A Dubbing Loop Technique

[Ray Kunz]

A DUBBING LOOP TECHNIQUE

This is a refinement of some of the more historic methods of dubbing with the loop methods but I have found that works, and, after trying a few trials, is easily mastered by the beginners in my classes. I don?t have photos available so my text may seem overly detailed.

1. Starting with the thread at the point where you want to start dubbing, extend the bobbin about 8 inches from the hook shank and let it hang there.
2. Attach an EZ clip type hackle pliers to the thread about 3 inches below the hook shank an let it hang loose for now..
3. Prepare your dubbing noodle by spreading the material out on your bench top.
4. Pick up your bobbin with your right hand and lift it towards you with modest thread tension.
5. Now, place your left hand, palm up under the taut thread with the EZ clip hanging between your index and ring finger and let the bobbin hang loose over the side of your little finger (toward your body). Maintain tension on the thread between the EZ clip and the hook by pinching the EZ clip as it hangs between your fingers.
6. Now the best part. Pick up the piece of dubbing and lay it across the thread lying on the PLATFORM you have created with your index and middle fingers.
7. Pick up your bobbin, lay the thread up and over the piece of dubbing keeping the thread tension the same as the thread under the dubbing and make a couple thread turns around the hook shank and lead the thread up to the hook eye.
8. Finally, pickup the EZ clip and maintaining slight tension, twirl it counter-clockwise looking from the clip toward the hook shank (for right handers).
Finish your dubbing wrap as usual.

[ducksterman]

Ray,
It seems to me this is a valued contribution...worth getting into the "Features" section somewhere...maybe under "Tips".

How about photos while one of your students does the work...or maybe a student does photos while you do it...then submit it....

Your statement that your students take to it says alot.

[WarrenP]

Ray,

Thanks so much for sharing that! I will have to give it a try tonight at my tying bench. It really sounds like it will help with the dubbing loop technique.

Thanks again...

[bigdewy]

Wow, that sounds like a great technique for those materials which don't want to adhere to thread.

[jeffnles1]

Photos or a video would complete the article.
Thanks,
Jeff

[Hans Weilenmann]

As Ray explained, the dubbing loop is a useful technique to master.

Flytying is about choices, so here is another offering in the same vein - the Split Thread - as part of a step by step I put together recently.

http://www.danica.com/flytier/steps/.../buttercup.htm

Cheers,
Hans W

[Jeremy]

As Ray explained, the dubbing loop is a useful technique to master.

Flytying is about choices, so here is another offering in the same vein - the Split Thread - as part of a step by step I put together recently.

http://www.danica.com/flytier/steps/.../buttercup.htm

Cheers,
Hans W

At the real risk of sounding (so) repetitive, these demo's/photo's of yours are incredible Hans.

Excellent post.

You should take up bamboo rodmaking. I need the help!

Jeremy.

[rons81]

Ray and Hans, thanks. Both techniques are very good to know.

[kyle winey]

i recently learned from a freind how to use dubbin loops with a paper clip. he it bent alot like ur general tools an it worked well. i'll have to ask him more about it. but i was tying red fox squirrel nymphs an wanted a very spikey thorax an resorted to dubbin loops but i found a way from another friend at the tying table that was alot quicker for me and produced almost the same result. take some loon high tacky wax and put just enough on the thread so u can see it. then cut the dubbin up finer using, natural dubbin or an slf is the best choice, and chop it up fine with scissors. then hold the dubbin next to the thread an spin the thread an bobin in ur other hand between ur pointer finger an thumb. after that set down the excess dubbin an spin the bobbin the same rotation you were when you spun the dubbin on to tighten it up. then just wrap and i feel you will be happy with the results. i know i was. kinda off subjet but i just thought i would share.

[Chuck441]

Love it, Ray. I would also make a suggestion. I epoxy a good-size hex nut to the bottom (button?) end of the EZ clip- one that just fits over the end. When I want to spin the loop, I just give the clip a good twirl, and it spins beautifully by itself.

Chuck