Jim Smith’s article on making a trash trough is great…
it’s in Readers Cast
http://www.flyanglersonline.com/features/readerscast/rc515.php
I’ve had the opportunity now to use them in two places I tie and have to say I really like them better than the embroidery loops and plastic sack setups I was using for years.
Betty that is for your benefit.
Jim’s is a pretty neat sophisticated setup…but if anyone wants to go a more simple route…you can do what I did…having a section of plastic gutter laying around I cut them to length drilled some holes and hung them…about a 10 minute job:D:D:D…the open ends are no problem…in fact handy.
That’s really kewl!! Could even go so far as to put the end caps on, too! I like it, Ducky!!
I use a plastic kitchen garbage can (the kind that fit under the sink. I just line it with a plastic bag and position it under the vise. The great things about it are: 1. when tying at an event I can put most of the stuff that won’t fit in my portable box to carry. 2. It has a large opening and holds a lot. The opening is 10" x 13" and it stands 23 " tall. Just fits in front of my rolltop tying desk. Basically a giant wastrol. I line it with a bag because of all the junk/glues/epoxy sticks etc. that go in it. After 45 years of tying, it’s the best “junk catcher” I’ve ever come up with.
SweetS
The downside of a large trash container is when you drop something like a hook, a bead or heaven forbid, a completed fly into the trash container when it’s half full of clippings, it’s a bear to find them and many times you never do. The trash trough often acts like a back stop by catching dropped items before they hit the floor and they stay right where you can get them. The trash trough stays out of the way, is in the perfect position to drop in clippings etc, and it takes less than five seconds to clean it out when you want to. Just another idea to add to bench.
Jim Smith
Jim,
True that dropping a fly or hooks into the basket can be a problem IF you don’t have one of the mechanic’s pencil magnets. For me the convenience and size for carrying stuff outweighs the D*mn moments when I drop something. It’s also made me a little more careful.
SweetS
These things always get delicate…when we discuss our opinions…please remember SS’s we are “just saying”…
If my concern was transporting items …I’d just dedicate something for that purpose …
Jim put it well…
" The downside of a large trash container is when you drop something like a hook, a bead or heaven forbid, a completed fly into the trash container when it’s half full of clippings, it’s a bear to find them and many times you never do. The trash trough often acts like a back stop by catching dropped items before they hit the floor and they stay right where you can get them. The trash trough stays out of the way, is in the perfect position to drop in clippings etc, and it takes less than five seconds to clean it out when you want to. Just another idea to add to bench.
Jim Smith "
Since using the trough I’ve retrieved enough items to make me smile when I just pick them up…but I’m a glutz.
Anyway , Thanks Jim…and as you say just another idea…
ducksterman, your mind is in the gutter 
I like it. I’m going to have to make one.
SweetstreamS,
I completely agree that the mechanic’s magnet or a variation of one is a great tool to have in the tying room. My problem is that I use a fair amount of brass, tungston and glass beads and with the carpal tunnel symptoms I have, they always seem to find ways to slip out of my hands. As far as traveling with my fly tying equipment, I don’t do that enough to say so. I’ve tied at a couple of shows and you’re right, if I did it a lot, I would be looking for the easiest way to transport my stuff with the least hassle. I’m glad that you’ve worked out a system that works well for you and I’d love to watch you tie sometime if I’m ever up in your neck of the woods.
Jim Smith