Applying Dubbing...grrr

[rockhopper353]

I'm new to fly tying and starting to slowly get a grasp of the techniques but applying dubbing to thread is causing me a right headache, I try to put it on a little at a time but the stuff just just seems to keep spinning around without clinging to the thread.
I'm using pre waxed uni thread and wetting it with my fingers before attempting to apply the dubbing, any one else find a difficult skill or is it me being a clutz !

[maharg]

Can be tricky to start with.
Better to start with a dubbing with a soft short fibre.
Try wild rabbit fur or angora to start with.
Avoid the spiky stuff like squirrel.
Remember to twist it on in the one direction.
Have seen people rolling it backwards and forwards but you just put it on and take it back off.

[scoobyscott]

Put a little moisturizer on your paws first and always roll the dubbing in the same direction. For seals fur take a pinch, roll into a ball then tear apart. Repeat a couple of times before trying to dub, and use half the amount you think you need. Hope this helps

[black knight]

Apply more wax to the thread, use small amounts of dubbing, twist on in clockwise direction only.

[christy27]

I found it difficult at first-most people do. But two bits of advice above really helped...roll in one direction and use half the amount you think you need. Once I took that onboard it became easier quite quickly. If you run out or get a bit thin it's easy enough add some more, if there's to much it's a right pain.

Chris.

[rockhopper353]

All helpful answers, the stuff I'm using is baby seals fur, I also have a hares mask but not tried that yet, I do start going in one direction but then get frustrated and start rolling it in my fingers !

Not tried waxing the thread yet as I don't have any so just been moistening it with a bit of spit on the fingers, I'll try the technique of forming it and tearing apart a few times and see if that's helps.

Cheers Andy

[spencer]

take your time , practice is needed, just a little bit of dubbing goes a long way





Cheers
Spencer

[rockhopper353]

I'm looking at getting a couple of the cheap dubbing selection boxes off eBay to try out tying a few different flies, which is better the Antron sub seal fur or the mature seals fur ?

Cheers Andy

[Beacon Beige]

Originally Posted by black knight

Apply more wax to the thread, use small amounts of dubbing, twist on in clockwise direction only.

Great advice - The wax is very helpfull

Col

[Scratch]

Andy, your dubbing has to be sparse and 'loose'. Add tiny amounts at a time. Try to think of it as getting the stuff to 'knit' to itself, and twist around the thread, rather than just trying to get it cling to the thread. Wetting or waxing the thread is of no benefit at all. Dry fingers don't help, but neither do wet ones... I find that if I feel my fingers are too dry then press and rub the tips of each finger hard along your thumb a few times - as if you were twisting your dubbing - this will release some natural oils; just enough to help you grip the dubbing.

1. Small, sparse amout of dubbing, broken up/loosened - just enough to cover a finger tip.
2. Offer up to very top of thread and apply a couple of clockwise twists.
3. Make one or two turns around the body to 'lock' the dubbing in place, and give subsequent additional applications of dubbing a solid base.
4. Add more dubbing, little and often, keeping it sparse, light and loose, then twist away to make it tight.

---------- Post added at 09:15 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:13 PM ----------

Originally Posted by Beacon Beige

Great advice - The wax is very helpfull

Col

No it isn't. Poor advice.

If you need wax, then you haven't got the technique right. Simples.