Glue and wax

[eaustin]

I just read the thread below on glue, and am ambivalent about it. Don't use the Crazy Glue myself, but whatever makes you happy. I am using more wax these days though, and would like to plug the most amazing wax I've used yet. But first, a bit of explanation.

I primarily use wax to get things to stay put, especially around the heads of full dress salmon flies. William Bailey of Ft. Wayne Indiana has sent me some incredible wax, his latest formula, that literally sticks like glue. I never used the legendary waxes of yesteryear, Overton's Wonder Wax, etc., because I didn't need them then for the dry flies I tied. But need it I do these days, and Bailey's wax is unbelievable.

Bill Bailey provides specialized wools and dyed products that are something as well, but this wax, well, I've never used anything like it. He has black cobbler's wax too, for those so inclined. I have no monetary interest here, just wanted to pass along a bit about a product I think is great. Almost too good at times, it's so sticky it can be hard to close a loop or complete a whip finish. It's not gooey, just sticky when applied to the thread. Thread avalanches are a thing of the past with this stuff, and if you're uncomfortable with glue, this is the ticket.
Eric

[Ron Eagle Elk]

Eric,

Being a fan of tying waxes as well, I took a look at John's site. There have been some changes since I was there last and I couldn't get a price on Bill Bailey's wax.

Could you possibly PM a contact address>

Many thanks for bringing this to my attention.

REE

[okflyfisher]

I have two of BT's waxes for different size flies for touch dubbing. The right wax makes a world of difference.

[Normand]

baileys wax

http://feathersmc.com/products/Bill%...%20Tying%20Wax

[Ron Eagle Elk]

Normand,

Thanks. Still can't there on John's site for some reason. Been a while since we've placed an order with him. I do need some seal as well, might as well try the wax too.

REE

[bugman]

Myself, ive never used any tying wax... wouldnt know how or what fer to use it anyhow... i did try rubin a candle on the thread once but nothin would hold...

[Ron Eagle Elk]

Normand and Eric,

Finally got things sorted out with John's site. Order placed for the seal dubbing, a Reeves Pheasant (can't pass up a good deal like that), some of Bill Bailey's goat dubbing and tying wax. Hopefully that dark wax will give the Primrose silk a "proper" Greenwell color.

REE

[JeffHamm]

I've never used crazy glue, although I almost always use some head cement. I will use wax, which I find helps with touch dubbing, and to hold things in place for dubbing loops, etc. Cobblers wax for Greenwells is nice, as REE has pointed out. One thing I have noticed is that the wax will help to hold the whip finish nicely, which means on small flies, where you don't want to get cement all over the head, a touch of wax on the thread will help secue the finishing knot.

- Jeff

[Clay]

I'm with Bugman on this one. I started using dubbing wax when I started tying for dubbing applications then moved away from it when my mentor said to just use a little spit, yes, you read that right.

Never on dries because it will collect dirt and make it even harder to float, so I have been told.

Would love to hear about your applications for using the wax and why you feel it is better to use the wax than not use it. I'm keeping an open mind here and want to learn something new. So if you are willing to share ....

On glue, I have settled on making my own rubber cement by mixing shoe goo and Toluene. I mix it outside and I don't try to over expose myself to the chemical. I probably have more exposure danger filling my gas tank repeatedly than making the glue. The glue dries fast, soaks into the thread easily and adds to durability.

[JeffHamm]

Hi,

Cobbler's wax is dark, like dark chocolate. When you wax thread with it, like Pearsall's Primrose, it changes the colour to something you can't buy. Also, it's hard, like rock candy, and you have to warm it between your fingers to soften it in order to wax the thread. Once you've waxed your thread and tied off, it will, presumably, return to hard and acts like a glue to help hold the fly together.

For myself, I don't have an attachment to my vice in order to lay out some thread to form a dubbing loop. I use a bit of wax so I can place dubbing fur along the thread without having to twist it on, as this way when I spin the loop the result is spikier. Again, the wax helps to bind the dubbing to the thread a bit better.

Wax is not required, and there are draw backs. On hot days, apparently, some people claim the wax melts from their flies making a mess. Others seem to think it's cheating, or something like that, but I'm not sure what the compeition is in which one is cheating?

I often don't bother waxing, but I have at times found that it can be useful, either for colour or to assist me in making a dubbing loop. Also, I have found it seem to secure the whip finish a bit better than no wax, so if I don't want to apply cement I'll sometimes use a bit of wax instead. I've not considered the dust factor, but then, I'm typically using it on wet flies anyway.

- Jeff