jrgator 0 Report post Posted January 16, 2011 I am trying to get started fly tying and have seen fly tying thread being offered for sale as waxed thread and plain thread. Which type of thread does a beginner need to start with? Thank you Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fred H. 0 Report post Posted January 16, 2011 I am trying to get started fly tying and have seen fly tying thread being offered for sale as waxed thread and plain thread. Which type of thread does a beginner need to start with? Thank you Although there are many specialty threads for different applications you could buy . I think a good general purpose thread in which a beginner can acheive good results would be ( Danville's 70 denier flymaster 6/0 waxed). It is easy to build thread heads with and lays flat . Hope this helps. Fred Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Report post Posted January 16, 2011 I don't think it really matters to a beginner. Just make sure you purchase the proper size thread for what you will be tying. I personally prefer Danville's Flymaster threads. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
narcodog 0 Report post Posted January 16, 2011 Get the waxed, it behaves much better. Either Uni or Danville would be fine. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
agn54 0 Report post Posted January 16, 2011 I use mostly Danville flat waxed (with the green label) or Danville Flymaster (with the silver label) which both work great for larger flies for bass and such. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
perchjerker 0 Report post Posted January 16, 2011 Whether it is a 'flat' thread or a 'twisted' thread is more important than whether or not it is waxed. I personally use, and therefore recommend, flat waxed. I have always used Danville brand because it has been more readily available than any of the others. The 'flat' will make neater heads. perchjerker Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hairstacker 0 Report post Posted January 16, 2011 I'm with the rest . . . Danville 6/0 waxed is an excellent general purpose thread that is relatively strong, easy to use, readily available, and will continue to be very useful no matter your experience level. If funds are limited, get black. If you plan on tying mostly trout flies and want to start with a variety of very commonly used colors, start with at least black, brown, olive, tan/beige, and maybe red. Eventually, if you're like most who really get into tying, you're going to end up with a very large inventory of different types and colors of threads, but the Danville 6/0 will continue to be a staple that you'll always want to have on hand. -- Mike Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
agn54 0 Report post Posted January 16, 2011 all of my Danville thread is listed by denier rather than the aught system like Uni and other brands. Did they change their system and what is the conversion? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
narcodog 0 Report post Posted January 16, 2011 You can see a compete description on the change at Chris Helms' site http://www.whitetailflytieing.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mr. Vegas 0 Report post Posted January 16, 2011 Whether it is a 'flat' thread or a 'twisted' thread is more important than whether or not it is waxed. I personally use, and therefore recommend, flat waxed. I have always used Danville brand because it has been more readily available than any of the others. The 'flat' will make neater heads. perchjerker I go with this above ^^^ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Flytyer14 0 Report post Posted January 16, 2011 I use either Danville or UTC Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jeremy Parker 0 Report post Posted January 16, 2011 Danville or why even bother Welcome to the adventure!!! Blessings, Jeremy Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
phg 0 Report post Posted January 17, 2011 I have seen a fair bit of dual labeling of Danville thread. The problem is, there was no standard for the aught system, although the system was fairly standard. The dernier system is supposed to be "scientific", but it still doesn't really tell me how thick the thread is, only how much it weighs. Neither system is perfect, you just have to find what works for you. Danville's 6/0 is 70 denier. Good for files size 12-16. 3/0 is 140 denier. Works good on larger flies, size 6-10 flat waxed nylon is 210 denier. (about the same a size A). Good size for the big stuff. I also use it as a substitute for floss on wet fly bodies. Uni-Thread's is the other common brand than many shops carry. Their 3/0 and 6/0 are significantly thicker than Danville's, and they have an 8/0 that is very good for flies in the 16-20 range. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jeremy Parker 0 Report post Posted January 17, 2011 I have seen a fair bit of dual labeling of Danville thread. The problem is, there was no standard for the aught system, although the system was fairly standard. The dernier system is supposed to be "scientific", but it still doesn't really tell me how thick the thread is, only how much it weighs. Neither system is perfect, you just have to find what works for you. Danville's 6/0 is 70 denier. Good for files size 12-16. 3/0 is 140 denier. Works good on larger flies, size 6-10 flat waxed nylon is 210 denier. (about the same a size A). Good size for the big stuff. I also use it as a substitute for floss on wet fly bodies. Uni-Thread's is the other common brand than many shops carry. Their 3/0 and 6/0 are significantly thicker than Danville's, and they have an 8/0 that is very good for flies in the 16-20 range. So what do you do for size 18 to 24 flies?????? I think 70denier waxed is a good place to start I don't agree with you on the hooks size idea?? I use 70 denier(unwaxed) for classic salmon flies as big as 5/0 and 7/0 hooks want very small heads on the flies and varnish sinks in better on unwaxed thread. I also use 70denier for size 24 trico's !!! I think if your just starting out 70denier waxed is a good place to start you can tie most flies with it!!! And yes I do use another product they make called spider web its about 30denier for size 28 and 30 flies! Please I'm not trying to offend you just think we make things for beginners more difficult than it needs to be!!! If your just starting most of the people I've taught over the years use 70denier and thats it!! Blessings, Jeremy Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
agn54 0 Report post Posted January 17, 2011 You can see a compete description on the change at Chris Helms' site http://www.whitetailflytieing.com Thanks narcodog, that is a great write-up and chart Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites