Dubbing Block; Old Dog Learns New Trick

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FlyFisherMann1955
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Dubbing Block; Old Dog Learns New Trick

Post by FlyFisherMann1955 » Mon Apr 01, 2019 6:27 pm

I've been reading through old topics since I joined the Flymph Forum in late Jan. I contacted William Anderson and purchased 1 of his Clark Spinning Blocks. It's a good-looking piece of wood (Myrtle) and is labeled #103.
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I watched the tutorial and thought I would make my 1st attempt at spinning some fur bodies. I didn't want to try too many until I posted the results and received some feedback. No sense using up a bunch of Pearsall's Gossamer and then finding out I'm messing them up. Here are my early results. The pair on the right are olive hare's mask on olive (#16). The pair on the left are a blend of muskrat and natural hare's ear (blended in a small seed/coffee mill) on golden olive (#11).
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Roadkill
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Re: Dubbing Block; Old Dog Learns New Trick

Post by Roadkill » Mon Apr 01, 2019 8:48 pm

Looks like you are in business to me! 8-) I adjust the dubbing quantity to match the style of body I want to tie, thinner for most mayflies and more robust for some caddis and mayflies like the Drakes.
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Old Hat
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Re: Dubbing Block; Old Dog Learns New Trick

Post by Old Hat » Tue Apr 02, 2019 7:30 am

Ken, you are a natural!

...or it is that beautiful Oregon myrtle wood. :D

I used to adjust the amounts of the dubbing as far as thickness on the strands, but I had always found myself picking out some fibers after attaching it to the hook shank and before wrapping the strand around the hook just as a final grooming anyway. Now I just use the length markers for fly size, dub a good amount and spin and set. I attach the strand to the hook then lift it up snug with my left hand and groom it with my right to the density and shape I want before I wrap it. I do save the dubbing that I pick out as not to waste it.
I hate it when I think I'm buying organic vegetables, and when I get home I discover they are just regular donuts.
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chase creek
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Re: Dubbing Block; Old Dog Learns New Trick

Post by chase creek » Tue Apr 02, 2019 8:21 am

Hi guys,
Clark dubbing block:
I pencil in the thread type/color, and the dubbing type just above the bodies. Usually make up 1/2 dozen or so bodies at a time with pre-measured lengths of silk. I keep my cards in a file card box. I have marks on my desk for the thread length so I can pre-cut them.
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beauty of the biotic community. It is wrong when it tends otherwise"
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SenecaLaker
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Re: Dubbing Block; Old Dog Learns New Trick

Post by SenecaLaker » Tue Apr 02, 2019 1:58 pm

Old Hat wrote: Tue Apr 02, 2019 7:30 am Ken, you are a natural!

...or it is that beautiful Oregon myrtle wood. :D

I used to adjust the amounts of the dubbing as far as thickness on the strands, but I had always found myself picking out some fibers after attaching it to the hook shank and before wrapping the strand around the hook just as a final grooming anyway. Now I just use the length markers for fly size, dub a good amount and spin and set. I attach the strand to the hook then lift it up snug with my left hand and groom it with my right to the density and shape I want before I wrap it. I do save the dubbing that I pick out as not to waste it.
Carl, that is a great tip. Never really thought about reducing the fibers after it was spun.

Dave
FlyFisherMann1955
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Re: Dubbing Block; Old Dog Learns New Trick

Post by FlyFisherMann1955 » Sun Apr 07, 2019 6:04 pm

I had a chance to tie these 2 flies using an olive spun body from my new dubbing block. Actually was able to tie both flies from 1 piece of thread. The fly is a size 14. I used small gold wire for the tag/ribbing. The hackle is 2 turns from a Keough hen neck (medium dun).
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Roadkill
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Re: Dubbing Block; Old Dog Learns New Trick

Post by Roadkill » Sun Apr 07, 2019 6:51 pm

Great looking flies!! 8-)

I like the tag and the body taper!
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Old Hat
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Re: Dubbing Block; Old Dog Learns New Trick

Post by Old Hat » Tue Apr 09, 2019 7:05 am

Those turned out great Ken.
I hate it when I think I'm buying organic vegetables, and when I get home I discover they are just regular donuts.
http://www.oldhatflytying.com
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tie2fish
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Re: Dubbing Block; Old Dog Learns New Trick

Post by tie2fish » Tue Apr 09, 2019 7:34 am

Well done, sir. There is nothing about those flies that I don't like.
Some of the same morons who throw their trash around in National parks also vote. That alone would explain the state of American politics. ~ John Gierach, "Still Life with Brook Trout"
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Re: Dubbing Block; Old Dog Learns New Trick

Post by letumgo » Tue Apr 09, 2019 11:45 am

Agreed. They look like highly effective flies. I would fish those with complete confidence. ;)
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