Cheap UV Light That Works

[Wrestlecoach3]

Finally bought some UV resin (Solarez) but couldn't bring myself to pay the price that the fly shop wanted for a curing light. Bought a cheapo light at Harbor Freight. After about 2 minutes the resin stiffens but is still sticky. Any advice on a reasonable light that works? Used E. Hille head cement since I started tying in 1986 then Hard as Nails for probably the last 10 years. Never had a problem and mostly tie old school. Son talked me into tight line nymphing last year and am trying to tie some of the new school nymphs. What the hell does perdigon mean? My guess is no soul. Don't know how many of these flies I'll need anyways as I don't know if my old shoulders are going to survive holding this 11' rod up at head level and recasting every 3 seconds. Tell my son it's fly fishing for people with ADD. Not very relaxing!

 

[turkey]

I came across a baetis nymph pattern a few months ago that called for a UV resin coating on the body. An acquaintance had given me several different tubes of Loon resin but I didn't have a light. Like you, I started investigating UV torches. As is not uncommon in fly tying, I ended up way down a rabbit hole pondering UV wavelengths and cheaper Amazon-sourced lights. In the end I ended up with a little Solarez starter kit that came with a small flashlight for about $13. It has worked as advertised and for the few times I've used it, I'm glad I didn't spend more.

 

[poopdeck]

Some people say any UV light works but, as you found out, this is not true. Solerez’s flashlight has a 385NM wavelength. I would look for a flashlight rated at 385NM. In the meantime. Set your Perdigon’s out in the sunlight to finish curing.

 

[nfrechet]

ive used this one for years with solarez bone dry resin. works great

$3.48 on temu

another good one

https://www.amazon.com/Waklyte-Flashlight-Ultraviolet-Blacklight-Detector/dp/B07D13KVZ4

 

[jifigz]

I bought a generic "black light" style UV torch from Amazon. It was like $5. It works beautifully. I don't tie with UV resin much, though.

 

[dudemanspecial]

I bought a generic "black light" style UV torch from Amazon. It was like $5. It works beautifully. I don't tie with UV resin much, though.

Same here. I bought all the stuff for it and still reach for the good ol Sally Hansons every time.

 

[jifigz]

Same here. I bought all the stuff for it and still reach for the good ol Sally Hansons every time.

I just got done coating a tinsel midge with wire wraps with Sally Hansen.. I'm sure it will work fine.

 

[afishinado]

Had the same problem, UV not curing and bought this UV light for ten bucks. It works great for all different brands of UV coating I've tried >

Tactical Fly Fisher Universal UV Resin Curing Light

If you're like me, then you've paid outrageous money for a "special" uv light to cure resin. And, if you are like me again, you were really mad when your super expensive UV light broke. Well, this light works just fine at curing the four different resins I've tried it on. It has 12 LEDs and...

tacticalflyfisher.com

 

[Wrestlecoach3]

Thanks for the replys. Maybe I'll catch more fish now if my flies don't smell like an asian nail parlor.

 

[Calico]

Perdigon is Spanish for pellet. Here is a link for a cheap pen light that works, also there are more uv light options on the site and a great place for euro nymphing materials. https://tacticalflyfisher.com/products/uv-curing-laser-pen

 

[Roofin' Trouter]

nail parlor.

I actually use a cheap UV nail lamp after hitting it for a few seconds with the little flashlight style UV torch. After that it goes from lamp to foam pad and then place foam pad under nail lamp. Hit the button and on to the next one. This process works for me.