Which bobbin holder?

[testyfly]

Hi, I've just started to tie my own flies, or at least I'm attempting to. My problem is that as I start winding the thread along the shaft of the hook using up the slack I've created, but as soon as I try to pull a little more thread from the reel it breaks. The tension created by the arms on my holder is far to strong, so basically I need a better bobbin holder.
Being totally ignorant about fly tying I've no idea which one to get, any sugestions would be most welcome.
Peter

[JedZed]

TMC... expensive but, in my experience (admittedly limited), the best. Avoid Stonefly's effort.

Hope that helps..

Jon

[testyfly]

Cheers Jon, I'll see what I can find on the web.

[Tam]

before you go and spend money on a new bobbin, try rubbing some wax on the parts of the bobbin that touch the spool.

[Welshlynx]

Now thats a good tip, Even though the Bobbin holder might have a Ceramic tip the entry is normally just metal. I find that snaps happen at the entrance, especially with the wider spools of thread. I have bought numerous Bobbin Holders from E-bay and well renowned tackle shops. As just mentioned, spend the money and get quality. A lesson I learned is "Buy rubbish buy twice". Hope this helps.

[testyfly]

Thank you gentlemen.

Tam - the wax tip is an excellent one I'll try it first.

Welshlynx - at my age I should have learned the lesson, but the yorkshire blood in the veins rears it ugly head from time to time and I make the pennies squeal!

[guest15]

I have went through loads of bobbin holders in my time, cheap ones that snapped the thread nearly every time, veniard ceramic tip ones that snag the thread when using on curved hooks and the raved about stonefly one, the stonefly bobbin holder is the worst piece of rubbish you could waste your money on, i have had mine replaced three times, the latest replacement is still in its package as i would never use one again, the three that broke all had the same fault, snapped at the bend when changing spools

I now use the tiemco weighted (black) ceramic tube bobbin and all i can say is buy one, they are a joy to use, for lighter threads i use the un weighted version (white)

If you are tying flies then invest in a quality bobbin holder, makes tying so much easier and hassle free but please please please

DONT BUY A STONEFLY

[richardw]

Originally Posted by peterdawson

Hi, I've just started to tie my own flies, or at least I'm attempting to. My problem is that as I start winding the thread along the shaft of the hook using up the slack I've created, but as soon as I try to pull a little more thread from the reel it breaks. The tension created by the arms on my holder is far to strong, so basically I need a better bobbin holder.
Being totally ignorant about fly tying I've no idea which one to get, any sugestions would be most welcome.
Peter

Are the legs to the bobbin holder made of wire? If they are you can ease the pressure by slightly and carefully pulling the legs apart to reduce the pressure they place on the sides of the bobbins. I wouldn't wax the sides of the bobbin, it will become sticky with use and create even more resistance.

richard

[Tam]

You obviously have to be careful how much you wax you put on the bobbin holder, too much and there will be no more resistance at all. l have never had any problems with the wax going sticky, l use an old candle.

[Albannach cuileag]

Have a look at THIS for some tips on bobbins and setting them up.

TLs