Here’s the latest video in our series called “One-Minute Fly-Tying Tips and Techniques,” from Tim Flagler of Tightline Productions. Each video teaches a single tying skill, from the most basic to the advanced. Ultimately, the series will serve as a sort of encyclopedia of tying skills that will be a valuable resource for anyone who sits down at a vise to create a fly.
In this installment, Tim walks you through the three different kinds of wax used in fly tying. All of them are applied to the thread, but they perform quite differently and offer different results. Whether you’re trying to create a tight, smooth dubbing body, make something considerably buggier, or securing slippery materials, there’s a wax to make your life easier.
a lot of years ago, as a newbie tier, i remember watching a video from a tying ‘wise man’ who suggested using tying wax as a thread “glue”, head cement whatever, instead of Sally Hanson etc. he merely waxed the thread , made a half hitch or 2 or 3 , and set. he claimed it would stay.
i never bought thread wax but have used regular tying thread wax the same way and it worked once it dried. it worked where ‘Sally’ would be messy. and no waiting or UV lamps.
your video on threads reminded me of that video when you noted the wax provided some friction and the Wise Man was spot on.
thanks