.theriaultflies.com/ Michael

Double XL Bomber Morrish Mouse My two for Large and Small mouth Bass Michael

OK, this was an odd thing to try. I was tying some deer hair bass bugs I kept adding some Angelina as I spun and stacked the hair. It added an interesting sparkle to it. I made them into earrings. Only negative was cutting it. Really tough on a razor blade. Michael

Something I have been looking at for years. This was the gift from my family this year. Thank you Family!!! Michael

Mikechell, I saw someone do this at a party back in the 80's. At least I think I saw someone do this at a party back in the 80's. Michael

Took a bit to find this picture. This is one of the cribbage boards that I finished with boiled linseed oil. Burled cherry and white ash. Michael

A few ideas I have, but there are questions that go with them. I have done a few cribbage boards with burled cherry and curly maple. I used boiled linseed oil. Heat it slowly and apply it in multi coats until it does not absorb into the wood. Looks incredable on cherry. I have turned many sets of knitting needles and I always us butchers wax on them. It helps the yarn slide over the needles nicely. However I am going to refer you to a friend of mine that is friggin' amazing. His name is Forest Procter. He is in a woodworking group with me. His finishing is something I am in complete awe every time I see his pieces. He has explained this process to our group, but because I do mostly exterior pieces, I haven't tried it yet. Check out his site and give him a call or email him. He is super helpful and a great guy. http://www.forrestsfinefurniture.com/ Michael R. Earle "Thursday Night Woodworking Group"

Good morning Josephcsylvia, I have made Kayaks, canoes and I have been making travel mugs as of late. To help you with your bubble issue, thin the epoxy 50/50 with acetone or fingernail polish remover. This will increase you dry time by a lot. I find with the mugs two to three coats is great. I sand off all imperfections between coats and finish with a quality Spar Varnish. An article I found helpful was this from Woodworkers Journal. http://ezine.woodworking.com/woodworkingtechniques/lathefinishing/index.html Hope this helps. Mary Christmas Michael

I'd be in also as long as it is after the turn of the year. Michael

I agree with the logic 100% but ive never had one go bad on me, I guess my question is what would make one bobbin better than another other than adjustable tension? Which for me I just close my hand a little for more tension. What should myself and the op look for in a "good" bobbin thank you I have been tying for a few years now. I've gone through 4 different bobbins so far. 3 steel tubes have worn out and the latest was a Dr. Slick with ceramic insert. The weld point failed. The one thing it did not have was a coin/ thumb spot to hold it with. That style feel best in my hand. Not sure that makes it a "Good Bobbin" or not. I too wear an XL/XXL glove. I am looking for a new bobbin, has anyone worked with the Stonfo? Michael

Any birds or rabbits while you were out? Next time your wife is with you, try forging Cold Stream just above the fall. That is IF you can get through the beaver flowage on the way. <]:-D My wife still puckers when we go through that. Did I hear correctly, there was a monster buck taken (I heard 275lbs) in that area this year? Michael

Kennebec12, You are absolutely correct. Driving skill has it over 4WD any day of the week. I'm quite sure you will know the Lone Jack area between The Forks and Jackman. I had a 1988 Honda Civic in there many times. Only tricky parts were the washed out bridges just before the campsites. My only issue with this kind of car, is climbing up and out of it. I've now find it much easier on my knees to slide out of my Jeep to a near standing position. Michael

Huge congrats!!! It's just like being a kid again. Every mud puddle you see you will want to jump in it. Michael

Steve, If you are using it for mosquito bodies, I'd recommend stripped peacock eye. If you are tying it as a floating wing, use dear body or elk in your flavor of color. michael

I am currently driving a '99 Wrangler. It does have AC and 4WD. As for me it has been an amazing vehicle. One MAJOR problem is that there is NO storage inside the Wrangler. I have made a few things to help with this, including an exterior rack, but still no storage. Keep in mind about 4WD drive as far as you can with out it, then lock it in and head back home. I have been chasing ducks this fall and have used it more often than I thought I would. I never used the AC this summer. I just took the top off. Best of buying. Michael

I've come close on a grizzly and a coachman cape. Maybe a couple of three dozen feathers left. I have however, stripped one deer hide and I am working on the second. I've been at it for 39 years... HOLY CRAP I'm getting older. <);-D Michael

Fisherboy, Huge congrats on a successful hunt!! I find the sightings make a far better story than the kills do. I want to give you the kudos you so deserve, because you had your head about you to know what was in your surroundings, i.e. where the other people were. I know many people, much older then you, that either can't or don't care to have that kind of awareness of what is around then, especially when the gun comes up. Keep it up. I for one would like to hear when you do get "The Big One" this year. Michael