[Dave Mundie]

I'm thinking of starting to tie some fly's, would i be best to buy one of those cheap £20 kits (tools inc) to see how i get on or would i be best getting everything seperatly

Dave

[Barry Robertson]

My advice would be to get  seperates or go to a shop where they wont rip you off and ask for the essentials to start off!.
All you need IMHO is the following:

Cheapish rotary vice
scissors
Bobbin holder
Whip finish tool - optional
varnish
Hackle pliers

These tools would do for most of the basic flies!
It all depends what you want to start tying dave!
For buzzers all you need is some coloured threads , black, red and tan and some various tinsels.
If you want more details on  types of tinsels and threads or hooks let me know 

[Dave Mundie]

If you want more details on  types of tinsels and threads or hooks let me know 

Well i'm a complete noob so all the help i get the better.
What type of flies do i want to  tie well i don't really know just want to try and see  where it takes me.
I also dont have a clue as to what feathers, fur, hair ect  are what

Dave

[Barry Robertson]

I think the best thing to do would be to go to a club or meet up at someones house to learn the basics!
So much to type!
But if you wanted to start of with buzzers or cormorants i could give you a list of materials you would require 

[Sandy Nelson]

Dave

Tricky one. I would suggest starting with a cheap kit is a good way to get a few bits you will use and lots you wont, however it gives you lots of stuff to experiment with
And thats how we all learn

Cheap vices are good for starting as are cheapo tools, then you can upgrade as you need.
Once you get into the tying of flies then you will start to decide what you want to tie and THEN the slippery slope starts
As you start to buy a bit here and a bit there to make what you want.

I would suggest that perhaps a really good way to start is with something like this which gives you, a good selection of useful materials without to great an outlay

http://www.sportfish.co.uk/product/33876/Beginner%27s_Material_Fly_Tying_Kit.html

And then you could acquire, beg, steal or borrow some tools or add something like http://www.sportfish.co.uk/product/33876/Beginner%27s_Material_Fly_Tying_Kit.html and a vice http://www.sportfish.co.uk/product/34073/Super_II_Vice.html  then you have some half decent tools as well.

And it looks OK

Or you could go for something like this http://www.lakelandflytying.com/2989/products/Wapsi_Fly_Tying_Starter_Kit.aspx  Which also looks like a great way to start tying flies to me.
Its a bit more but looks like it has good stuff in it.

I'm sure there are others out there too, if you try to list all the stuff you would want to start, we will have a different list, best to learn how to tie any old flies first and then you decide where you want it to go.

Sandy

[Peter McCallum]

Where are you based Dave- there may be a club or forum member close by.

[Dave Mundie]

@ Sandy
Yes thats what i was thinking have a muck around with cheap stuff first to see how i get on first and if i get into it i can upgrade as time goes on.

Where are you based Dave- there may be a club or forum member close by.

I'm in Pitmedden, there was a weekly night at the Mastrick community center but i just not been able to get time to make it. Is it still running after the festive period anyone else go to it?

Dave

[Peter McCallum]

Think it starts again tonight. A very good place to find like minds & good tyers who are keen and willing to help. Ask for Kevin.

Peter

[Dave Mundie]

Going into town today so might see what Sommers have on offer.

Dave

[Hamish Young]

Stick your head around the door at Orvis in Banchory, Ben has/had assembled a beginners outfit for a reasonable price 

Could be worth a look 

[Cameron deBoth]

Stick your head around the door at Orvis in Banchory, Ben has/had assembled a beginners outfit for a reasonable price 

Could be worth a look 

was away to mention that also!

[Dave Mundie]

Stick your head around the door at Orvis in Banchory, Ben has/had assembled a beginners outfit for a reasonable price 

Could be worth a look 

Yes it would be but im going to be pushed for time today.

Dave

[Dave Mundie]

Got myself a kit from sommers and a vice/tools now i've to find the time to get going now.

Dave

[Sandy Nelson]

Have fun
 

Sandy

[Dave Mundie]

Not got anything tied yet cant seem to get my head round this whip finish tool  cant start if i cant finish its a bit frustrating

Dave

[Mike Barrio]

You can use two or three half hitches to finish off if you like Dave

That'll get you started and you can come back to master the whip finish later

Cheers
Mike

[Barry Robertson]

This should help alot Dave
http://copperfly.net/fly_tying_videos.php

Let me know if they are any use 

[clark]

hey dave the flytying class at the mastrick community center is back on  if you come along and bring your stuff we have alot of experienced people there from expert classic salmon flie tyers to trout bums like me 
clark

[Dave Mundie]

You can use two or three half hitches to finish off if you like Dave

That'll get you started and you can come back to master the whip finish later

Cheers
Mike

Yeh but how do i do them though?

This should help alot Dave
http://copperfly.net/fly_tying_videos.php

Let me know if they are any use 

The prob with all the videos i've seen they dont use the same tool that i have .

hey dave the flytying class at the mastrick community center is back on  if you come along and bring your stuff we have alot of experienced people there from expert classic salmon flie tyers to trout bums like me 
clark

Its just getting time to get there thats the problem.


Dave

[Barry Robertson]

I hated that tool and never understood how it worked , the matarelli is easy to use

[Dave Mundie]

I hated that tool and never understood how it worked , the matarelli is easy to use

Yep it deffo looks easier.

Dave

[Barry Robertson]

But iam sure if you look on you tube there will be an explanation for that tool somewhere! 

[Iain Goolager]

Dave,

I've the same tool - they are all easy when you've seen them used.

I tried to take stills of the process but gave up as I didn't feel that they were as clear as I'd like if I was learning.
I've taken a small video on my camera as my camcorder is giving me gip. Battery is charging - as always when you need to upload, and will post via photobucket real soon.

Iain

[Sandy Nelson]

HI Dave

I used a half hitch for years, however i decided to try the tool eventually.
It took me ages to get the knack, but now i wouldn't use anything else.
Hopefully iain's Video works, if not i'll have a go myself and see if it can be demonstrated.
Otherwise it'll require the hands on approach. and a date will need to be set at the Hut

Sandy

[Iain Goolager]

Hope this helps Dave,

not a great quality but it givs you the idea of the twists and turns required.

Iain