Anyone know a source for thin latex strips like the stuff they make
rubber gloves out of? I tried cutting a rubber glove into
strips for Czech nymph and other fly wingcases and it was a bear. I used scissors, the “pizza style” cutter that is a fabric cutter, razor blades and nothing worked to give
me even strips. I have been using plastic, but want to try the thin rubber.
SweetS
Try putting the latex between two sheets of paper, then use a razor blade or exact-o knife. If that doesn’t work…try sticking a piece of masking tape on one side. (the green or blue stuff) Peel the latex off when your done. I also use a ruler or old credit card to press down and keep the lines tight. If all else fails…if you can find a paper cutter…try that with the latex between the paper.
We Have the Late Joe Patotes AKA Ed Story of Feather Crafters ST Louis, MO to thank for the answer to your question, CONDOMS!
Fishin’ Jimmy
That’s what I love about FAOL!! Two great answers. Page 89 of my Feather
Crafter’s catalog. I should have looked there first. Too many catalogs.
I’m also gonna try the tape and cut. Sounds like a good idea to make good
on the rubber gloves I bought.
Thanks,
SweetS
Other options:
Clear ‘bathing suit elastic’: sold at fabric stores, you can color it with markers, cuts easier than latex gloves, comes in diferent widths (I always buy the 1/2 inch stuff and cut it). I like it better because it’s clear and even after you color it with a permanent marker you can still get some light penetration through it.
Best way to cut glove material: Cut a large piece and then wrap it around a toothpick…cut through all of it, including the toothpick, with a sharp single edge razor blade=clean edges, even widths.
Make your own: craft stores sell latex mold making material…it’s a thick liquid that you can spread onto a sheet of glass (mirror tile, even a teflon cookie sheet), let dry, then cut and peel off…make it as thin or thick as you like…it’s strong and stays flexible. Good way to make ‘curly tails’ or crawfish carapaces, etc. Colors well with markers. If you go to the local pharmacy they will give you an oral ‘dosing’ syringe if you ask for one…fill it with the material and squeeze out thin strips…fun stuff to play around with.
Good Luck!
Buddy
cut strips from a clear plastic baggie.
thats how it was done before the czech nymph craze
Ask your dentist for latex dental dam.
They use it to isolate a tooth when performing certain procedures. It is also available in silicone.
I used to use Latex for certain flies because it looks great, but after awhile the Latex deteriorates and the flies fall apart.
Try Jan Simans’ “Magic Shrimp Foil Strips” which you should be able to find with a google search. Easy to manage, variety of sizes, colors, and styles, and comes pre-cut and ready to use.
Perhaps I’m in the minority here, but I’d rather spend a few bucks and get exactly what I need so I can tie the fly and go fishing, than spend a lot of time searching around for some “budget” solution…
heres a place in the USA that sells the magic shrimp foil
http://www.flytyingspecialties.com/product_info.php?cPath=3&products_id=234