griffin parachute tool

[mr trout]

http://www.griffinenterprisesinc.com/extd.parachute-2.JPG

Anybody ever give one of these a try? Seems like it might be interesting if it wasnt in the way. Course, if you don't tie a lot of parachutes, i guess it isnt really neccessary...

[sixfinger]

Wow...looks too complicated for me. You should tie more parachutes, They can make a big difference. I've found that Hans Van Klinken's technique has been a bit easier for me. Here's a link

http://www.danica.com/flytier/hklinken/klinkhamer_special.htm

[mr trout]

Wow...looks too complicated for me. You should tie more parachutes, They can make a big difference. I've found that Hans Van Klinken's technique has been a bit easier for me. Here's a link

http://www.danica.com/flytier/hklinken/klinkhamer_special.htm

I do tie quite a few parachutes, as they tend to be very effective, but they have been a pain in the neck to tie for the longest time. I really like that Klinkhamer method though. Is the spider web basically a mono thread?
Thanks for the link.

[sixfinger]

No, its a sticky thread. I think its from daniville. You dont really need it though, just put a drop of cement on the post a few seconds before you re-tie on. I haven't used it just because I havent found it anywhere but the technique still works.

As far as the klinkhamer special pattern, I cant say for a fact because I havent personally fished them yet, but from what I have read and have been told by some reliable sources its a really really effective pattern

[hikepat]

I do my parachutes a little wierd but it works for me well. Was sitting at the bench doing some furled extended bodies for some dry fly hex for lk Merrill a couple years back. The fly is a simple furled extended body with a parachute wing. It struck me that using furled Poly yarn might work well for the post on parachute flies. I can make up a batch of furled poly yarm in one sitting then tie a batch of flies with the furled post already made up ahead of time.

Remember to use half the material width you want for the post because the furling will double it. One nice thing is I do not have to wrap thread up and down the post much, since to post is tight together to start with. After tying the fly I simply cut off the top of the post off and fluff it back out. I have found this works best for flies size 18 and larger. The one draw back has been with this style has been more waste of the poly yarn but at $8 for a very large deal of macrame yarn which is made up of poly yarn, who cares.

[LT]

I bought one a couple months back and really like it. It acts just like a third hand and really helps me w\ parachutes. I take it off the vice when tying other patterns. It's not in the way.

[Dick Warnke]

I just got the Griffin bobbin cradle for my Patriot vise. Like LT says its like a third hand. One thing about the bobbin cradle it can be used for a parachute tool as well.

[jbrodie]

I have a similar one for my Renzetti and it is great. When not in use you can rotate away and down out of your way. Jim.

[mr trout]

One thing about the bobbin cradle it can be used for a parachute tool as well.

How so? Do you attach your own little clip and spring?

[chadk]

Do you have any pics of the before and after of your furled yarn post?

I do my parachutes a little wierd but it works for me well. Was sitting at the bench doing some furled extended bodies for some dry fly hex for lk Merrill a couple years back. The fly is a simple furled extended body with a parachute wing. It struck me that using furled Poly yarn might work well for the post on parachute flies. I can make up a batch of furled poly yarm in one sitting then tie a batch of flies with the furled post already made up ahead of time.

Remember to use half the material width you want for the post because the furling will double it. One nice thing is I do not have to wrap thread up and down the post much, since to post is tight together to start with. After tying the fly I simply cut off the top of the post off and fluff it back out. I have found this works best for flies size 18 and larger. The one draw back has been with this style has been more waste of the poly yarn but at $8 for a very large deal of macrame yarn which is made up of poly yarn, who cares.

[earlsmith]

THANK YOU ALL--I need some practice, but I think I can manage this technique, part of the problem is tht most of my technique was learned from completing Kaufmans wet and dry fly books, and it is second nature to end at the head of the fly, I have to think "outside" how I learned to tie for certain patterns to be more effective, much appreciated..

Earl Smith

[Minx]

Okay, call me "squeeky", I made my own parachute gallows outta a piece of 1/8 brass rod, spring, & small hackle pliers....works great, looks like I made it. :) Now the question is, which way should the hackle wrap, concave side up or down? For never tying a parachute before, my fourth try with the gallows looks okay...chuck

[Minx]

Well, guess it doesn't much matter, tried one with the concave side down & it looks just like the one the other way. Guess the true test will be on the river in 60 days. Gallows tool makes life much easier tying though...chuck

[mr trout]

How did you rig up the rod to the vise? Could you take a picture of it? Thanks!

[Minx]

Y'all bear with me on this, I ain't no Bill Gates when it comes to this computer stuff. Hope this pix posts okay and ain't too awful big for y'all to download. The rod came from the local Lowes, 1/8 inch brass and the hardwood block from a piece of oak hardwood flooring. I drilled the hole for the vise shaft first, then cut the block to size on the radial arm saw. The hole is just big enough for the shaft & friction holds it in place, the brass rod hole is just deep enough to hold the rod. The spring came from the junk drawer & the hackle pliers from Bass Pro shop. Like I said, looks like I made it, but it seems to work just fine. :confused: