tying tools, magnifier

[asadi....]

Having reached the point where I wish to tie something besides wooly buggers
I have decided to concentrate on the caddis.

Buggers, in their variations and methods of fishing are the number one bait,
IMHO, for smallmouth bass.

Although I am sure many conflicting opinions exist, I have about reached
that opinion for caddis and trout.

In any event, I am not nor never will be a professional tier. I am not nor
will be a tier whose flies are works of art, pretty to look at or even merit
showing to others. I am still using the tools and necks I got in the Cabelas
kit ten years ago and just purchased another kit (the same) from ebay.

So please, do not assume that I am in the market for the 'hot' set-up. What
I am in the market for is something to help me see a little better. I need a
magnifier.

I have looked at Bass pro
http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog.TextId?hvarTextId=34444&hvarTarget=search

and Cabelas
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jhtml;jsessionid=NTQFO4OZ52HWNTQSNOECCNWOCJVY WIWE?id=0001055311654a&navAction=jump&navCount=1&indexId=cat20534&podId=0001055&catalogCode=UD&parentId=cat20534&parentType=index&rid=&cmCat=MainCatcat20431&_requestid=6817

Also http://www.ezflyfish.com/mckenmag.html

I am thinking that the 'great big around' glass that swings out of the way
would be easier for me. If anyone would care to make a comment I would love
to here it. I would rather purchase a product from someone here or in ROFF
if at all possible.

....Oh great Hackle Masters this humble born of a dyed barnyard rooster neck
doth humbly beg your guidance......

john

[asadi....]

Change 'bait' to 'fly' and 'here' to hear'

[asadi....]

Change 'bait' to 'fly' and 'here' to hear'

[George Adams]

John,
YMMV, but I have found the "big round magnifyers" to be a total pain in the
ass. Always in the way of something, no matter what position its in. My eyes
are terrible in close, so I wear a pair of 4X magnifying glasses and use a
strong light. Works well for me for tying down to 26's.





George Adams

"All good fishermen stay young until they die, for fishing is the only dream of
youth that doth not grow stale with age."
---- J.W Muller

[asadi....]

Well, I'm already into bi-focals....

What do you think of the flip up flip down kind of glasses that fit over
regular glasses,

The thingy you wear around your head?

Already wearing glasses kinda throws a wrench in the works..

john
"George Adams" > wrote in message
...
> John,
> YMMV, but I have found the "big round magnifyers" to be a total pain in
the
> ass. Always in the way of something, no matter what position its in. My
eyes
> are terrible in close, so I wear a pair of 4X magnifying glasses and use a
> strong light. Works well for me for tying down to 26's.
>
>
>
>
>
> George Adams
>
> "All good fishermen stay young until they die, for fishing is the only
dream of
> youth that doth not grow stale with age."
> ---- J.W Muller
>

[asadi....]

Well, I'm already into bi-focals....

What do you think of the flip up flip down kind of glasses that fit over
regular glasses,

The thingy you wear around your head?

Already wearing glasses kinda throws a wrench in the works..

john
"George Adams" > wrote in message
...
> John,
> YMMV, but I have found the "big round magnifyers" to be a total pain in
the
> ass. Always in the way of something, no matter what position its in. My
eyes
> are terrible in close, so I wear a pair of 4X magnifying glasses and use a
> strong light. Works well for me for tying down to 26's.
>
>
>
>
>
> George Adams
>
> "All good fishermen stay young until they die, for fishing is the only
dream of
> youth that doth not grow stale with age."
> ---- J.W Muller
>

[asadi....]

Well, I'm already into bi-focals....

What do you think of the flip up flip down kind of glasses that fit over
regular glasses,

The thingy you wear around your head?

Already wearing glasses kinda throws a wrench in the works..

john
"George Adams" > wrote in message
...
> John,
> YMMV, but I have found the "big round magnifyers" to be a total pain in
the
> ass. Always in the way of something, no matter what position its in. My
eyes
> are terrible in close, so I wear a pair of 4X magnifying glasses and use a
> strong light. Works well for me for tying down to 26's.
>
>
>
>
>
> George Adams
>
> "All good fishermen stay young until they die, for fishing is the only
dream of
> youth that doth not grow stale with age."
> ---- J.W Muller
>

[Larry L]

"asadi...." > wrote

.. I need a
> magnifier.
>


I use a cheap one on a goose neck and heavy pedestal that I got at a hobby
store ... 1/8" pipe has the same thread as the neck and I used some, and a
angle, to raise it off the pedestal a little and improve the "angle of
attack" to keep it more out of my way


I have a bigger one with a round florescent light around it too, but prefer
the cheapy

Mainly, I just wear cheater glasses, with them I can see well enough for 95%
of the operations/ flies, and I just pull the little magnifier down for the
finest detail and smallest flies

The most effective freestone waters caddis patterns that I use are not real
small, nor intricate, and work best when tied kinda funky looking and rough
.... you may not even need a magnifier

oh, oh, AND .... I recently visited my new eye doctor and discussing what
types of glasses to get ( new poloroids were first on the list ) I said
something about tying and clsoe work and a special pair .... the reply was
"Cheaters are probably just as good. Actually, LIGHTING will probably help
you more than anything, With good light, your pupils get smaller, and your
depth of field bigger, giving the impression of improved focus." I knew
this was true with cameras, but didn't know it worked that way for humans,
too. Anyway .... think OTT-LITE, ott-Lite, Ott, Lite .... if you don't use
one ( I understand there are now other brands of the same light, cheaper?),
get one, ..... trust me, just do it <G>

[Larry L]

"asadi...." > wrote

.. I need a
> magnifier.
>


I use a cheap one on a goose neck and heavy pedestal that I got at a hobby
store ... 1/8" pipe has the same thread as the neck and I used some, and a
angle, to raise it off the pedestal a little and improve the "angle of
attack" to keep it more out of my way


I have a bigger one with a round florescent light around it too, but prefer
the cheapy

Mainly, I just wear cheater glasses, with them I can see well enough for 95%
of the operations/ flies, and I just pull the little magnifier down for the
finest detail and smallest flies

The most effective freestone waters caddis patterns that I use are not real
small, nor intricate, and work best when tied kinda funky looking and rough
.... you may not even need a magnifier

oh, oh, AND .... I recently visited my new eye doctor and discussing what
types of glasses to get ( new poloroids were first on the list ) I said
something about tying and clsoe work and a special pair .... the reply was
"Cheaters are probably just as good. Actually, LIGHTING will probably help
you more than anything, With good light, your pupils get smaller, and your
depth of field bigger, giving the impression of improved focus." I knew
this was true with cameras, but didn't know it worked that way for humans,
too. Anyway .... think OTT-LITE, ott-Lite, Ott, Lite .... if you don't use
one ( I understand there are now other brands of the same light, cheaper?),
get one, ..... trust me, just do it <G>

[Charlie Choc]

On Sat, 04 Dec 2004 16:08:22 GMT, "asadi...."
> wrote:

>Well, I'm already into bi-focals....
>
>What do you think of the flip up flip down kind of glasses that fit over
>regular glasses,
>
>The thingy you wear around your head?
>
>Already wearing glasses kinda throws a wrench in the works..
>
I use +2 reading glasses when I'm wearing my contacts, and just take my
glasses off for up close work when I'm not.
--
Charlie...
http://www.chocphoto.com/ - photo galleries
http://www.chocphoto.com/roff

[Charlie Choc]

On Sat, 04 Dec 2004 16:08:22 GMT, "asadi...."
> wrote:

>Well, I'm already into bi-focals....
>
>What do you think of the flip up flip down kind of glasses that fit over
>regular glasses,
>
>The thingy you wear around your head?
>
>Already wearing glasses kinda throws a wrench in the works..
>
I use +2 reading glasses when I'm wearing my contacts, and just take my
glasses off for up close work when I'm not.
--
Charlie...
http://www.chocphoto.com/ - photo galleries
http://www.chocphoto.com/roff

[Scott Seidman]

"asadi...." > wrote in
ink.net:

> So please, do not assume that I am in the market for the 'hot' set-up.
> What I am in the market for is something to help me see a little
> better. I need a magnifier.
>
>

Feather craft sells one that I use (tho I didn't get it there). It goes
around your head, flips up when you don't need it, and I think its called
"Mag Eyes" or something like that. I have one that bolts to my desk like
you showed, and I just use it as a lamp, not a magnifier.


Scott

[Scott Seidman]

"asadi...." > wrote in
ink.net:

> So please, do not assume that I am in the market for the 'hot' set-up.
> What I am in the market for is something to help me see a little
> better. I need a magnifier.
>
>

Feather craft sells one that I use (tho I didn't get it there). It goes
around your head, flips up when you don't need it, and I think its called
"Mag Eyes" or something like that. I have one that bolts to my desk like
you showed, and I just use it as a lamp, not a magnifier.


Scott

[riverman]

"George Adams" > wrote in message
...
> John,
> YMMV, but I have found the "big round magnifyers" to be a total pain in
> the
> ass. Always in the way of something, no matter what position its in. My
> eyes
> are terrible in close, so I wear a pair of 4X magnifying glasses and use a
> strong light. Works well for me for tying down to 26's.
>
>

I wear 3.5 (diopter?) reading glasses....the kind that sit down on your
nose like granny glasses. Its easy to look over them when I'm hunting for
stuff, and simple to look through them when I'm tying. I guess thats why
librarians wear them.

But I'm very careful to not be seen by SWMBO when I'm tying anything smaller
than a #12.

--riverman

[riverman]

"George Adams" > wrote in message
...
> John,
> YMMV, but I have found the "big round magnifyers" to be a total pain in
> the
> ass. Always in the way of something, no matter what position its in. My
> eyes
> are terrible in close, so I wear a pair of 4X magnifying glasses and use a
> strong light. Works well for me for tying down to 26's.
>
>

I wear 3.5 (diopter?) reading glasses....the kind that sit down on your
nose like granny glasses. Its easy to look over them when I'm hunting for
stuff, and simple to look through them when I'm tying. I guess thats why
librarians wear them.

But I'm very careful to not be seen by SWMBO when I'm tying anything smaller
than a #12.

--riverman

[George Adams]

>From: "asadi...."

>What do you think of the flip up flip down kind of glasses that fit over
>regular glasses,

I would suggest a pait of reading glasses. You can get them at most
drug/department stores up to 3.5 diopter or so. If you need something stronger,
Orvis, (expensive), has them up to about 5 diopter, and dollar and discount
stores generally have some real cheap ones up to about 4. The idea is just to
substitute them for your regular glasses when tying.


George Adams

"All good fishermen stay young until they die, for fishing is the only dream of
youth that doth not grow stale with age."
---- J.W Muller

[[email protected]]

The first thing you should try is a much improved lighting system.
After you have tried thiis you may not need anything else.

I purchased a gooseneck lamp with a true color lamp and a large
magnifier, also on a gooseneck. Both of these were anchored to a
steel plate. An excellent setup but at about $200 US it is a bit
expensive. 90% of the time I don't need the magnifier.

So get yourself a cheap quartz lamp to try and then go from there.

Dave M

[[email protected]]

The first thing you should try is a much improved lighting system.
After you have tried thiis you may not need anything else.

I purchased a gooseneck lamp with a true color lamp and a large
magnifier, also on a gooseneck. Both of these were anchored to a
steel plate. An excellent setup but at about $200 US it is a bit
expensive. 90% of the time I don't need the magnifier.

So get yourself a cheap quartz lamp to try and then go from there.

Dave M

[riverman]

> wrote in message
...
> The first thing you should try is a much improved lighting system.
> After you have tried thiis you may not need anything else.
>
> I purchased a gooseneck lamp with a true color lamp and a large
> magnifier, also on a gooseneck. Both of these were anchored to a
> steel plate. An excellent setup but at about $200 US it is a bit
> expensive. 90% of the time I don't need the magnifier.
>
> So get yourself a cheap quartz lamp to try and then go from there.
>

Something I've noticed is that it is practically impossible to properly
light a clamp-on vice! The vice is attached at the closest edge of the
table, and any light you try to set up will be leaning forward over the edge
of the table. I've tried gooseneck lamps, but they end up balanced on the
edge. I've tried those clamp-on architect's lamps with the long sections,
but they end up being right where my arms want to be when I'm reaching for
supplies. The only thing that really works well is to have a couple of floor
lamps behind me, one over each shoulder, but I end up looking like I'm
piloting some spaceship with all that stuff around me. My next vice will be
a pedestal vice, maybe for the sole reason that I can light it with a simple
table lamp!

--riverman

[riverman]

> wrote in message
...
> The first thing you should try is a much improved lighting system.
> After you have tried thiis you may not need anything else.
>
> I purchased a gooseneck lamp with a true color lamp and a large
> magnifier, also on a gooseneck. Both of these were anchored to a
> steel plate. An excellent setup but at about $200 US it is a bit
> expensive. 90% of the time I don't need the magnifier.
>
> So get yourself a cheap quartz lamp to try and then go from there.
>

Something I've noticed is that it is practically impossible to properly
light a clamp-on vice! The vice is attached at the closest edge of the
table, and any light you try to set up will be leaning forward over the edge
of the table. I've tried gooseneck lamps, but they end up balanced on the
edge. I've tried those clamp-on architect's lamps with the long sections,
but they end up being right where my arms want to be when I'm reaching for
supplies. The only thing that really works well is to have a couple of floor
lamps behind me, one over each shoulder, but I end up looking like I'm
piloting some spaceship with all that stuff around me. My next vice will be
a pedestal vice, maybe for the sole reason that I can light it with a simple
table lamp!

--riverman

[Charlie Choc]

On Sat, 4 Dec 2004 23:27:01 +0100, "riverman" > wrote:

>Something I've noticed is that it is practically impossible to properly
>light a clamp-on vice!

I have lots of tying problems, but that's never been one of them. I clamp my
vise on the left side of the front edge of my table and my light on the front
part of the left edge and it provides good light and isn't in the way (I'm
right handed). I have one of those lights with the large magnifier and a
circular fluorescent bulb, but I almost never look through the magnifier and
just use it as a lamp.
--
Charlie...
http://www.chocphoto.com/ - photo galleries
http://www.chocphoto.com/roff

[Tim J.]

George Adams wrote:
> John,
> YMMV, but I have found the "big round magnifyers" to be a total pain
> in the ass. Always in the way of something, no matter what position
> its in. My eyes are terrible in close, so I wear a pair of 4X
> magnifying glasses and use a strong light. Works well for me for
> tying down to 26's.

Agreed. I've got one of those "big rounders" I donated to SWMBO for her
hobby work with beads and switched to head gear. I got one of these:
http://tinyurl.com/5gdsg from Orvis' sale room for $16. I like them
'cause they flip up and out of the way when I don't need the
magnification, and they fit over my eye glasses.
--
TL,
Tim
---------------------------
http://css.sbcma.com/timj/

[Tim J.]

George Adams wrote:
> John,
> YMMV, but I have found the "big round magnifyers" to be a total pain
> in the ass. Always in the way of something, no matter what position
> its in. My eyes are terrible in close, so I wear a pair of 4X
> magnifying glasses and use a strong light. Works well for me for
> tying down to 26's.

Agreed. I've got one of those "big rounders" I donated to SWMBO for her
hobby work with beads and switched to head gear. I got one of these:
http://tinyurl.com/5gdsg from Orvis' sale room for $16. I like them
'cause they flip up and out of the way when I don't need the
magnification, and they fit over my eye glasses.
--
TL,
Tim
---------------------------
http://css.sbcma.com/timj/

[Karl Lindholm]

asadi.... wrote:
> So please, do not assume that I am in the market for the 'hot'
set-up. What
> I am in the market for is something to help me see a little better. I need a
> magnifier.

http://www.mageyes.com/Hobby.htm

[Karl Lindholm]

asadi.... wrote:
> So please, do not assume that I am in the market for the 'hot'
set-up. What
> I am in the market for is something to help me see a little better. I need a
> magnifier.

http://www.mageyes.com/Hobby.htm

[riverman]

"Karl Lindholm" > wrote in message
news:88Fsd.122105$%x.2766@okepread04...
> asadi.... wrote:
> > So please, do not assume that I am in the market for the 'hot' set-up.
> What
>> I am in the market for is something to help me see a little better. I
>> need a
>> magnifier.
>
> http://www.mageyes.com/Hobby.htm

http://www.the-joke-shop.com/showprod.asp?product=595

--riverman

[Tim J.]

riverman wrote:
> "Karl Lindholm" > wrote in message
> news:88Fsd.122105$%x.2766@okepread04...
>> asadi.... wrote:
>> > So please, do not assume that I am in the market for the 'hot'
>> set-up. What
>>> I am in the market for is something to help me see a little better.
>>> I need a
>>> magnifier.
>>
>> http://www.mageyes.com/Hobby.htm
>
> http://www.the-joke-shop.com/showprod.asp?product=595

I only wish I looked that good when I wear mine. ;-)
--
TL,
Tim
---------------------------
http://css.sbcma.com/timj/

[Tim J.]

riverman wrote:
> "Karl Lindholm" > wrote in message
> news:88Fsd.122105$%x.2766@okepread04...
>> asadi.... wrote:
>> > So please, do not assume that I am in the market for the 'hot'
>> set-up. What
>>> I am in the market for is something to help me see a little better.
>>> I need a
>>> magnifier.
>>
>> http://www.mageyes.com/Hobby.htm
>
> http://www.the-joke-shop.com/showprod.asp?product=595

I only wish I looked that good when I wear mine. ;-)
--
TL,
Tim
---------------------------
http://css.sbcma.com/timj/

[DaveMohnsen]

"asadi...." > wrote in message
ink.net...
> Having reached the point where I wish to tie something besides wooly
buggers
> I have decided to concentrate on the caddis.
(snip)
> In any event, I am not nor never will be a professional tier.
> john

John,
My suggestion. Grocery store glasses. I have them from about 2.50 to 3.75
in magnification, depending on what I tie and what I may have to tie on when
I'm on a stream. I wear contact lenses. I use separate polarized glasses .
.. . for lookin' around, on the stream. They run about $15.00 US. My
grocery store glasses run about $10.00. ( can sometimes get 3 for about
$20.00 or so. I "maim, destroy" about one of each of the grocery store type
when I fishin' during a year. I'm kind of hard on glasses. But can get
about 3 years on some of the polarized.)
For tieing, a 3.75 magnification can get me to pretty dinky stuff. I usually
fish size 16- 24 or so. Seems I start out at about a size 18. Caddis on
the Arkansas River here in Colorado I may go to a 14 to start.

Kind of a PITA sometimes, but I switch glasses onstream between grocery
store and polarized, when changing flies.
But I use the grocery store type to do both tieing and fishin'.

I have one of the "cheap"magnfier type systems. I can't, remember the last
time I used it.

Most folks "underlight" a system for tieing. More is better.

Don't know your eye conditions, but going towards the grocery store option
for glasses, and a lot of light.

DaveMohnsen,
Denver

[Neil]

I recently got an 'OTT' light (they're supposed to be the closest thing to
natural light) and I've noticed my eyes don't seem as bugged out when I'm
done tying. The light they throw is great - might help in addition to
whatever magnifier / glasses you choose. I'm sure google will turn up a
bazillion places that sell them online.

Cheers!
tb
http://www.flyreview.com


"asadi...." > wrote in message
ink.net...
> Having reached the point where I wish to tie something besides wooly
> buggers
> I have decided to concentrate on the caddis.
>
> Buggers, in their variations and methods of fishing are the number one
> bait,
> IMHO, for smallmouth bass.
>
> Although I am sure many conflicting opinions exist, I have about reached
> that opinion for caddis and trout.
>
> In any event, I am not nor never will be a professional tier. I am not nor
> will be a tier whose flies are works of art, pretty to look at or even
> merit
> showing to others. I am still using the tools and necks I got in the
> Cabelas
> kit ten years ago and just purchased another kit (the same) from ebay.
>
> So please, do not assume that I am in the market for the 'hot' set-up.
> What
> I am in the market for is something to help me see a little better. I need
> a
> magnifier.
>
> I have looked at Bass pro
> http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog.TextId?hvarTextId=34444&hvarTarget=search
>
> and Cabelas
> http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jhtml;jsessionid=NTQFO4OZ52HWNTQSNOECCNWOCJVY WIWE?id=0001055311654a&navAction=jump&navCount=1&indexId=cat20534&podId=0001055&catalogCode=UD&parentId=cat20534&parentType=index&rid=&cmCat=MainCatcat20431&_requestid=6817
>
> Also http://www.ezflyfish.com/mckenmag.html
>
> I am thinking that the 'great big around' glass that swings out of the way
> would be easier for me. If anyone would care to make a comment I would
> love
> to here it. I would rather purchase a product from someone here or in ROFF
> if at all possible.
>
> ...Oh great Hackle Masters this humble born of a dyed barnyard rooster
> neck
> doth humbly beg your guidance......
>
> john
>
>

[John Hightower]

"asadi...." > wrote in message
ink.net...
> Change 'bait' to 'fly' and 'here' to hear'
>
>

I have and use the cabelas lamp. It generally works pretty well. This past
year or so I've come to realize that at close, and I mean close, distances I
see better without my glasses, and my bi-focals are worthless for tying. So
I have taken to tying without my glasses. Its works pretty well for me when
tying, but I have to find my glasses when I need a different material. If I
have my contacts in then I have to use reading glasses.

jh

[John Hightower]

"asadi...." > wrote in message
ink.net...
> Change 'bait' to 'fly' and 'here' to hear'
>
>

I have and use the cabelas lamp. It generally works pretty well. This past
year or so I've come to realize that at close, and I mean close, distances I
see better without my glasses, and my bi-focals are worthless for tying. So
I have taken to tying without my glasses. Its works pretty well for me when
tying, but I have to find my glasses when I need a different material. If I
have my contacts in then I have to use reading glasses.

jh