February 7, 2000 ROTATE ON THIS
Because of the evolution in tools and materials, today’s aspiring fly tyers are faced with many choices regarding the issue of which equipment, particularly fly tying vises. Without question, fly tyers are always in pursuit of ways to simplify the tedious tasks associated with constructing proportionately correct lures. Enter the in-line rotary vise. The term "in-line" was first coined by vise designer, Bruce Newton, of the Pamola Vise Company. This refers to a fly tying vise that positions the hook directly in the exact center of the circumference while the vise is in full rotation, enabling the user to dispense material from a stationary position rather than wrapping the material around the hook in the conventional manner. This is not only user friendly from a technical point of view, but without question, increases tying speed and also lends itself to building proportionately correct bodies, ribbing and even hackling. The fact that the vise is being rotated, rather than the operator rotating the material around the hook shank, allows the tyer to dispense the material with heightened accuracy and actually makes the material itself react in a more conducive fashion. Another major benefit attributed to the in-line rotary vise is that it lessens the burden of working with epoxy. With the recent explosion of saltwater fly tying, epoxy, and epoxy-like materials have become a major influence, and could even be labeled staples of the fly tying bench. Creating perfectly proportioned epoxy bodies has become far less troublesome with the introduction of the rotary vise. One only need dispense a liberal amount of material on the coverage area and smooth it out while the hook is in full rotation, a procedure easily mastered after a few trial runs. These types of vises also come in handy in bearding and cheeking operations. A simple flick of the wrist and the hook will be exposed in the proper position to enable the user to engage the material without disengaging and relocating the hook in the jaws. Keep in mind that there are many so called "rotary" vises on the market. Most are mere "inspection" vises, that is, the hook does not remain in the center of the circumference when the vise is rotated. If it is your intent to purchase a true rotary, be aware that the hook must remain in it’s original horizontal plane during the entire rotating procedure. My only regret is that these fantastic tools were not available during my fledgling years as a fly tyer. JB ã 1998, 1999, 2000 Lower Forty Outfitters. All Rights reserved. |
Many years ago, in
the late 50’s, I began, what was to become a life
long love affair with the art of fly tying. My tools were
primitive by today’s standards, bobbins made of
plastic, mom’s old sewing scissors, and a relatively
inexpensive, static Universal vise. With passing time,
upgrades were made in my equipment which led to a better
enjoyment of this wonderful pastime.