Beginners dubbing questions

[cdc_archie]

Although I am not a complete beginner having tied some basic patterns in the past, I am still struggling with dubbing and have a few questions.
I seem to be able to cope with using hares ear but when using seals fur substitute I find it difficult to form a rope as it continually leaves the thread as I wind on a body. Would genuine seals fur be any easier to handle? Today I picked up some lite brite material which comes in a bundle, do I just chop it up before forming a rope?

And on the matter of seals fur I have noticed you can get a dispenser with 10 colours in for £5.99 on Ebay, is this as good as the much more expensive veniard product. Finally please tell me this stuff isnt sourced by clubbing seals.

[A. Fluker]

Originally Posted by cdc_archie

Although I am not a complete beginner having tied some basic patterns in the past, I am still struggling with dubbing and have a few questions.
I seem to be able to cope with using hares ear but when using seals fur substitute I find it difficult to form a rope as it continually leaves the thread as I wind on a body. Would genuine seals fur be any easier to handle? Today I picked up some lite brite material which comes in a bundle, do I just chop it up before forming a rope?

And on the matter of seals fur I have noticed you can get a dispenser with 10 colours in for £5.99 on Ebay, is this as good as the much more expensive veniard product. Finally please tell me this stuff isnt sourced by clubbing seals.

How about halving the amount you are trying to dub and then halving that! You don't need much at all. Stay away from SF on EBay unless it is the baby stuff. The Mature stuff is tricky to dub at first and needs practice. Follow the halving and the subsequent halving wet your forefinger and thumb and you should be getting close.
Enjoy.

[arkle]

Only ever go in ONE direction & with plenty of pressure and work downwards as you go to avoid lumps. Aim for a smooth sausage shaped "noodle"

[megaflies]

Originally Posted by cdc_archie

Although I am not a complete beginner having tied some basic patterns in the past, I am still struggling with dubbing and have a few questions.
I seem to be able to cope with using hares ear but when using seals fur substitute I find it difficult to form a rope as it continually leaves the thread as I wind on a body. Would genuine seals fur be any easier to handle? Today I picked up some lite brite material which comes in a bundle, do I just chop it up before forming a rope?

And on the matter of seals fur I have noticed you can get a dispenser with 10 colours in for £5.99 on Ebay, is this as good as the much more expensive veniard product. Finally please tell me this stuff isnt sourced by clubbing seals.

Are you using a dubbing wax?.

[cdc_archie]

Yes using gehrke's wax and UTC thread. It seems to help if I chop the SLF into slightly shorter bits. Is this bad form?

[megaflies]

Originally Posted by cdc_archie

It seems to help if I chop the SLF into slightly shorter bits. Is this bad form?

its up to you, tying your own gives you a free hand as to what you try.

[richardw]

Originally Posted by cdc_archie

Although I am not a complete beginner having tied some basic patterns in the past, I am still struggling with dubbing and have a few questions.
I seem to be able to cope with using hares ear but when using seals fur substitute I find it difficult to form a rope as it continually leaves the thread as I wind on a body. Would genuine seals fur be any easier to handle? Today I picked up some lite brite material which comes in a bundle, do I just chop it up before forming a rope?

And on the matter of seals fur I have noticed you can get a dispenser with 10 colours in for £5.99 on Ebay, is this as good as the much more expensive veniard product. Finally please tell me this stuff isnt sourced by clubbing seals.

Have a go with rabbit (the blue underfur) first. It's about the easiest material to dub and you will get used to judging quantities and getting the shape right on the thread. Loopy made a good suggestion to moisten your finger and thumb. I do this but I rub them together until just dry but grippy. Try it now. Lick your first finger and thumb tips. Rub them together and you will feel them get quite grippy. That's the feeling you want when you dub the fur.

richard

[benlikestofish]

If your using UTC, you could always split the thread and use split thread technique to dub. I find with practice it gives much greater control of body shape.

Cheers
B

[scotfly]

Have a look here... UKFlyDressing - Dubbing Techniques

[mancfly]

Originally Posted by cdc_archie

Finally please tell me this stuff isnt sourced by clubbing seals.

It probably is!!! I don't buy it any more for that reason!

O.K. i'll get me coat before the countryside alliance brigade swarm in!