Much of the next 20 years was, tragically, lacking in both casting and tying flies. Mrs. FA recently signed herself up for a refresher class and invited me to join her. Said class took place this past Tuesday night. The focus was not on creating a specific pattern, but rather some basic skills: starting, wrapping, and simple finishing. With no specific plan in mind, here's what I managed to produce.
 |
| Welcome to Minnesota. Skol, Vikings! |
We have another class next week. I'm looking forward to it! I think this will be an excellent pursuit while passing non-fishing time on camping trips. So now I want to solicit some input on equipment. I'm developing some grand plans for a portable kit that I can haul out on a picnic table, perhaps like this, from Guys, Flies, and Pies:
 |
| Closed up |
 |
| How cool is this? I've got some 75+ year old rough oak boards drying out in my barn right now |
But it all starts with a vise. They range in price from $12 to over $500. Confusing. So I'll start with some basic questions:
- I find myself attracted to a vise with weighted base, rather than a c-clamp. Seems like this would be quicker and easier to use across multiple locations and surfaces, and I don't anticipate having a dedicated "tying bench" or desk anytime soon. Thoughts?
- What 5 tools does a beginner who wants to tie soft hackle flies absolutely need?
- Mrs. FA and I stumbled across HMH vices on the Internet (OF COURSE the make a pink-accented model to benefit Casting for Recovery...) I'm infatuated by the Spartan model. Please tell me it's pure insanity (and also entirely unnecessary) for a rookie to covet a $200 vice. (And is it even a good one?)
 |
| Oooo... Shiny! |
What, you couldn't find any Broncos colors? Anyway, I have been using a Dyna King Kingfisher for a lot of years. It's the basic model, is only $125 and has only needed jaws replaced once in all the years I've owned it. Of course if I had a lot of money to spend I'd get a Peak vise. Most of all, you guys have fun.
ReplyDeleteWhen in class, you make the most of the materials that the instructor makes available. I guess. It's my first class.
DeleteThe Kingfisher looks similar to the HMH Spartan except the adjustable angle. Current retail on the Kingfisher is $175, so I guess $200 for the Spartan isn't out-of-line. *cough*
Chris, I new you would love it! What makes this a neat adventure is that your wife is supporting and participating in your love of fly fishing and fly tying. Here is some thoughts I have on your questions:
ReplyDelete1. The truths is that sometime in your fly tying journey you will decide that you want a permanent fly tying station at home to store the plethora of materials you will pick up while enjoying fly tying. So look forward to that! I have a vise with a "heavy" base, but, I also bought a C-Clamp to use with the vise so I have that option. Be sure to get a "heavy" base with your vise. Not all bases are the same and can get "tippy" during tying depending on what you might be trying to do. I learned this from past experience.
2. Vise, Bobbin with Ceramic insert, Scissors that fit your hand and are light weight, Hackle Plier, and very importantly, a good light that provides ease of hand/eye work.
3. Simply said, HMH Vises are very nice vises and have been around a long time. There are many other very nice vises, Regal, Renzetti, Dyna-King, Peak, etc, etc. All of these vises run in $150 - $250 price range. You can buy more expensive, but, I don't think they tie any better fly. You can also buy a less expensive vise. They are out there for sale. $50.00 can find you a vise to get started on while you learn. However, they are not as smooth and reliable as the $150 and up models. So it really depends on where you want to go with your tying in the future. If you get hooked, which I predict you will, you will eventually want a better vise if you begin with the less expensive models. So, do you want to buy a vise once and forget about it or go through the buying process twice! I use a Peak Rotary Vise made right here in Loveland, Colorado, has a lifetime warranty and costs $150.00 Excellent vise. Not affiliated with them in anyway, but, a lot of folks buy them. I also have a Regal vise and have had it for years. It is the bulldog of vises and has a nice warranty with it. Why do I need two. Who knows, I can only tie one fly at a time!
If I can help in any other way, I am here to shout at......
I've got plenty of potential space for a "permanent" home base for tying, someday. For now, I'm thinking portable and quick. But, as you say, it seems wise to have the option for both base and c-clamp.
DeleteThanks for the slim list of tools. After watching a few videos, that seems dead-on. And I appreciate the vise advice. When we were RV shopping back in 2014, we decided to skip the cheap travel trailer and "buy our second RV first" and went with the fifth-wheel. Good choice. I guess I won't feel bad about buying my second vice first. :)
As Mel stated, you can't go wrong with an HMH. And the spartan is a a vise that will last you a lifetime. I am partial to Regal, but they are personal choice and any of the top brands make a lifetime vise. Dynaking, HMH, Regal, Renzetti all are solid choices.
ReplyDeleteThere are only a handful of tools that will stay with you forever that will make the core of your tying kit: A bobbin (one to start with), a Materelli style Whip Finish tool, a Sheppards hook, Fine scissors, material scissors, Medium Hair Stacker, Bodkin, Hackle pliers.
Buy the best of those items that you can afford. They are all lifetime tools.
More to follow.
Correction, everything is lifetime aside from the scissors. :)
ReplyDeleteChris, A few more thoughts on the vise. In your case, I would avoid a avoid a vise with thumb-screw adjustments. It will not work in your favor. I would also not worry about rotary function, since t is a two handed application. Stick with a singe cam operated vise such as the Spartan, Dynaking Kingfisher or the Regal. If you get a Regal, stay with the stainless jaws. The Renzetti Traveler "cam version" is a solid vise.....but they are smaller cams, which might not work as well in the long run. I agree on the base vs C-clamp. However, having a C-clamp also when traveling is a good backup in some situations.
ReplyDeleteAh, this is just what the doctor ordered. I was wondering, but skeptical, about rotary vs. non-rotary. I'm also noticing a fairly-common denominator: the Regal. That lever and clutch setup just looks SLICK. After watching a couple of videos where the hook can be quickly and easily repositioned, it's very appealing. I like that the angle is adjustable and it can rotate. Thanks for pointing out the stainless head; makes good sense. The downside is that the stainless with with base is now north of $300. Then again, I think simple is probably best when it comes to dealing with dexterity and strength problems brought on by our favorite neurological disease. How much grip strength is needed to open the Regal?
DeleteI like what Ralph just said. I have some dexterity problems and I'm getting along ok with my Renzetti. But, Regal has been peaking my interest as of late.
ReplyDeleteHello and Welcome, RD! Happy to have you drop by (I'm a big fan!)
DeleteIs it the dexterity problems that are shifting your thoughts toward a Regal vice? Have you tried them?
I own a Regal vise so I will chip in here and also await a response from Ralph on your question. Remember folks, I have some Arthritis problems in my left hand. That hand would be the one that I am squeezing the lever to open the jaws with. I would answer by saying that Regal is a fairly tight unit and does require some grip strength to open the jaws. However, I have used a Regal for years and can still do it. So I am thinking that, Chris, both you and RD, can manage it. While the $300.00 stainless steel is of incredible value, I have tied for years on the model that I have which was the original Regal model. It has tied literally thousands of flies over the years. Still going strong and today costs around $165.00. Good luck and best wishes with what ever you decide.
ReplyDeleteMuch appreciated, Mel. The Great Waters Fly Expo is this weekend in Minneapolis. Mrs. Fading Angler and I are planning on spending some time there (I'm planning to spend A LOT of time there, but not sure my plans are approved yet), and I'm hoping to be able to see various vise options. It's not exactly a huge show. Should be able to ask questions of some of the experts doing tying demos...
DeleteMel is correct, the Regal uses a bit of grip. But I think that is offset a bit by the design because you grip the entire assembly for leverage. I recommend the stainless head for overall design, but like Mel, tied for more than 20 years with a Regal INEX modified to an aftermarket base.
ReplyDeleteNothing holds like a Regal in my opinion. And once used I feel they sell themselves. But it is a very personal choice.
Actually, just realized the Regal INEX is now the same head as the medallion. I would recommend getting that model. It comes with a Clamp only. Then look for a Bigfoot Base by Terra. $40. All under $200.
ReplyDeleteMakes a good amount of sense. And therein lies the fatal flaw!
DeleteGot my hands on a Traditional head with c-clamp last night at the shop where our class was held. It's definitely a small chore to pull that lever and open the jaws. Probaly hurts like hell if you have arthritis in your hands. But so darn handy! I see that one of the other big differences between the traditional and stainless head is that the stainless has a longer lever handle for more leverage and it's also bent for a better grip angle.
Sadly, I've always lacked the good sense to realize I should just stop at "good enough." ;)
Reserving judgement for now. The "Great Waters Expo" is a regional fly fishing show, being held in St. Paul this weekend. I'm going to prowl around there this weekend and probably stalk Eddie for a while. Perhaps some vises will be on display and in use.
Always want your vise to be as near to a final decision as possible. :)
ReplyDelete