I've been experimenting with my cheapie thread. It's serger thread from Joanne's @ 1.99 for 5,000 yards. With a 4-10-14 leader the tippet end is about the same thickness as the 10-14-18 leaders I make with 6/0 tying thread.

Two questions:

1. How do folks test the breaking point of leaders? I used untwisted thread and mono to test the breakage and it'll break with between 10 and 15 pounds of pressure (e.g. loop to loop and yank... with 10 pound test, the mono breaks, with 15 pound test the thread breaks). Any thoughts as to whether it'll be stronger or weaker when furled?

2. Does anyone treat unwaxed thread leaders? What do you use? My cheapies aren't quite as "tight" as waxed tying thread. Should I furl more than 10%? For yucks, I greased the thing with some mink oil I had in the shop and it helps, but I don't know if it'll hold up while fishing.