03-15-2009, 06:10 PM
Not for nothin', Dryrod, but what on our lists would you not consider part of a basic kit? That's what was asked for.
And I second Mac's point. There is nothing gained in buying cheap tools, whether you're in to wood working or fly tying.
I'm well aware of budget constraints. I started tying with no commercial gear at all. There was no money for such frivalities. My "vise" was a set of needle-nosed vise-grips. Instead of a bobbin I had a rubber button screwed to the edge of my tying table (which, itself, was a piece of scrap plywood). More than 90% of my tying materials were either road kills or scrounged stuff.
While I was certainly able to tie flies with that make-do equipment, it did not make me a better tyer. Later on, when I was gifted with a Thompson Model A, and splurged on a bobbin, I actually had to relearn many techniques. Decent gear really does make that kind of difference.
I haven't learned much through the years. But I'm a firm believer, when it comes to tools, that you spend 10% more than you can reasonably afford. As a friend's father is always stressing, "don't be afraid to buy the best. You'll never be disappointed."
Brook
http://www.the-outdoor-sports-advisor.com
[signature]
And I second Mac's point. There is nothing gained in buying cheap tools, whether you're in to wood working or fly tying.
I'm well aware of budget constraints. I started tying with no commercial gear at all. There was no money for such frivalities. My "vise" was a set of needle-nosed vise-grips. Instead of a bobbin I had a rubber button screwed to the edge of my tying table (which, itself, was a piece of scrap plywood). More than 90% of my tying materials were either road kills or scrounged stuff.
While I was certainly able to tie flies with that make-do equipment, it did not make me a better tyer. Later on, when I was gifted with a Thompson Model A, and splurged on a bobbin, I actually had to relearn many techniques. Decent gear really does make that kind of difference.
I haven't learned much through the years. But I'm a firm believer, when it comes to tools, that you spend 10% more than you can reasonably afford. As a friend's father is always stressing, "don't be afraid to buy the best. You'll never be disappointed."
Brook
http://www.the-outdoor-sports-advisor.com
[signature]