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3. Dubbing wax questions

I have the worst time spinning tapered dubbing noodles using low tack wax and get much better noodles using tacky wax.

A couple questions for the SAGE fly-tiers :

Q1 : What is the advantage to using low-tack wax, or, in what fly tying situations would low-tack be preferred over sticky ?

Q2 : Anyone ever use vaseline as a tacky wax substitute ???

I never apply any fly tying wax to my thread. Some synthetic (maybe most) dubbing material can be very hard to spin onto the thread to create a dubbing noodle. Natural furs, and especially those without guard hair, are very easy to spin onto thread without any wax. Even Hares Ear dubbing that is chopped with some added Antron is pretty easy to apply. I wouldn't call this a trick but I just apply a bit of saliva to my thumb and index finger and just remove very small amounts of fur and start to create the dubbing noodle. It is easier if you use less material. You can always add more material if you want a more robust body. PM me if you want more info.

Brian, I use overtons dubbing wax when I need to wax my thread. I agree with Matt, I very rarely use the wax, but there are a few patterns I tie that are touch dubbing technique. Typically with Austrailan opossum fur. It looks pretty cool but very subtle. Synthectics are a pain to dub, but really offer some different and cool looks. Good luck and keep at it.
Mike.

Brian,

Ditto on Mike's 'use rarely and sparingly' insights. I used wax early on for everything and things got messy and gooed-up until I figured out how to apply dubbing to the thread using the finger-rolling method. Now the only time I use wax (Wapsi, affordable and available) is when I touch-dub thread for a dubbing loop. Other than that, any time on the water? Here in W MI we've had rain, rain, and more rain the last couple weeks and local streams were blown-out, only now getting even close to normal flows...

Tight lines if you get out,

Roguerat

'Less is more...'

Ludwig Mies Vande Rohe

Thanks guys. I've been tying a lot lately with "antron sparkle dub" and have had a hard time getting spinning up properly tapered noodles with it. I finally just stopped using wax all together and started using saliva - works better. Thanks for the advice !!!! BTW - I really think part of the problem anyway, is my exceedingly dry, old-man fingers ... LOL.

Brian, for sure taking care of your hands this time year here in S.E. Mi. is job one. I put my wifes lotion on at least two or three times a day. No snagging your tying thread or destroying fine materials. Just make sure you don't lotion on when you start tying, things start sticking together that shouldn't. Rogue, I have been patiently waiting for water levels to drop to safe wading depths, every time they get close it starts raining again. As I look out my window now its raining and snow is melting again. The river I like to fish up north is running way above average, I hope this weekend doesn't bring any bad surprises I may go one day next week.
Mike