cdpaul,
Here are a couple of threads we had on tube tying last spring. There's some good information in these.
http://www.flyanglersonline.com/bb/s...-tube-fly-vise
http://www.flyanglersonline.com/bb/s...900-Tube-Flies

When I was looking into this at the time I found this Eumer kit for $50.
http://www.madriveroutfitters.com/pc...arter-kit.aspx
A tube adapter for the vise and various tubes and cone heads to make over 60 flies.

Check out the various products to put some of these things in perspective.
http://www.madriveroutfitters.com/c-...cessories.aspx

I don't think you can go wrong with this adapter, 3 mandrels and 2 tapered pins for $20. 5 spokes from a bike shop will cost nearly half of that. And that's assuming your vise will hold the spokes securely and inline so you can tie. Some vises will do that some will not.
http://www.madriveroutfitters.com/pc...y-adapter.aspx

I bought a couple pieces of brass rod from Ace ($4 something total) before I saw this kit.

I guess the bottom line is, how much do you want to spend. That's something you have to decide.