Tube For 'Tube Flies'

[spoof85]

how exactly do you keep the tube stationary without crushing it in the vise? or is that the only way, cutting the crushed end off when finished?

i would have started a new thread, but i figured this was a relevant enough question...


-spoof

[AlanB]

See my post above! (Sorry on the previous page).
Cheers,
A.

[AlanB]

Maybe trying to explain the technique Marc showed me is a little difficult to follow in just words. Here it is in Pictures.
Prepare the tube by mushrooming one end with a flame. Cut the other end at about 45 degrees. Take a piece of stiff wire and bend over the end 1/8th inch at 90 degrees.
Tubes on bent wire_0001.jpg
Put the wire into the tube from the cen you cut at 45 degrees. Put the wire in your vice with the tube hard against (not in) the vice jaws.
Tubes on bent wire_0002.jpg
Tie your fly on the tube stopping a little way short of the cut end at the head.
Tubes on bent wire_0003.jpg
Remove the wire from the vice and the tube.
Tubes on bent wire_0004.jpg
Cut off the angled end of the tube and mushroom the end with a flame.
Tubes on bent wire_0005.jpg

It is a good method if you only tie the occasional tube. If you are tying lots I would recommend getting one of the stepped and tapered mandrills for them.

Cheers,
A.

[spoof85]

ah, i get it now, thanks