I agree on all but I do need whip finisher because for what I do for a living, there's not enough lotion or emery board on the planet to smooth my hands out, thanks for the video.
I've heard that from many and completely understand! I had a buddy who used to put adhesive on his fingers to create an even surface. Thanks for taking a moment to comment. To keep the fun going, please share this video with a few fly tying friends, thanks! Tim www.troutandfeather.com
I work with my hands every day working on cars, doing construction, repairing furniture... so they are pretty rough and all beat up. When I try finishing flies by hand the thread, regardless of how fine or coarse, always sticks to my fingers! It's just not feasible for me to try doing it without a whip finisher.🤷🏼♂️
Thanks Tim. I’ve been tying for over 40 years. Now I know deep in my soul that I’ve spent a lot of bucks on everything from vises to thread. (I’ve been very fortunate & thankful). I now know that I never “needed” the majority of most of my tools. My first vise was a Thompson A that I tied hundreds of flies on. Still have it but only look at it. Then came the new Regal. No rotary but a beautiful brass pedestal! Many years of use. Loved it. Then more, but I’ve settled on the Renzetti Master & hardly ever touch any other vise for ANY fly. Think I just might wear it out if I live long enough. Yep, bought that thread splitter a few years back. Never opened the package! Biggest expense with little use is the same vise I see you have on your desk. Won’t name it as it’s such high quality. Just can do without all the spinning & dedicated bobbins. Good quality basic tools work well & won’t let you down. But I do like the Rite bobbins and Mattarelli whip finisher. I’m done!
Hi David, and thanks for sharing as you've been invested in fly tying for some time, too. This video was definitely created to help others in deciding where to invest time and money. I hope I made it clear that the products I shared are quality...they're just not needed for my current tying style. As you know, that can change! Again, really appreciate the comments. Thanks! Tim www.troutandfeather.com
You don't even need a vise. I was taught by Alf Walker who was a British casting champion, and wrote a few books on fly fishing. True to his tradition he tied on his fingers, and it is easy, but I soon moved to a vise, mostly I would guess because that is what all the other tiers I knew did. But also, tying for production it was less tiring, and faster. But it is a good trick to pull, and a good backup skill. The basic trick is you throw in a half hitch every time you want to stop between steps, or hang off a pair of hackle pliers. Thanks Alf!
I am still a novice at fly tying. Alot of my work looks like crazy but it still catches fish. All you really need is some kind of vise. Hooks thread and materials for a fly. As well since I have poor eyesight a magnifying glass to see what I'm doing. Honestly I have tied flies on the river Bank pinching a pair of Vicegrips in my knees to make flies.
Thanks for the great comments, Justin, and I'd love to see a picture of you tying stream side like that!! ;-) Hope all is well. Tim www.troutandfeather.com
I agree with most of this.. I never even heard of a thread splitter. A whip finisher is a nice tool, makes it easier on small flies. I totally agree with the vice. 25 years a go I spent 125 for a pedestal rotary. I thought it was a lot at the time, but it has tied 100's of flies, From midge to 2/0 salt water. The 350$ model up would be nice, but a luxury, not a necessity.I just slightly bend the wire frame bodkin to adjust tension. I have used the same one for 30 years, no complaints.
Glad you agree on this, Jason, and appreciate your comments...but it's your turn: What other tool can you live without that I didn't mention? Thanks! Tim www.troutandfeather.com
@@TimCammisa good question! I have a small batch of tools that I use. So through years of trial and error, my go to tools are... Thread bobbin, two pairs of scissors, bodkin, fine tweezers, hackle pliers, whip finisher and a dubbing tool. Oh ya.. hair stacker. If I had to illuminate one of these... The hair stacker.. I rarely use it. But it does serve a purpose. Large saltwater flies I whip tie by hand, but on small flies the whip finisher works well.
Ha,ha, ha! Tim, that was a great video. I have every item you said, "You don't need." Some items were purchased over the last few years or decades. I did upgrade my Herter's vise fifteen or so years ago to a rotary D H Thompson Cobra. Funny, both companies have long departed the outdoor and fly fishing scene. When I purchased the DH Thompson vise, I called the Company and spoke directly with the design engineer. We had a nice discussion about that vise, as I recall. Don't think that can happen in our present work day / manufacturing environment. I have two whip finishers. I occasionally use them but have practiced your hand finishing technique enough that I now feel comfortable using it. Besides, it is cool to use that technique. Decades, I'm 74, before I owned a whip finisher, I would painstakingly wrap several loops of thread around the bodkin and hook, pass the tag end of the thread through the loops, grab the tag end and draw the loops on to the hook. Well, enough chatter. Keep the videos coming.
Great chatter, Bruce, and I really appreciate you taking the time to share! You're also right...hand whip finishing is COOL!! HA! I hope all is well with you and good to hear from you. Tim www.troutandfeather.com
About 5 pair of scissors. Several hackle pliers. Hackle guards the old metal ones, plastic straw works better. Never enough bobbins. Mis bodkins. Material clips. Thread holders. Needle threaded. Sinding the old Thompson to grandson
I'm glad to see the whip finisher on here. I have one but never figured out how to use it properly. The great Mo Bradley used the whip finish knot and I figured that out easily. Four half hitches also works fine.
I’ve been tying since highschool in late 60’s ! I learned on a $10 universal from Herters and tied thousands of flies on it . Have had a number of vises since then. Finally settled on 2 for the last 10 years or so, a Renzetti Master and the Regal Revolution. For me certain flies are easier on these. I like tying my big bass , pike n musky flies on the regal and smaller trout flies like dries , midges and the like on Renzetti . Just my preference. Do I need them, no ! I could still tie on that $10 universal vise. Lot easier and faster on my vises of today. Rite bobbins are my favorite too . Especially the mag bobbins, really crank down on the thread pressure for spinning deer hair , ceramic tubes are a necessity for GSP thread . Most new tools you can get by without , but a lot do make life easier .
Hi Ted, thanks so much for sharing...crazy you've been tying for nearly 60 years! Tying has sure changed, yet our goal is the same: Have fun at the bench and design something to fool a fish. I would love to see your creations sometime. Thanks again! Tim www.troutandfeather.com
Ha... I kept thinking "whip finish tool" but figured it wouldn't make it😂 I learned to tie without one and only recently decided to try it after picking up fly tying again. I have way better control doing it by hand. I've been using it just because I have it now, but I'm not sold.
Ha, Matt, now that's too easy of an answer. Here's what I think...it's your turn to make a video and share 5 tools that you can live without. Up for the challenge? ;-) Tim www.troutandfeather.com
@@TimCammisa Heck yeah, I'm up for the challenge! I could probably come up with 20 tools I could live without. :-) Okay, maybe not 20, but I have drawers full of junk I haven't touched in years. Okay, I'm adding this topic to my to-do list. 👍
I've been tying for over 25 years, I always use the whip finishing tool. Davie McPhail uses one and he's been tying for well over 30 years. The fly fishing community has a lot of big egos that have made a career of fly fishing shows and tying demos. The "money shot" for most of them is the "hand" whip finish. I think they think that folks will think that they are Lee Wulff (who by the way, never even used a vise to tie his flies). I agree with you that the rest are probably not needed. few things that you forgot were; The hair comb, expensive head cement, special hackle "clips", expensive hooks, plastic molded nymph legs, gallows tool, material holding spring, and razor blade holder.
Thanks for the comments, David, especially sharing some additional item.. I do use my material spring constantly, and also prefer hackle pliers with a spring. When it comes to smaller hooks, I opt for quality, as some lesser ones have bent out on fish, so we may disagree on that one. The whip finishing tool, interesting thoughts. I've tied for 32 years, without that tool for 30 of them. Now I do demos at fly fishing shows...without that tool. That's not as a "money shot," but as the way I tie personally. ;-) As mentioned in the video, the great thing is that each of us have our own list, which is what I love about fly tying. Thanks again! Tim www.troutandfeather.com
@@TimCammisa Yes. For tiny patterns on the thread before the whip finish, for bigger flies directly on the head, for streamers often super glue first. Oftenly hard as nails and the like, sometimes real head cement.
Tim, I have probably watched each of your videos several times and have watched your video about the vise. I try to tie a dozen flies a week. The most important features of a vise, in my opinion, are: 1. Hook holding strength. If the hook slides or pops out, the vise is useless. 2. Adjustable vise angle. The vise needs to be positioned correctly to allow the person to have a comfortable hand position. side angle alongbecause straddling 2 tables which
I completely understand, Joseph, and it's essential for many. Is there another tool that you can definitely live without? Thanks for taking a moment to comment and Happy Thanksgiving! Tim www.troutandfeather.com
"Thread splitter?" Ha! I didn't even know they existed! As for the whip finisher, Tim, I'm guessing you only have one thumb on each hand. I hand whip occasionally, but I better keep mine.
Good video Tim! I am somewhat minimalist but I do use a home made whip finish tool most of the time. My hands are relatively large and my skin is rough on the thread. Also, I think thread placement is more accurate with the tool. There are dozens of other tying and fishing tools on the market that probably do not perform up to expectations but I don't know for sure because I don't try them.
Hi Allen and thanks for the kind words. I know many who prefer a whip finisher...but not me. ;-) So it sounds like you have some tools you do use, what's one you know of that you don't feel a need for? Thanks! Tim www.troutandfeather.com
All but the whip finisher. For years I whip finished using fingers (note not half hitch finish).... Once I purchased the whip finisher....heads became much neater.
Well, you didn't go after my Swiss Clip and Multi Spinner tool. You are right about bobbins, I have been tying with a Tiemco Bobbin that I bought more than 30 years ago. But I still have a couple of Rite bobbins. On the other hand, as fly tyers, we could all use More Cowbell!!
Ha ha, sorry to disappoint?!? But you probably know what I'm going to say: They're not used on my bench much. Do you use them for many patterns? I'd love to see if they have a place amongst my other tools, so if you use them a lot, I'd love to hear more. Thanks, as always...and more cowbell, YES! ;-) Tim www.troutandfeather.com
Tim, great video. I agree with everything you said, but with the exception of the vice. When I first learned to tie, I had the really cheap vice that came in the cabellas starter kit. It barely worked. And I did not enjoy tying on it. I got a chance to use a better vice that a friend had, and realized that most of the displeasure with tying was the vice I as using. I did my research and decided I wanted a norvice. Best investment I’ve ever made in this hobby. I was deeply saddened to learn of norm norlanders passing. A great guy and the maker of a great product. The customer experience was top notch. I hope the new owners of Norvice keep with the same quality and customer service that norm provided. Any way thanks for another great video
Hi Shad, I appreciate your comments. I think I know all about that first vise you owned...they're not enjoyable! Glad you find a vise that suits your style and are having fun with it! Tim www.troutandfeather.com
Great advice, Tim! This is so true for a beginner, except maybe the whip finish tool. With intermediate skills, I do both, but early on that whip finisher was valuable.
Same here. I can whip finish by hand, but I'm much neater with a tool and it doesn't take but a couple seconds more. So do I "need" it? Not really. But I definitely want it. 😃
You're absolutely correct, Charles...but this is my list. You know what I'm going to say: What are some tools you can live without? Thanks for taking a moment to comment. Tim www.troutandfeather.com
I have to agree with Charles on that. The whip finisher is a great tool, I use it all of the time, although I sometimes tie off with my fingers when the situation may arise.
Yeah, that doesn't sounds very good! Thankfully you've figured it out, so what else have you gotten rid of since the beginning? Tim www.troutandfeather.com
I was surprised to see your first fly tying vise. I have the exact same vise, same color and all, and used it for over 30 years. It still works fine. It is a good basic vice. I now have 5 different vices and have retired that first vise..
Wow, John, that's super cool! I still tie on it occasionally and enjoy doing so...but I still remember wanting to upgrade SO BAD!! :-) So what are your top 5 vises? Tim www.troutandfeather.com
@@TimCammisa I haven't used my original vise since I upgraded but I keep it around because it is still fully functional. I've got a couple of vises that did not perform as hoped, so I won't mention them. I'll give you my top 3 vises, and choice for what vise I would add.....My first choice is a tie between the Renzetti Traveller and the Regal Medallion. I'd have to say, I use the Renzetti more often than the Regal but I really like both of them. The rotary feature of the Renzetti makes it more useful for most tying. I use the rotary function for wrapping materials much more often than what you see in most tying videos. On the other hand, I like the ease of adjusting the angle of the jaws on the Regal. My number 3 vise is an API Spartan Mini vise. Mine came with 3 interchangable jaws. It is an earlier 2/3 size version of the HMH Spartan vise. It is a high quality, well made vise. As for an addition vise, if I could justify the expense, I'd want to pick up a Dyna-King Ultimate Indexer vise.
Sounds like you've figured out a way to secure flies, Rick, and that awesome! I appreciate the support of my videos, and please keep the fun going by sharing this one with a few friends. Tim www.troutandfeather.com
Ha! The difference between men and boys is the price of their toys! The tools may not be needed but make the hobby more enjoyable or easier to complete various tasks.I won't be tossing my tension bobbins and whip finish tools anytime soon.
I'm choosy about my bobbin because I paid 50 bucks 🇨🇦$ for a tension bobbin that doesn't hold tension. I do have a nice one that does but most of the time I just use a cheap one. I do need a whip finisher! See comment above. Ok, if I was really stuck I would know how. Awesome video Tim.
Thanks for the thoughts, Deb, and I know what you mean about bobbins and being choosy! So spill the beans...which bobbin do you use and prefer? Thanks! Tim www.troutandfeather.com
@@TimCammisa I prefer my Raidzap bobbin! Just like the way it feels and it holds tension nicely. I have fairly severe arthritis in my hands and this has been the most comfortable one I have used so far.
Must confess that my tension control bobbin makes tying way less aggravating because one of my biggest pet peeves is the thread coming loose and getting wrapped around the leg on a standard bobbin. I only have them for my most used threads though. Everything else gets a cheapo.
I know exactly what you mean, Pizza, thanks for sharing! I have a bunch of bobbins at every price point, yet there are some days that the "cheapy" is the one I grab...just because. Appreciate your comments and hope to hear more from you on my channel. Tim www.troutandfeather.com
Why would you throw out a whip finisher. If you have it, use it. Finishing flies by hand can nick the thread and really depends on the thread and how precise youre trying to get your lay
@@TimCammisa I am not super familiar with different types of thread. The silky flat thread I use for trout flies catches on any imperfection on your skin and nail and splits the thread. Not usually an issue, but intentionally rolling across it can cut it. This is the type where when you release tension it slinkies up and expands into what looks more like cotton. With regular braided thread types (the type that stays looking like thread when you release pressure) it is less of an issue as there are not a ton of microscopic strands ready to catch on skin
Do I have to get rid of my Materally wipp finisher Frank Materally gave me on the buffalo ford in Yellowstone!? 🤷🏻♂️😂 He was a real nice man he sent us all kinds of tools and material for T.U. tying classes !
Whoa, Tim, no one said to get rid of THAT whip finisher! Such a cool story for sure, and if you ever get rid of it, I be sure to check with me first. I'm curious, how was he as a fly fisher? Tim www.troutandfeather.com
Hi Jim and thanks for your comments. Let's take this a step further, are there tools that you think are unneeded for a beginner, but may really be beneficial for an intermediate tier? Thanks for the thought! Tim www.troutandfeather.com
@@TimCammisa Hi Tim. First of all many thinks for your videos - very instructive and useful. Perhaps the way to approach this issue is from the other end, which is what tools does a beginner need. Certainly an inexpensive vise, a simple bobbin holder and a scissor. With hooks and thread and perhaps a few beads simple nymphs can be produced. This issue might make for an interesting video for beginners to view.
I've tied flies for a while and have extremely rough hands. I cannot dub without a dubbing tool as the material clings to my fingers instead of thread, even wax is no help. When I try to hand whip the thread frequently gets shredded. In fact I have to use other tools than my smooth skinned brethren tires would scoff at. So I think your "get rid of these useless things" is a touch off base with a touch of tunnel vision tossed in.
Hi G.R., and as mentioned in the video, this was my list. More importantly, I would love to hear from others, such as yourself, as to what tools you can live without. Is there one that may be common on other benches but not your own? Thanks! Tim www.troutandfeather.com
@@TimCammisa I live without most, I have a pick, dubbing tool, whipping tool, scissors, hackle pliers, half a dozen bobbins, and forceps. Tying for 4-5 years, if I find a pattern that I need to handle the thread, I look for something else. It is too frustrating to tie with file-like fingers. Of course I will never be in a world tying championship either and only occasionally do I have to net and revive a fish from dying of laughter at my creations.
Unless you are a commercial fly tyer, you do not need "consistency". If you opened my fly box you would be hard pressed to find any two that looked identical. Pay attention to the real thing and you will see the same thing, inconsistency in the natural world especially regarding delicate bugs that rarely look like clones.
Hi Johnny, thanks for taking a moment to comment. Those are two fun words, aren't they? So tell me, are there any tools you don't need? Tim www.troutandfeather.com
Good catch, Matthew! That video has been filmed and will be edited soon. In the meantime, thanks for supporting my channel. Please continue the fun by sharing this video with a few friends that tie. Thanks again! Tim www.troutandfeather.com
Thanks for mentioning vises, TJ, as there are MANY great ones out there! Have you checked out my vise video yet? ua-cam.com/video/zZU3znK_hOM/v-deo.html Would love to hear your thoughts on what you look for in a vise. Thanks! Tim
@@TimCammisa I've been tying flies for over 40 years so I've probably tried just about everything. Mostly trout flies and some deer hair bugs. My three favorites are wooly buggers, wooly buggers and wooly buggers. Also humpies, stimulators and prince nymphs.
Here's something you ABSOLUTELY need, my book on fly tying! www.troutandfeather.com/new-products/fly-tying-for-everyone-book
I agree on all but I do need whip finisher because for what I do for a living, there's not enough lotion or emery board on the planet to smooth my hands out, thanks for the video.
Same here and I can't stand that feeling of the thread on my hands especially Nanosilk I fray it.
Yep, I use a whip finisher for the exact same reason. Thread catching on my skin. Looks cool to not use one, but I will stick with it.
I've heard that from many and completely understand! I had a buddy who used to put adhesive on his fingers to create an even surface. Thanks for taking a moment to comment. To keep the fun going, please share this video with a few fly tying friends, thanks! Tim www.troutandfeather.com
Thanks for the reply, Jim! Looks cool? Hmmm, you're right, it does! But it also saves time during the process. Tim
I work with my hands every day working on cars, doing construction, repairing furniture... so they are pretty rough and all beat up. When I try finishing flies by hand the thread, regardless of how fine or coarse, always sticks to my fingers! It's just not feasible for me to try doing it without a whip finisher.🤷🏼♂️
Thanks Tim. I’ve been tying for over 40 years. Now I know deep in my soul that I’ve spent a lot of bucks on everything from vises to thread. (I’ve been very fortunate & thankful). I now know that I never “needed” the majority of most of my tools. My first vise was a Thompson A that I tied hundreds of flies on. Still have it but only look at it. Then came the new Regal. No rotary but a beautiful brass pedestal! Many years of use. Loved it. Then more, but I’ve settled on the Renzetti Master & hardly ever touch any other vise for ANY fly. Think I just might wear it out if I live long enough. Yep, bought that thread splitter a few years back. Never opened the package! Biggest expense with little use is the same vise I see you have on your desk. Won’t name it as it’s such high quality. Just can do without all the spinning & dedicated bobbins. Good quality basic tools work well & won’t let you down. But I do like the Rite bobbins and Mattarelli whip finisher. I’m done!
Hi David, and thanks for sharing as you've been invested in fly tying for some time, too. This video was definitely created to help others in deciding where to invest time and money. I hope I made it clear that the products I shared are quality...they're just not needed for my current tying style. As you know, that can change! Again, really appreciate the comments. Thanks! Tim www.troutandfeather.com
You don't even need a vise. I was taught by Alf Walker who was a British casting champion, and wrote a few books on fly fishing. True to his tradition he tied on his fingers, and it is easy, but I soon moved to a vise, mostly I would guess because that is what all the other tiers I knew did. But also, tying for production it was less tiring, and faster. But it is a good trick to pull, and a good backup skill. The basic trick is you throw in a half hitch every time you want to stop between steps, or hang off a pair of hackle pliers.
Thanks Alf!
Thanks for another Great helpful video , going to try the finger finish , but just learned the whip finisher LOL
Ha, John, you're on the right track! So how long have you been tying for? Tim www.troutandfeather.com
@@TimCammisa Thanks. Just started about a few weeks ago, Tied about 3-4 flies so far, learning something new every time 👍, think I need your Book 👍
I am still a novice at fly tying. Alot of my work looks like crazy but it still catches fish.
All you really need is some kind of vise. Hooks thread and materials for a fly. As well since I have poor eyesight a magnifying glass to see what I'm doing.
Honestly I have tied flies on the river Bank pinching a pair of Vicegrips in my knees to make flies.
Thanks for the great comments, Justin, and I'd love to see a picture of you tying stream side like that!! ;-) Hope all is well. Tim www.troutandfeather.com
I agree with most of this.. I never even heard of a thread splitter. A whip finisher is a nice tool, makes it easier on small flies. I totally agree with the vice. 25 years a go I spent 125 for a pedestal rotary. I thought it was a lot at the time, but it has tied 100's of flies, From midge to 2/0 salt water. The 350$ model up would be nice, but a luxury, not a necessity.I just slightly bend the wire frame bodkin to adjust tension. I have used the same one for 30 years, no complaints.
Glad you agree on this, Jason, and appreciate your comments...but it's your turn: What other tool can you live without that I didn't mention? Thanks! Tim www.troutandfeather.com
@@TimCammisa good question! I have a small batch of tools that I use. So through years of trial and error, my go to tools are... Thread bobbin, two pairs of scissors, bodkin, fine tweezers, hackle pliers, whip finisher and a dubbing tool. Oh ya.. hair stacker. If I had to illuminate one of these... The hair stacker.. I rarely use it. But it does serve a purpose. Large saltwater flies I whip tie by hand, but on small flies the whip finisher works well.
Ha,ha, ha! Tim, that was a great video. I have every item you said, "You don't need." Some items were purchased over the last few years or decades. I did upgrade my Herter's vise fifteen or so years ago to a rotary D H Thompson Cobra. Funny, both companies have long departed the outdoor and fly fishing scene. When I purchased the DH Thompson vise, I called the Company and spoke directly with the design engineer. We had a nice discussion about that vise, as I recall. Don't think that can happen in our present work day / manufacturing environment. I have two whip finishers. I occasionally use them but have practiced your hand finishing technique enough that I now feel comfortable using it. Besides, it is cool to use that technique. Decades, I'm 74, before I owned a whip finisher, I would painstakingly wrap several loops of thread around the bodkin and hook, pass the tag end of the thread through the loops, grab the tag end and draw the loops on to the hook. Well, enough chatter. Keep the videos coming.
Great chatter, Bruce, and I really appreciate you taking the time to share! You're also right...hand whip finishing is COOL!! HA! I hope all is well with you and good to hear from you. Tim www.troutandfeather.com
Still have my Thompson. I've tied for 60 years, and never use any of the five you point out (I do have them). Lots of other stuff I never use.
Thanks for sharing, Pete! I'm curious since you've been tying for 60 years, what's another tool you don't use? Thanks! Tim www.troutandfeather.com
About 5 pair of scissors. Several hackle pliers. Hackle guards the old metal ones, plastic straw works better. Never enough bobbins. Mis bodkins. Material clips. Thread holders. Needle threaded. Sinding the old Thompson to grandson
I'm glad to see the whip finisher on here. I have one but never figured out how to use it properly. The great Mo Bradley used the whip finish knot and I figured that out easily. Four half hitches also works fine.
Lots of great options to finish a fly...even super glue and a half-hitch works wonders! ;-) Tim www.troutandfeather.com
right on Tim. Still using may 1970 vintage Thompson Model A vise. I agree with all your points.
I’ve been tying since highschool in late 60’s ! I learned on a $10 universal from Herters and tied thousands of flies on it . Have had a number of vises since then. Finally settled on 2 for the last 10 years or so, a Renzetti Master and the Regal Revolution. For me certain flies are easier on these. I like tying my big bass , pike n musky flies on the regal and smaller trout flies like dries , midges and the like on Renzetti . Just my preference. Do I need them, no ! I could still tie on that $10 universal vise. Lot easier and faster on my vises of today. Rite bobbins are my favorite too . Especially the mag bobbins, really crank down on the thread pressure for spinning deer hair , ceramic tubes are a necessity for GSP thread . Most new tools you can get by without , but a lot do make life easier .
Hi Ted, thanks so much for sharing...crazy you've been tying for nearly 60 years! Tying has sure changed, yet our goal is the same: Have fun at the bench and design something to fool a fish. I would love to see your creations sometime. Thanks again! Tim www.troutandfeather.com
Ha... I kept thinking "whip finish tool" but figured it wouldn't make it😂 I learned to tie without one and only recently decided to try it after picking up fly tying again. I have way better control doing it by hand. I've been using it just because I have it now, but I'm not sold.
Ha ha, that darn whip finishing tool! ;-) This is just fly tying...you can use any tying tools you want! Tim www.troutandfeather.com
Nice video Tim, but I've never been accused of only buying what I truly need. 😃
Ha, Matt, now that's too easy of an answer. Here's what I think...it's your turn to make a video and share 5 tools that you can live without. Up for the challenge? ;-) Tim www.troutandfeather.com
@@TimCammisa Heck yeah, I'm up for the challenge! I could probably come up with 20 tools I could live without. :-) Okay, maybe not 20, but I have drawers full of junk I haven't touched in years. Okay, I'm adding this topic to my to-do list. 👍
I've been tying for over 25 years, I always use the whip finishing tool. Davie McPhail uses one and he's been tying for well over 30 years. The fly fishing community has a lot of big egos that have made a career of fly fishing shows and tying demos. The "money shot" for most of them is the "hand" whip finish. I think they think that folks will think that they are Lee Wulff (who by the way, never even used a vise to tie his flies). I agree with you that the rest are probably not needed. few things that you forgot were; The hair comb, expensive head cement, special hackle "clips", expensive hooks, plastic molded nymph legs, gallows tool, material holding spring, and razor blade holder.
Thanks for the comments, David, especially sharing some additional item.. I do use my material spring constantly, and also prefer hackle pliers with a spring. When it comes to smaller hooks, I opt for quality, as some lesser ones have bent out on fish, so we may disagree on that one. The whip finishing tool, interesting thoughts. I've tied for 32 years, without that tool for 30 of them. Now I do demos at fly fishing shows...without that tool. That's not as a "money shot," but as the way I tie personally. ;-) As mentioned in the video, the great thing is that each of us have our own list, which is what I love about fly tying. Thanks again! Tim www.troutandfeather.com
As long as Davie uses a whip finisher I use one as well.
Hi Norbert and thanks for your thoughts. So I'm curious, do you use any cements or adhesives when you finish patterns? Tim www.troutandfeather.com
@@TimCammisa Yes. For tiny patterns on the thread before the whip finish, for bigger flies directly on the head, for streamers often super glue first. Oftenly hard as nails and the like, sometimes real head cement.
Tim, I have probably watched each of your videos several times and have watched your video about the vise. I try to tie a dozen flies a week. The most important features of a vise, in my opinion, are:
1. Hook holding strength. If the hook slides or pops out, the vise is useless.
2. Adjustable vise angle. The vise needs to be positioned correctly to allow the person to have a comfortable hand position.
side
angle alongbecause
straddling 2 tables which
Thanks for the vise comments, TJ, and for sure they better complete their most important task: Hold a hook securely! Tim www.troutandfeather.com
A whip finisher is a necessity for me because I have had my hands frostbiten and they are stiff
I completely understand, Joseph, and it's essential for many. Is there another tool that you can definitely live without? Thanks for taking a moment to comment and Happy Thanksgiving! Tim www.troutandfeather.com
I agree on everything except the bobbin, the whip finish tool and a good vice.
Glad we agree on a few things, S C! ;-) So what are 5 things you don't need? Tim www.troutandfeather.com
"Thread splitter?" Ha! I didn't even know they existed! As for the whip finisher, Tim, I'm guessing you only have one thumb on each hand. I hand whip occasionally, but I better keep mine.
Thanks for taking a moment to comment, James. So which tools do you own that have been collecting dust? Tim www.troutandfeather.com
Good video Tim! I am somewhat minimalist but I do use a home made whip finish tool most of the time. My hands are relatively large and my skin is rough on the thread. Also, I think thread placement is more accurate with the tool. There are dozens of other tying and fishing tools on the market that probably do not perform up to expectations but I don't know for sure because I don't try them.
Hi Allen and thanks for the kind words. I know many who prefer a whip finisher...but not me. ;-) So it sounds like you have some tools you do use, what's one you know of that you don't feel a need for? Thanks! Tim www.troutandfeather.com
All but the whip finisher. For years I whip finished using fingers (note not half hitch finish).... Once I purchased the whip finisher....heads became much neater.
So you're saying I should start using mine again?!? ;-) Tim www.troutandfeather.com
Well, you didn't go after my Swiss Clip and Multi Spinner tool. You are right about bobbins, I have been tying with a Tiemco Bobbin that I bought more than 30 years ago. But I still have a couple of Rite bobbins. On the other hand, as fly tyers, we could all use More Cowbell!!
Ha ha, sorry to disappoint?!? But you probably know what I'm going to say: They're not used on my bench much. Do you use them for many patterns? I'd love to see if they have a place amongst my other tools, so if you use them a lot, I'd love to hear more. Thanks, as always...and more cowbell, YES! ;-) Tim www.troutandfeather.com
Tim, great video. I agree with everything you said, but with the exception of the vice. When I first learned to tie, I had the really cheap vice that came in the cabellas starter kit. It barely worked. And I did not enjoy tying on it. I got a chance to use a better vice that a friend had, and realized that most of the displeasure with tying was the vice I as using. I did my research and decided I wanted a norvice. Best investment I’ve ever made in this hobby. I was deeply saddened to learn of norm norlanders passing. A great guy and the maker of a great product. The customer experience was top notch. I hope the new owners of Norvice keep with the same quality and customer service that norm provided. Any way thanks for another great video
Hi Shad, I appreciate your comments. I think I know all about that first vise you owned...they're not enjoyable! Glad you find a vise that suits your style and are having fun with it! Tim www.troutandfeather.com
Great advice, Tim! This is so true for a beginner, except maybe the whip finish tool. With
intermediate skills, I do both, but early on that whip finisher was valuable.
Same here. I can whip finish by hand, but I'm much neater with a tool and it doesn't take but a couple seconds more. So do I "need" it? Not really. But I definitely want it. 😃
You're absolutely correct, Charles...but this is my list. You know what I'm going to say: What are some tools you can live without? Thanks for taking a moment to comment. Tim www.troutandfeather.com
I have to agree with Charles on that. The whip finisher is a great tool, I use it all of the time, although I sometimes tie off with my fingers when the situation may arise.
@@SavageFlies I really enjoy your channel. Great fly patterns, and tying techniques. I keep your channel on my favorites list.
My first vise was from walmart, it was very light, would tip over and could barely hold the hook. Now I know better lol.
Yeah, that doesn't sounds very good! Thankfully you've figured it out, so what else have you gotten rid of since the beginning? Tim www.troutandfeather.com
@@TimCammisa everything haha I bought it all from Walmart when I was 12. Now I'm mid 30's and can afford quality.
I was surprised to see your first fly tying vise. I have the exact same vise, same color and all, and used it for over 30 years. It still works fine. It is a good basic vice. I now have 5 different vices and have retired that first vise..
Wow, John, that's super cool! I still tie on it occasionally and enjoy doing so...but I still remember wanting to upgrade SO BAD!! :-) So what are your top 5 vises? Tim www.troutandfeather.com
@@TimCammisa I haven't used my original vise since I upgraded but I keep it around because it is still fully functional. I've got a couple of vises that did not perform as hoped, so I won't mention them.
I'll give you my top 3 vises, and choice for what vise I would add.....My first choice is a tie between the Renzetti Traveller and the Regal Medallion. I'd have to say, I use the Renzetti more often than the Regal but I really like both of them. The rotary feature of the Renzetti makes it more useful for most tying. I use the rotary function for wrapping materials much more often than what you see in most tying videos. On the other hand, I like the ease of adjusting the angle of the jaws on the Regal.
My number 3 vise is an API Spartan Mini vise. Mine came with 3 interchangable jaws. It is an earlier 2/3 size version of the HMH Spartan vise. It is a high quality, well made vise.
As for an addition vise, if I could justify the expense, I'd want to pick up a Dyna-King Ultimate Indexer vise.
I have never been able to figure out a whip finisher. Learned to finish flies using the finger whip finish.
Sounds like you've figured out a way to secure flies, Rick, and that awesome! I appreciate the support of my videos, and please keep the fun going by sharing this one with a few friends. Tim www.troutandfeather.com
Great video brother!
Thanks for the kind words, Chas! All good on your end? Tim www.troutandfeather.com
Thanks for sharing
You got it, George! So are there any things that you would add to the list? Tim www.troutandfeather.com
Ha! The difference between men and boys is the price of their toys! The tools may not be needed but make the hobby more enjoyable or easier to complete various tasks.I won't be tossing my tension bobbins and whip finish tools anytime soon.
Ha ha, John, as I mentioned in the video, this was my list. So tell me, which items do you own that are no longer needed? Tim www.troutandfeather.com
I'm choosy about my bobbin because I paid 50 bucks 🇨🇦$ for a tension bobbin that doesn't hold tension. I do have a nice one that does but most of the time I just use a cheap one.
I do need a whip finisher! See comment above. Ok, if I was really stuck I would know how.
Awesome video Tim.
Thanks for the thoughts, Deb, and I know what you mean about bobbins and being choosy! So spill the beans...which bobbin do you use and prefer? Thanks! Tim www.troutandfeather.com
@@TimCammisa I prefer my Raidzap bobbin! Just like the way it feels and it holds tension nicely. I have fairly severe arthritis in my hands and this has been the most comfortable one I have used so far.
Must confess that my tension control bobbin makes tying way less aggravating because one of my biggest pet peeves is the thread coming loose and getting wrapped around the leg on a standard bobbin. I only have them for my most used threads though. Everything else gets a cheapo.
I know exactly what you mean, Pizza, thanks for sharing! I have a bunch of bobbins at every price point, yet there are some days that the "cheapy" is the one I grab...just because. Appreciate your comments and hope to hear more from you on my channel. Tim www.troutandfeather.com
Why would you throw out a whip finisher. If you have it, use it. Finishing flies by hand can nick the thread and really depends on the thread and how precise youre trying to get your lay
Thanks for the comments, and you're welcome to my whip finisher. ;-) Tim www.troutandfeather.com
@@TimCammisa I am not super familiar with different types of thread. The silky flat thread I use for trout flies catches on any imperfection on your skin and nail and splits the thread. Not usually an issue, but intentionally rolling across it can cut it. This is the type where when you release tension it slinkies up and expands into what looks more like cotton. With regular braided thread types (the type that stays looking like thread when you release pressure) it is less of an issue as there are not a ton of microscopic strands ready to catch on skin
I totally agree with what you say here.great information them thank you.
You're welcome, Mike, thanks! So tell me: What tool can you live without? Tim www.troutandfeather.com
Do I have to get rid of my Materally wipp finisher Frank Materally gave me on the buffalo ford in Yellowstone!?
🤷🏻♂️😂
He was a real nice man he sent us all kinds of tools and material for T.U. tying classes !
Whoa, Tim, no one said to get rid of THAT whip finisher! Such a cool story for sure, and if you ever get rid of it, I be sure to check with me first. I'm curious, how was he as a fly fisher? Tim www.troutandfeather.com
One more thing is a bobbin threader if you just stick the end of your thread in your bobbin and suck the other end
I learnt with no vice, no bobbin and sowing thread and what ever I feathers \ fur could find or hunt
And I bet you're better off because of it...or not! ;-) Tim www.troutandfeather.com
Thank you
You're welcome, Tom! So are there any tools you can add to the list? Tim www.troutandfeather.com
The ONE item I can't do without is a bead picker or holder. I don't know what there called but I use a lot. Got mine from honey's craft box.
Awesome suggestion, William, and I'll be sharing my list of needed items soon. So which one can you live without? Tim www.troutandfeather.com
It seems to me that an experienced tyier may not need some of your items, but I think several of them assist beginners.
Hi Jim and thanks for your comments. Let's take this a step further, are there tools that you think are unneeded for a beginner, but may really be beneficial for an intermediate tier? Thanks for the thought! Tim www.troutandfeather.com
@@TimCammisa Hi Tim. First of all many thinks for your videos - very instructive and useful. Perhaps the way to approach this issue is from the other end, which is what tools does a beginner need. Certainly an inexpensive vise, a simple bobbin holder and a scissor. With hooks and thread and perhaps a few beads simple nymphs can be produced. This issue might make for an interesting video for beginners to view.
I've tied flies for a while and have extremely rough hands. I cannot dub without a dubbing tool as the material clings to my fingers instead of thread, even wax is no help. When I try to hand whip the thread frequently gets shredded. In fact I have to use other tools than my smooth skinned brethren tires would scoff at. So I think your "get rid of these useless things" is a touch off base with a touch of tunnel vision tossed in.
Hi G.R., and as mentioned in the video, this was my list. More importantly, I would love to hear from others, such as yourself, as to what tools you can live without. Is there one that may be common on other benches but not your own? Thanks! Tim www.troutandfeather.com
@@TimCammisa I live without most, I have a pick, dubbing tool, whipping tool, scissors, hackle pliers, half a dozen bobbins, and forceps. Tying for 4-5 years, if I find a pattern that I need to handle the thread, I look for something else. It is too frustrating to tie with file-like fingers. Of course I will never be in a world tying championship either and only occasionally do I have to net and revive a fish from dying of laughter at my creations.
Unless you are a commercial fly tyer, you do not need "consistency". If you opened my fly box you would be hard pressed to find any two that looked identical. Pay attention to the real thing and you will see the same thing, inconsistency in the natural world especially regarding delicate bugs that rarely look like clones.
Most patterns I have seen you hand whip finish, you put slack in . You should go back to the whip finish tool.
Thanks for the suggestion, Wayne, maybe I'll go back to the dark side someday. :-) Tim www.troutandfeather.com
Need and want are not the same word, but lots of folks confuse them. The reason you know we don't need these things are you tried them.
Hi Johnny, thanks for taking a moment to comment. Those are two fun words, aren't they? So tell me, are there any tools you don't need? Tim www.troutandfeather.com
What about the 5 things you do need?
Good catch, Matthew! That video has been filmed and will be edited soon. In the meantime, thanks for supporting my channel. Please continue the fun by sharing this video with a few friends that tie. Thanks again! Tim www.troutandfeather.com
@@TimCammisa 😳 woah. You literally taught me how to tie flies. This response just made my day! 🤗
A vice ain't even needed ,but it is probably just below your hands , thread and hooks as far as needed•
Appreciate you taking a moment to comment, Rick. Do you use a vise? Tim www.troutandfeather.com
Bout half the time
Purchase an American made vise.
Thanks for mentioning vises, TJ, as there are MANY great ones out there! Have you checked out my vise video yet? ua-cam.com/video/zZU3znK_hOM/v-deo.html Would love to hear your thoughts on what you look for in a vise. Thanks! Tim
Whip finisher yes, hackle pliers no.
Thanks for adding your thoughts! What types of flies do you typically tie? Tim www.troutandfeather.com
@@TimCammisa I've been tying flies for over 40 years so I've probably tried just about everything. Mostly trout flies and some deer hair bugs. My three favorites are wooly buggers, wooly buggers and wooly buggers. Also humpies, stimulators and prince nymphs.
LOL
Now that's no fair...what are some of your tools that don't see the light?!? ;-) Tim www.troutandfeather.com
Bla-bla-bla
Hi Michel, are there are couple of things you don't need when tying flies? Tim www.troutandfeather.com