I like to use dubbing wax but don't like any of the
containers. Most of them are designed to stroke the
tying thread to make the thread tacky and hold dubbing
better. There are a couple of things wrong with this
idea. First, you can buy prewaxed thread. Second, by
stroking the thread with the wax stick, you always get
too much wax on the thread. The result is a very bulky
body that is loosely dubbed...Dubbing wax belongs on
your thumb and forefinger, period.
So often, someone will invent a great product like
dubbing wax and then market it in a container that
makes it nearly impossible to use to its fullest
advantage. To solve this, I took an empty plastic
hook box that measures 2 inches long, 1 1/4 inches wide and 1/2
inch high. I carefully cut off the lid and saved it.
Next, I poured melted dubbing wax into it, let it
cool to its natural solid state, and attached it
to my tying bench with a couple of dabs of Florist's
Putty. When I'm ready to tie dry flies or nymphs
that require dubbed bodies, I simply remove the lid,
place it to one side, and go to work. When not in
use, the lid is replaced to prevent dust and clippings
from falling onto the clean surface of the wax.
Carefully remove all the dubbing wax from the tube
it was packaged in and place it in a shallow pan
such as a tuna fish can. Place the can on the warmer
plate of your coffeemaker and wait for it to liquefy.
Then, pour the melted wax into the empty hook box.
~ AK Best
Credits: This tying tip is from
Production Fly Flying, Second
Edition by A.K. Best, published by Pruett
Publishing Company, Boulder, Colorado. We
appreciate use permission.
Please check out the Fly Tying Section, on the Bulletin Board, here at FAOL too.
If you have any questions, tips, or techniques; send them to
publisher@flyanglersonline.com
|
