Fly Tying Tips and Tricks

[RickZieger 0]

Just saw on a video. When wrapping wire on a hook, after you are done,  use a file to take some of the material off on the end toward the bend to make a taper.

He did this over about 2-3 wraps of wire.

Rick

[flytire 0]

@RickZieger

why not post the video

i have no idea what you are talking about. use a file?

[SalarMan 0]

I am making the switch to Solarez UV resin to finish the heads on my salmon flies. I always admire the superb finish on Norm's wets and want to get that same quality on my flies. Before getting started I do have a couple of questions. How long does it usually take for the resin to cure under the UV light? Is it better to cure t under direct sunlight?

Thanks in advance.
George

[Sandan 0]

44 minutes ago, SalarMan said:

I am making the switch to Solarez UV resin to finish the heads on my salmon flies. I always admire the superb finish on Norm's wets and want to get that same quality on my flies. Before getting started I do have a couple of questions. How long does it usually take for the resin to cure under the UV light? Is it better to cure t under direct sunlight?

Thanks in advance.
George

I've found Solarez bone dry to take about 10 seconds to dry hard.

[SalarMan 0]

31 minutes ago, Sandan said:

I've found Solarez bone dry to take about 10 seconds to dry hard.

Thank you sir...much obliged.

[flytire 0]

i hit the head with the cheap light i have and a couple of spins with the renzetti and its cured

5-10 seconds tops

solarez bone dry and a cheap light

[Sandan 0]

26 minutes ago, SalarMan said:

Thank you sir...much obliged.

My pleasure. BTW, that bone dry is good stuff.

[RickZieger 0]

6 hours ago, RickZieger said:

It is a Jack Dennis video on youtube     Rick

https://youtu.be/8OWX7Gw8UKM

 

 

 

6 hours ago, RickZieger said:

 

 

 

[DFoster 0]

On 3/15/2024 at 2:32 PM, SalarMan said:

I am making the switch to Solarez UV resin to finish the heads on my salmon flies. I always admire the superb finish on Norm's wets and want to get that same quality on my flies. Before getting started I do have a couple of questions. How long does it usually take for the resin to cure under the UV light? Is it better to cure t under direct sunlight?

Thanks in advance.
George

George- you can get a $10 UV light from Cabela's and I told they are even cheaper on Amazon.  I had the $40 Loon Light and the only difference is that the cheap light uses 3 batteries instead of a single for the Loon and it takes a few seconds longer to cure the UV.

 

Dean

[SalarMan 0]

Thanks Dean...but I have what I need in the way of a light I received as gift. I just wanted an early look at the process so I knew what to expect.

[RickZieger 0]

Another way to cut foam before tying in.

[flyflinger 0]

On 3/15/2024 at 12:32 PM, SalarMan said:

I am making the switch to Solarez UV resin to finish the heads on my salmon flies. I always admire the superb finish on Norm's wets and want to get that same quality on my flies. Before getting started I do have a couple of questions. How long does it usually take for the resin to cure under the UV light? Is it better to cure t under direct sunlight?

Thanks in advance.
George

I use Solarez resins and their rechargeable curing light exclusively (see Charlie Craven video below) and it works great for me.  There is also a second link below for an exhaustive test on various resins if you like lots of details.  I have found that the procedure for curing is important, both the wavelength of the lamp (I won't go down that rabbit hole right now), and the timing.  I start out with brief pulses of light from a distance, while rotating the fly in my vise.  Then I increase the duration and closeness of the lamp to the fly incrementally until I'm sure its cured, usually about 30-60 seconds.  Colored resins take longer.  If you cure the resin to closely or too quickly, you can usually see a little puff of smoke, which in my experience, makes the resulting cure more brittle.  The good news is that almost any resin, light, and procedure will work "adequately", but "good enough" is just not how my brain is wired after many years of fly tying (and being a retired engineer).  I don't have any test data to answer if natural sunlight is better, but it surely does work to cure the resin.       

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TA-l1Qknuyc 

  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJVI-7xHpWs 

  

Regards,

 

      

[SalarMan 0]

Thanks flyfinger. I recently gave the Solarez "Bone Dry" a shot. A little pricey but it is better than anything else I've tried...period. It is has a thin viscosity allowing for me to get the finish I am looking for on one of my classic salmon flies. Also...if you look at the finish on the heads of flytire's flies you'll see what I'm talking about.

A long time friend who suggested this particular UV resin also told me to make sure the brush is NOT exposed to the UV light or the sun. If that happens it is toast and useless.

Cheers,
George

[flyflinger 0]

Yep, I did a related screw-up last year - I applied the Solarez to the fly and quickly went to cure it, not realizing I had set the applicator tube/bottle down on the bench under the vise (instead of replacing the cap).  It was in the beam of the light so got cured along with the fly.  Once it is "cooked", I know of no solvent that will release or soften it.  Interestingly, it only cured the resin inside the applicator tube, so the bottle of resin wasn't compromised.  I've tried all the viscosity options, but mostly use Bone Dry and thin or medium.  I suspect if I did a lot of large streamers or salt water patterns, the thick could come in handy as well.  Interesting trivia: this UV Resin originated in the belly board and surfing industry, and is still used for surfboard repairs.      

Regards,