I'm having problems that I don't remember from my very short tying exposure years ago. I tried tying some ants with hair I saved from a black squirrel. I am having a hard time getting the dubbing to stay on the line. Maybe I'm just out of practice. I've never used dubbing wax, does that help hold dubbing on the thread? Would it help to blend some synthetics in it? Thanks for any help.
dubbing help needed
- Thread starter fatoldman
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hooker-of-men
Well-known member
I use dubbing wax applied to the thread, and I find it does help. I will also sometimes wet my fingers (I just lick them) to slightly moisten the material, if it's being really uncooperative. This helps it to make a bit more of a noodle.
Some materials will still try to come off the thread, but a little coaxing with each turn usually works it out.
Some materials will still try to come off the thread, but a little coaxing with each turn usually works it out.
I just twist it onto the thread. If it's coming untwisted, twist it on again.. I've never used dubbing wax.
I've also never tried to dub with squirrel, so maybe that's your problem.
I've also never tried to dub with squirrel, so maybe that's your problem.
mt_flyfisher
Well-known member
Squirrel is harder to dub than many other furs, and you might find that using dubbing wax on the thread, wetting your fingers, and using a lesser amount of it when applying it to the thread will make it somewhat easier. You’ll find that softer fur, like rabbit, is much easier to dub.
One of my favorite furs of all that I used to use for fur bodied ants was black cat fur. However, a friend of mine’s dog got ahold of it one night and ate it, so I no longer have it. 😔
One of my favorite furs of all that I used to use for fur bodied ants was black cat fur. However, a friend of mine’s dog got ahold of it one night and ate it, so I no longer have it. 😔
Bamboozle
Well-known member
Make sure to get rid of as many of the squirrel guard hairs as possible and use a tacky way like BT's.
I finished the fly I was working on yesterday. I tried black yarn and it worked lots better. Thought about trying bow string wax but I'll wait and get dubbing wax from the fly shop. I'm really out of practice. I just tied two of the crappiest ants ever.
HoboWithAFlyRod
Member
A lot of times I’ll split the thread with a needle and put the dubbing in and twist it back up. That seems to secure the dubbing better so my noodle doesn’t separate from the thread while I’m wrapping it.
This is a cool tip. A dubbing loop could be used as well!
redietz
Well-known member
Squirrel is very hard to dub. I normally don't use dubbing wax, but might make an exception for squirrel. Either that, or a dubbing loop or split thread.
Bamboozle
Well-known member
Make sure if you want to split thread you aren't using bonded thread like Uni. It a pain to split properly...
That being said, I use a lot of course materials including Ice Dub as the thorax on my Tricos and a little Overton's or BT's Super Tacky is all I need to keep the dubbing in place when twist dubbing.
Loops & split thread works great too, but it increases the bulk and adds time to the process which is fine if you want the bulk and shagginess.
That being said, I use a lot of course materials including Ice Dub as the thorax on my Tricos and a little Overton's or BT's Super Tacky is all I need to keep the dubbing in place when twist dubbing.
Loops & split thread works great too, but it increases the bulk and adds time to the process which is fine if you want the bulk and shagginess.
Tigereye
Well-known member
You may be using too much. If the piece you pinch of to dub on the threads is too heavy to "float" in the air, it's probably too much.
Especially with longer hairs and some synthetics, think of "braiding" when applying. The goal being the wrap the fibers longitudinally around the thread, not horizontally. H opethat makes sense.
Especially with longer hairs and some synthetics, think of "braiding" when applying. The goal being the wrap the fibers longitudinally around the thread, not horizontally. H opethat makes sense.
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Nocktavius
Well-known member
I’m not saying this is scientific but I’ve found dubbing goes on better with the spit while I’m sipping on a nice 8-9% IPA.
Bamboozle
Well-known member
Good point...
If the OP might be trying to dub too much,
That's why I like wax. I wax the thread and press the dubbing along the thread.
What sticks, I twist...
