FLYMPH FORUM

This is a most excellent bobbin holder for gossamer silk: Tiemco CERAMIC BOBBIN HOLDER

It's the one Davie McPhail recommends and the best I've used so far. You will have to adjust the "legs" somewhat and then everything will be fine.

Gossamer silk is a pleasure to use. I'm with Otter on this, and on Davie too. (He ties in tip first and that's how I used to do it. After reading Marks thread about "How Leisenring tied the Tups", I do it either way. It depends on hackle used and on body construction).

dd

Howdy All;

Ok, I've heard (read), where Ray (letumgo), sez he uses some bobbin by Wasatch that is "Made" for silk, you dd, state that you use the ones pictured (same as Mr. McPhail uses).
Would someone please explain to me (and anyone else), What the difference IS and what to look for when buying a bobbin for silk and the smaller spools.

just askin'...
hank



edit to correct "tense".. you figure out where.

and some spelngi

Ray those are great points about the wraps and a spool of jasper is a good idea.
The topic of tip or stem is actually of no significance to me at all, but I know it's important to some. Actually it should be important to be comfortable with both methods, due to the odd feather. I find that when a feather has a taper in the stem, usually has a taper in the hurl (fibers) are longer at the base and become shorter toward the tip. It's only a matter of preference, but I like the longer fibers to extend from the head and the shorter ones to follow toward the bend. Manipulating these in any number of ways creates different effects and they are all great.

Here's the bobbin I use for all my spools, endlessly adjustable. Ceramic tip and really nice balance.
The Wasatch is really nice and kind of showy too. Luxury isn't always a bad thing.
Is this the one you were talking about?

w

hankaye wrote:Howdy All;

Ok, I've heard (read), where Ray (letumgo), sez he uses some bobbin by Wasatch that is "Made" for silk, you dd, state that you use the ones pictured (same as Mr. McPhail uses).
Would someone please explain to me (and anyone else), What the difference IS and what to look for when buying a bobbin for silk and the smaller spools.

just askin'...
hank



edit to correct "tense".. you figure out where.

and some spelngi

Hank,

Any bobbin holder that isn't fraying the silk will do. It's mainly about what feels good in the hand and gives some kind of control. Most bobbin holders can be adjusted by bending the legs to hold the smaller spool with just enough friction. I have two Matarelli midge bobbins and two Tiemco ceramic bobbins. I've found that I prefer the Tiemcos since the length of the tube makes it easy to control the placement of the wraps and that it feels good in my hand. I like the Matarellis for their obvious demonstration of craftsmanship (and use them for my wooden spools).

In my opinion one quality bobbin holder is better than five cheap ones. Cheap always get expensive in the end.

just answering,

dd

This is the Wasatch Bobbhin Holder I use for Pearsalls and other smaller spools. Very comfortable in the hand and the ceramic tube is super smooth.

http://www.flytyingtools.com/webpages/t ... micro.html

REE

Ron - That is the same Wasatch bobbin I use. They are a pleasure to use and I can tell you from experience, that Wasatch stands behind their unconditional guarantee. I broke the ceramic tube on my first one and they replaced it without any hassle. Great company to deal with and wonderful tools.
dd - I bought one of the Matarelli midge bobbin a couple years ago and hated it. It has been the only tying tool I have ever sent back for a refund. I found the Matarelli bobbin to be impossible to thread (the tube is way to small in my opinion) and the metal tube kept slicing through the silk during the tying process. I have not had either problem with the Wasatch bobbin.

Howdy All;

Had to ask as the last time (and only so far), I was in a fly shop I asked about which bobbin to use for silk gossimer or otherwise. Got a shrug and a they're all about the same... kindnof answer.
Thanks for the fast answers an opinions.
One of the multitude of things I enjoy about this forum over soooooo many others is the speed of getting an answer / opinion and no snotty attitudes attached.
Thanks ever'one
hank

Im my experience, and travels, you are not likely to encounter a fly shop owner/employee who uses or carries gassamer silk, other than some floss and maybe some rod wrapping materials. But those that go the route of pearsalls gossamer silk are few and far between. At least that's my experience on the east coast in the US.

w

letumgo wrote:
dd - I bought one of the Matarelli midge bobbin a couple years ago and hated it. It has been the only tying tool I have ever sent back for a refund. I found the Matarelli bobbin to be impossible to thread (the tube is way to small in my opinion) and the metal tube kept slicing through the silk during the tying process. I have not had either problem with the Wasatch bobbin.

Ray, I have no such experience from using these bobbin holders. Mine are smooth in the tube like ceramic. I always use this inexpensive aid when threading bobbin holders:

It is a dental floss threader, easy to come by. They work with the midge tubes as well.

Both the Wasatch and the one William posted look like fine tools. Were I to buy another, I would probably buy another Tiemco. Enough of everything and too much of nothing. The simple shrink tube allows for a relaxed grip - flat with rounded edges. Personal preferences...

dd

daringduffer wrote:

letumgo wrote:
dd - I bought one of the Matarelli midge bobbin a couple years ago and hated it. It has been the only tying tool I have ever sent back for a refund. I found the Matarelli bobbin to be impossible to thread (the tube is way to small in my opinion) and the metal tube kept slicing through the silk during the tying process. I have not had either problem with the Wasatch bobbin.

Ray, I have no such experience from using these bobbin holders. Mine are smooth in the tube like ceramic. I always use this inexpensive aid when threading bobbin holders:

It is a dental floss threader, easy to come by. They work with the midge tubes as well.

Both the Wasatch and the one William posted look like fine tools. Were I to buy another, I would probably buy another Tiemco. Enough of everything and too much of nothing. The simple shrink tube allows for a relaxed grip - flat with rounded edges. Personal preferences...

dd

dd, Howdy;

I think you have hit the proverbial nail on the head with the last 2 words in your post ...
I do reserve the the attitude to temper mine based upon the experience of others.
hank