| Bobbins
Because thread spools are different widths
and threads are different strengths, you
need to adjust your bobbins to get the
most out of your thread. A correctly adjusted
bobbin should feed thread with enough
resistance for thread tension but not
such much that the thread breaks. Clip
bobbins are the most common. They can
be adjusted by bending the arms in or
out until you have the correct amount
of pressure. Thread spools can also be
"palmed" with your fingertips
for more pressure. There are also adjustable
tension bobbins, which can be fine-tuned
for your thread. I recommend ceramic tip
or tube bobbins since thread won't groove
them, and the thread seems to feed out
of them with less friction.
Hair
Stackers
A stacker is
a tool which allows you to even the ends
of deer for spinning bugs or for making
wings. To use a stacker cut a clump of
hair, insert the tips down and rap the
tool on the table top. Gently pull the
barrel out of the tool and the ends of
the hair will be evenly matched and aligned.
Hackle
Pliers
Hackle pliers
are basically clips used to grab the ends
of feathers to allow you to turn the hackle
evenly. There are all kinds of hackle
pliers on the market. Frankly most of
them are pretty worthless. They don't
hold the hackle, they slip or they grab
so tight that they break the ends of the
hackle.
The Whip Finisher is one of the finest
fly tying tools ever made. This handy
tool is made out of brass and stainless
steel and will allow the fly tier to make
very neat and uniform heads by exact placement
and spacing of the tying thread. While
on the surface, this tool appears very
difficult to use, it really a very simple
and easy to use tool once you get the
hang of it.
Scissors
Finding a good
pair of scissors at a decent price is
like trying to find a needle in a hay
stack. You'll need a small, sharp pair
of scissors to clip and trim materials
as you tie. I recommend two pair,
one the more common scissors found around
the house for heavy duty work.
Beyond this
list, there are several tools you might
add - hackle guards, hackle gauges, and
lots more. Wait until your skill,
interest and need arises before you spend
the bucks. Check a good fly tying
supply catalog for sources and fly pattern
books on how to use these additional tools. |
