Been lots of great looking flies on here lately using split thread technqiues. That’s a techqnique that I’ve only used a few times, but the recent SBSs have gotten my interested in in giving it another try. I’m wondering what kind of clip tool you all recommend for keeping material so nicely aligned when inserted into the split thread. Do you all use the Marc Petitjean tool or are there less expensive alternatives? Thanks.
I use the Petitjean clip; like being able to see through it to gauge the length of the material going in the loop. You could use a bullclip, potato chip bag clip, etc and get similar results.
Regards,
Scott
Either the Petitjean tool or nothing at all. Once you get the materials in the thread, you can always maneuver them within reason around to your liking. The only reason I have the Petitjean set is because I got them on clearance, and would still be using a Bulldog clip otherwise.
I have noticed that Orvis and Feathercraft both are carrying the new Stonfo clear clips in large and small. They come in sets of two but unfortunately the sets are of the same size. In order to have 1 large and 1 small you have to buy two sets…a dirty trick to get more of your money! Stonfo is also selling the new thread splitter that is also available at both shops so the ticket for the whole system would run very close to $60 or more. Wish they would have a president’s day sale. Can’t decide if the thread splitter is really worth the $30. Has anyone bought one ad can give a opinion?
Gerri
$30 for a thread splitter? I epoxied a darning needle, that my wife donated to me, in a wooden dowel. Cost? about $.25 and I can guarantee it’ll split thread just as well.
Regards,
Scott
Yeah Scott, my vision probs make some things very time consuming and difficult for me so I tend to explore anything that might make tying easier for me. It is hard to judge the worthiness of some items displayed on a page without holding them in my hands and getting a close-up look. I am thinking of going over to Tyson’s just to do that.
Gerri
what helps me most is if i know i am going to use split thread is to to go up a thread size. By the time i am down to 70 denier 8/0 i usually need extra magnification
I know Hans can flatten the thread with his fingers, but I’ve found it easier (for me) to take the twist out of the thread then run something like a bobbin tube, half-hitch tool or whatever against the thread to get it real flat, then insert the needle. Even with finer stuff like UTC 70, MFC 8/0, Gudebrod 10/0, it’s pretty easy to get the fibers split.
Regards,
Scott
ps - Gerri, if you go to Tyson’s and Collin’s working, tell him Mr. Patterson says “hey”
The Petitijan tool is excellent, but I use those black binder clips that you can buy at Staples or mostly anywhere. They’re lo-tech, but they work for me. Just a thought.
I prefer the Stonfo clips to the Staples bulldog clips. The inside surfaces of the Stonfo clips are roughened a bit which aids in holding the material to go in the dubbing loop more securely. Here is a video on the Stonfo thread splitter. Note that it is not meant to be used with smaller thread sizes 14/0 - 18/0:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcpP-usw094
PT/TB
I like the MP tool more for the tables to prep material to go in the clip, than the clip itself. They make it easy to fold cdc or other feathers over, and fold in dubbing, flash etc. with it. I have tried to make a replica out of cheaper stuff, like gluing several old fashioned clothes pins edge to edge, but it didn’t work very well. A bulldog works just fine if you’re only trying to capture one side of the feather, but the table is invaluable when using both sides.
Ran across this on another forum (posted by Silver Creek) …
Here are instructions for a home made Magic Tool.
You will need thick foam blocks (from a thick pair of foam sandals), an old credit card, and a set of bulldog paper clamps. Cut a straight slit in the foam blocks from end to end. The slit has to reach to both ends of the foam blocks to be able to release the fibers later.
Put the CDC fiber stems over the slit in the foam block and pull the fibers into the slit by their ends. If the plumes do not extend over the end of the block and cannot be pulled in, use the old credit card to push the CDC fiber stems into the slit.
Use the paper clamp in the place of the transparent Petitjean clamp to hold the end of the CDC plumes. Open the slit in the foam block to release the fibers and you are in business. The CDC fibers are lined up, cut off the stem(s) and place the fibers into the dubbing loop.
With this simple set of homemade and cheap bought tools you can do what the Magic Tool does. See the method below:
Flytying with CDC: Dubbing loop with cul de canard fibers
Might need to give this a try.
Hi Guys, thanks for the links to the Stonfo vids on the thread splitter ad the material clips. The clips are cheaper than the Pettijean clips but having to buy two of the same size bothers me. Now, in regards to the thread splitter, I learned something. Most of my threads are Uni 6/0 or 8/0 and according to the presenter/instructor their thread manufacturing process weaves the fibers together and therefore the threads can’t be un-twisted or flattened so as to facilitate splitting. If the Lord was listening in as I struggled with thread splitting, I think another 70-80 years has been tacked onto my time in purgatory. I am thinking now that the justification of saving my soul certainly warrants purchases of new threads , clips and maybe the thread splitter too.
Gerri
Try the thread first. utc70,veevus, and Bennecchi all split easily. Go to a fabric store and get the finest sewing needle you can find. It will easily split those threads without spending 30 bucks on a splitter.