Tips n Tricks for Flytying

[Qwek]

Hi Folks,

When I picked up flytying from Henry and others, I've learned alot of tricks to improve my flytying. Thought I share these tips and tricks I've learned from them and some from the web.

Do share with some of yours or point us to other tips and tricks...

Q-TIP

This is a trick that I learned not from flytying but from my late granny. In the old days, they don't have J&J factory-made Q-tips but DIY from satay stick and cotton wool. Simply wrap some cotton wool onto the end of the stick to form a ball and you have a Q-tip. Beside using it to clean my ears, she used it with candle wax sort like a magnet to pick up sawing needles, buttons and other small stuffs that are difficult to pick up with her fingers. Back then she used wax melted from a joss candle to apply onto the tip.

You can use ready packed Q-tips or use a satay stick which is longer and easier to find. Trust me, the longer stick sticks out better than a shorter one on your flytying table provided it is not messy.



Q-tips and waxed tip ready to use

Apply dubbing wax onto the tip and massage the wax into the cotton ball. There, it is ready to use.


Thanks Ah-Ma

Cheers
Qwek

[Qwek]

Be Organised

Lay out all the materials you’ll need for that pattern around your vise in the order the materials will be used. With the materials and tools laid out, it is easier to look for them during tying.

When using tying tools try to put them back in the same place on your tying bench when not in use. Searching for tying tools is almost as bad as searching for tying materials.

Try to have your tying scissors on your hand at all times when tying, they are used frequently to be constantly having to pick them up. This is one habit that Henry try to drum into my head, bit I have not get used to it yet. I sure that Jimboz has no problem with this.

Cheers
Qwek

[alberto]

Hi Folks,
There is also one item I like to share and I heard this from Huns...

Wash your hands after handling feathers and hair. One of his friends had a bite to eat after tying flies without washing his hands and had a mouth infection.

I have a bad habit of sometimes holding the feathers in my lips while my hands is busy reaching for scissors or other materials.
After hearing from Huns, I realise now how dangerous and unhygenic this is.

So remember to wash your hands. ;D

regards
Alberto

[caddisman]

Excellent tip about washing your hands. When I purchase new materials, or getting new road kill. I always pop it into a large plastic bag and at full power, Microwave it for 30 secs. It's pretty safe after that, but still wash your hands.

Caddisman

[Qwek]

Aluminium Foil

Hi folks,

Came across this tip while browsing thru a lady magazine - the sawing section. Don't ask me why am I reading it.

If you scissors are dull and no longer cut properly, don't pull out the whet stone yet. Instead tear off a couple of inches of aluminium foil and just cut it with your dull scissors, ten or fifteenns cuts will do. The blades will cut better after that.

Give it a try.

Cheers

Qwek

[naisreka]

Thanks, I'll give it a go.