Dubbing loops have a lot of advantages for fly tiers.
Here is an easy and cheap way to make your own dubbing
loop tool. The list of things you'll need is short:
Start by bending an open loop into one end of the brass
rod. It will be much easier to make a neat loop if you
use a jewelers's round nose pliers.
Next cut the rod to length. I like mine nice and short
so I have plenty of clearance for spinning the tool under
the vise. Many tiers prefer a longer tool, so make yours
to suit your style. Next slip a brass or copper bead
over the straight end of the rod, put the small hole
in the bead toward the loop you just created.
The diameter of the screw hole in the door knob will
likely be quite a bit larger than 1/16". To get a snug
fit and to keep the brass rod centered, wrap the base
with a piece of masking tape about a 1/4" wide. My tape
was wider than that, so I just cut a narrower piece with
my scissors. It should be narrower than the depth of the
hole in the knob. Make just enough wraps for a snug fit.
Then using the five minute epoxy, secure the brass rod
into the door knob and press the bead tightly down toward
the door knob. Wait for the glue to set up. Remove any
thread cutting burrs or rough spots from the brass loop
with fine sandpaper.
Now you are ready to spin up storm at your fly tying bench
with a new tool that is simple to use and has the classy
look of brass.
I paid $2.50 for the doorknob at Home Depot. The rest of
the materials I had laying around my bench. The brass rod
is available at most hobby shops. ~ Ron R. Mason
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
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