Bobbins and tools

[MuskyGary]

I've been tying off and on for over ten years, but sometimes I wonder if the high priced bobbins and fly tying tools are worth it. Without opening a can of worms; what do you guys consider the best line of tools and bobbins for the price?

[smoothlures]

Ceramic tube bobbins are a must for me.

[snake River]

you might think that a commercial jig tire myself would buy the very best there is it just the opposite. I buy cheap bobbins . We do not buy expensive fly tying scissors either. Believe it or not. I buy most of my fly tying scissors and flea markets in we BC by the type that the use for surgical work in hospitals. Most of these scissors are stainless steel and are for about five dollars a pair. And for the most part expensive fly tying tools are not worth it to me. Yes, I've been tying flies for over 40 years along with the jigs.

[skiptomylu]

I like a mix and do like the better tools. I have such a wide variety of bobbins it's had to compare since I use so many different ones for different things. I use auto bobbins when dubbing or anything I need one for when tying on my Nor.

I would say and feel good about what I say when I say this. I am pretty happy with Dr Slicks stuff, bobbins, scissors and other things as well. I do not like most cheap bobbins and do like ceramic tubes or at least ceramic inserts. I have been using the same scissors for a long time and use them a lot. I have some Anvil, but the Dr. Slicks will do well as I have some of them too.

When you say the best, it takes more info to answer that right because of some things it's well worth it, but others maybe not so much. I do like working with the better tools though. I have turned to many cheap bobbins into wife bobbins. If I am tying with small thread I will also go to a Rite Bobbin and have several just for that, but not for jigs really since there is no real reason to use small thread for jigs, none!

One other things is I buy all my things wholesale so that makes a difference too. I probably pay not a lot more than the cheap ones at retail when I buy a ceramic one wholesale.

Skip

[skeetbum]

The bobbins that I like and use have a ceramic insert on each end of the tube. This is not to discount the ceramic tube ones, but I haven't used em. I give about $8 each for them at BPS, and use a threading tool and bodkin pretty much too. My scissors were bought at hobby lobby for less than $10 and they have a small tip, kinda like the tips are ground to more of a point from the sides than standard scissors are. It might not make a hill of beans of difference but these are what I like and use often. I got a pair of small all metal scissors with a kit that the Wife bought me and they dulled in a matter of a few weeks. I'm with Skip in that I like good tools, they cut down on the frustration factor and last virtually forever. Dad always told me never to cut paper with scissors that do fine work as it dulls the fine edge off of them. I stick with his advice and so far, so good. Paper has a lot of other stuff in it and I can see his point. Various other tools will find their way to your bench, but you don't need a ton to tie jigs. Have fun, we do.

[FlyRobLures]

I use griffin ceramic bobbins, I also use a threading tool and bodkin it just makes it easer and faster for me to change spools when I need to ! as far a scissors I have a cheap pair from janns that I use most ! but I have a pair of kershaw that I rearly use dont know why I just don't use them as much !

[smoothlures]

The bobbins that I like and use have a ceramic insert on each end of the tube. This is not to discount the ceramic tube ones, but I haven't used em. I give about $8 each for them at BPS, and use a threading tool and bodkin pretty much too. My scissors were bought at hobby lobby for less than $10 and they have a small tip, kinda like the tips are ground to more of a point from the sides than standard scissors are. It might not make a hill of beans of difference but these are what I like and use often. I got a pair of small all metal scissors with a kit that the Wife bought me and they dulled in a matter of a few weeks. I'm with Skip in that I like good tools, they cut down on the frustration factor and last virtually forever. Dad always told me never to cut paper with scissors that do fine work as it dulls the fine edge off of them. I stick with his advice and so far, so good. Paper has a lot of other stuff in it and I can see his point. Various other tools will find their way to your bench, but you don't need a ton to tie jigs. Have fun, we do.

That's good advise, never cut anything but thread, body, and tail material with your scissors and they'll last a LONG time.