Fly Bench

[dtown]

The 10yr old has gotten into tying so built him this bench with some scraps from the garage/ shop. I’m not a Tyler but inevitably will get into it...

Didn’t see a thread on this, anyone have good ideas on a set up for desk/ bench/ storage?


Sent from my iPhone using TGR Forums

[::: :::]

I’m going to start tying...never done it

I got this book: The Benchside Introduction to Fly Tying
It has a fairly deep library of techniques and how tos; and a cool split page system where fly patterns are on the top half & the lower half of the page you can find the appropriate technique description
https://amatobooks.com/collections/f...im-schollmeyer

[Lostintime]

Haven't read the book I'm sure it's good. Learned all my fly tying from you tube.
Every pattern imaginable and fairly easy to tie with a decent vise.
After junking a cheap vise I replaced it with a renzetti.
A quality vise is key.

[dtown]

I’m going to start tying...never done it

I got this book: The Benchside Introduction to Fly Tying
It has a fairly deep library of techniques and how tos; and a cool split page system where fly patterns are on the top half & the lower half of the page you can find the appropriate technique description
https://amatobooks.com/collections/f...im-schollmeyer

Santa brought the kiddo this book, seems pretty good. He’s 10 so youtube is his teacher, he ties mostly streamers since we’re mostly on bass/ pike country. Some are pretty decent and creative and looking forward to flinging some of them around.


Sent from my iPhone using TGR Forums

[Underoos]

Move the vise to the front/center, and consider getting a vise with a pedestal instead of a clamp.

[dtown]

Move the vise to the front/center, and consider getting a vise with a pedestal instead of a clamp.

Thanks, it’s already on the front and he just puts it there for storage. He’s 10 and the vise is brand new...think I’ll give him some time before any future investments are made. So far he’s digging it.


Sent from my iPhone using TGR Forums

[::: :::]

Haha, sigh
Practice will be required

The quintessential first fly: San Juan Worm


Second first fly attempt: Brassie


2nd try on a smaller hook

[::: :::]

Bead head caddis ?

[Harry]

I will 2nd getting a base for the vice, vs clamp. Last year I enrolled in a winter fly tying class sat the local shop, and SFB kindly donated a shitton of gear and materials to me. Included was a high end vice that could be used either with a base or a clamp. Base was sooooo much easier. Then the class got shut down due to Covid....


Sent from my iPad using TGR Forums

[::: :::]

a class would be nice
someone watching you who would just say something minor but hugely corrective

[::: :::]

my eyes are really struggling with focusing on the thread wraps
something about the tiny bits at the hook contrasting with a far away background -- my eyes are straining -- then when I look away, it's hard to focus at other distances for a few seconds
i wonder if a screen or background behind the vice would help keep my eyes from struggling to maintain a near field of view


^^^ this one looks ok, but the wing is loose...need a lot more practice

[::: :::]

@dtown...to get back to your OP
is that arena-style organizer actually useful?
i’m realizing I’m going to want some way to keep stuff out but organized and not just spread over a table

[swimmy]

I've made a few changes since I took this photo but this is basically what I'm working with

[gretch6364]

That looks great Swimmy!

I just got my tying stuff back out for doing some patterns for the neighbor for Christmas.

I am honestly very focused with my tying and have the small stackable tots next to my desk. I have them organized so it is easy to open them up and then put everything away. One with hooks, one with tools and the vise, one with threads, etc.

This may not work for people that tie a lot of different flies. I just focus on all my small nymphing patterns and buy the rest from the local shop. It keeps me from spending a ton on material, but I also don’t buy $3 RS-2s or whatever. I am not committed enough to learn something like an Amy’s Ant or Green Drake and every time I tried stacking hair I made a mess and failed...lol

For tying 20 to 24s, I have really enjoyed my Regal Medallion vise with brass base and SS jaws:

https://www.tridentflyfishing.com/re...UaAt9VEALw_wcB

Had it for 15 years and it still works awesome.


Sent from my iPhone using TGR Forums

[dtown]

1) The boy is a month into this and really into it. The bench has 5 “trays” for hooks, beads, cone heads, etc that are usefully. Enough space for 25 spools and room for more if I want to add plus a few holes on the arms for tools. I like it because he can bring it to his buddies’ house so they can tie together. Going to set a more formal space like Swimmy, right now it’s in his room so he ties flies while going to school virtually.
2) He’s already asking for a rotary vice w/ a base, sounds like a bday present. Any recommendations from anyone?
3) Schultz Outfitters out of Ipsilanti, MI is doing virtual tying sessions that seem pretty solid, maybe not beginner lessons though. Great shop and good guys but being out of the Midwest, it’s mostly smallmouth and Great Lakes steelhead flies, which works for me being in Chicago area.


Sent from my iPhone using TGR Forums

[::: :::]

I’m using a Peak Fishing rotary
It’s not one of the top brands but it seems well made (USA) & it was <$170

[gretch6364]

Regal does a rotary vice....it is expensive though...but he would never need another vice in his lifetime.


Sent from my iPhone using TGR Forums

[::: :::]

Trying to get a #14 bead head hare’s ear going...

[swimmy]

Check out the Renzetti Traveler.

[gretch6364]

That hares ear will catch some fish!


Sent from my iPhone using TGR Forums

[::: :::]

Good to hear it passes a visual test
My lead up versions to that is like a “evolution of man” cartoon
loong way to go yet...keep practicing

i fucked up the herl wrap on a Brassie last night & just threw a hackle scrap on it...it is now a conflicted nymph

[swimmy]

Work in progress but she’s coming along. The live edge slab is a hemlock that was reclaimed out of the Columbia river where it was used as boom log back in the day. Epoxy and 4 coats of poly.

[::: :::]

Desktop looks great!

(What are the clippers for?)

[STLHD]

Work in progress but she’s coming along. The live edge slab is a hemlock that was reclaimed out of the Columbia river where it was used as boom log back in the day. Epoxy and 4 coats of poly.

Your desk makes my OCD brain very happy. Wish I had the space doe such a set up.


Sent from my iPad using TGR Forums

[swimmy]

Desktop looks great!

(What are the clippers for?)

Thanks. I use the clippers for trimming deer heads. You can use scissors but the clippers are a little more efficient.