Originally Posted by
BadBug
I also trim some of the fibers from the brush in the thinned out bottle.
I also trim the brush fibers on Hard as Nails to use on smaller flies when I feel the need for a head cement, which is not often since I learned how to use the whip finish tool. Two 4-5 wrap whip finishes are almost foolproof, as the fish usually tear up the fly before the head can start to unravel. Still, it's a great tip for the new tyer.
Also, the single most important thing I've learned over the years is to leave sufficient room to actually tie a head. I think it's a common fault of new tyers (at least it was for me) to crowd the head, and then I found myself tying a head that actually was creeping down the eye. The epiphany came when I was fishing and could not get the tippet into the hook eye (Duh!), then I started paying closer attention. I never stop learning new ways to be a better tyer, thanks to other tyers.
Joe
Joe Valencic
Life Member FFF
Rod Builder in Chains