Questions for Davy, or anyone else who has an opinion
Davy et al:
Two quick questions.
1) What sort of whip finish do you use? I know its not a materelli, but you mentioned at the time that all too often manufacturers reverse the tip. After wathing a Petitjean video, I have whip finish envy at how precisely the head can be laid down.
2) What type of head varnish do you use for your wet fly heads? I have a bottle of thinned hard head, which is ok, but was wondering if there was some other varnish worthwhile? Spar?
Thanks in advance, and if anyone else has thoughts, pros/cons etc, let me know.
Re: Questions for Davy, or anyone else who has an opinion
oK, I use the old English style which is a spring loaded tool.
And the reason l still prefer it is this.
I can place very accurate whips and also alter thread tension during the process.
Frank Marterelli then changed this to a rotating system, there after we saw the cheaper Asian versions from India, Pakistan, and China where most tools are made to day. Unless they are high end products.
The imported versions of the old English style are no use as the arms are bent in the wrong direction and do not allow easy thread control.
I will post a pic of the one l use, and have done for over 45 years.
Varnish.
Ok if l want high gloss heads for show flies than l would so this with lamination's of a very costly nail vanish called Super Shiny, its about $20 bucks a pop.
For my regular fishing flies l use hard as nails. Nail varnish is not as good if you use thinners such as acetone.
Cellire varnish is also good.
Matter of interest here, l always use two whips to my flies.
First is 2 whips and finish and then 3 and finish, its been a habit since my early days tying with silk threads.
Davy
Re: Questions for Davy, or anyone else who has an opinion
Davy, thanks - its the thread control I am after. Just wanted to know the correct direction or whatever brand is suitable. There are too many choices out there. thanks for the info on the varnishes - I've been using hard head, and its not cutting it. I too do two whips, usually three and then two, no head cement. I use wax, or nose grease for silk. Don't know why, perhaps too much self-instruction creating "abortions." Thanks for the advice, small stuff, but in flies, the devil is in the wee details.
Re: Questions for Davy, or anyone else who has an opinion
It was the tool you watched me use when you were here.
DW
