thread bobbin question

[chadk]

I know they should be tight, but mine seems too tight. Could it be I just need a different bobbin threader of higher quality? Can you was the pivot points for a smoother pull? I'm breaking thread to easily - even being very careful. Could be the quality of my thread too I guess... But I end up pulling off thread by hand and it kinda defeats the purpose I think.

Also, how do you get the thread through the tube? I've found that if I place the thread with some slack into the bottom hole, I can suck on the tube like a straw and the thread goes right through...

Do most guys use multiple bobbins or just swith thread on the bobbin when they want a different color? I think it makes sense to have several I guess.

Pardon my stupid questions :o

[kjt111]

I've only just started tying myself and had some of the same questions. Typically you can bend the bobbin "arms" out to make the fit a little looser (be careful, though, as I've seen them break). I've also found that I'm breaking thread much more often with a standard metal, rather than ceramic, bobbin - I wouldn't buy another regular metal bobbin! Having multiple bobbins certainly means that you're changing spools less often but it's more of a convenience thing than anything else.

Getting the thread through the hole can be as simple as sucking but getting a bobbing threader for a few bucks makes life much easier. You would also be able to make one really easily if you had thin enough wire.

I hope that helps!
Kevin

[chadk]

Thanks. Yep, I tried stretching it. Broke it. Still works, but cracked the metal clamp that holds it together. So I'll be buying a few more. Looks like i should consider ceramic.

[sixfinger]

You can get a Rite Bobbin, they're kinda cool. you can adjust the tension like you would the drag on a reel. Get a ceramic one, and DONT USE a metal bobbin threader. it can cut up the tube inside and cut your thread. Use those blue plastic dental loops. You can buy them at most grocery stores, I think G.U.M makes them.

[Tom Grobelny]

I found that I had to bend the arms of my bobbin out a bit to reduce the tension on the thread also. It seems like a common adjustment. Next time you try this, use 2 pairs of pliers. Work on one arm at a time, grabbing the arm on each side of the existing bend with the pliers and bend it out slightly. Repeat for the other arm and try. This should keep you from breaking the bobbin, especially the ceramic type (takes the pressure off of the "metal clamp").

Go slow it is better to sneak up on it after 2 or three adjustments rather then bend it too much and have to tighten it.

As far as threading tools, I just use a piece of mono, about .008 dia and 8 inches long. I thread both ends of the mono through the back side of the bobbin tube, put the thread into the loop of mono and pull it on through. I have heard that dental floss threaders also work well. (if your kids have braces, you should be familiar with them).

Tom G

[Kent Lufkin]

Chad, your's is the first bobbin I've heard of that broke. Could well be a poor quality bobbin since most are designed to be flexible enough to adjust. As a suggestion, you might want to adjust the tension so that it's a bit looser rather than tighter. You can always wrap the thread once or twice around one of the arms to add tension, but there's no compensating if it's too tight to start with.

FYI, you might want to look for bobbins at the upcoming Bellevue Fly Show where you can find them for a small fraction of what most shops charge. I got a handful there several years ago for about $1 or $2 each.

K

[mr trout]

Yeah, gotta adjust the arms at the bend, not just by pulling apart on them. And I would second your decision to go ceramic, it is a big difference, even when you think the metal is smooth, it has micro serrations that wear on the thread pretty quick.
As for threading, head to the store and get a package of these little plastic things they sell for threading your floss under braces. They are WAY COOL! And dirt cheap.
kinda like these. http://store.yahoo.com/dentakit/brdeflth.html But they can be had much cheaper in smaller packs and different types. Just look near the floss at your local grocer.

[cabezon]

I second (or third, whatever) the suggestion of ceramic bobbins and using stiff mono as to move thread through the bobbin. You might also check the holes on the thread spool for problems; you might use a file to remove any irregularities that may be interferring with a smooth deployment of thread. Also, I have occasionally run into a spool of threat that was just #$$(#&$*#*. No matter how gently I tried to use it, it would break at the most inopportune time - like when you trying to secure a hackle. Chuck it and buy another; the cost is minor compared to removing this frustration.

Steve

[Tim Cottage]

I know they should be tight, but mine seems too tight. Could it be I just need a different bobbin threader of higher quality? Can you was the pivot points for a smoother pull? I'm breaking thread to easily - even being very careful. Could be the quality of my thread too I guess... But I end up pulling off thread by hand and it kinda defeats the purpose I think.

Also, how do you get the thread through the tube? I've found that if I place the thread with some slack into the bottom hole, I can suck on the tube like a straw and the thread goes right through...

Do most guys use multiple bobbins or just switch thread on the bobbin when they want a different color? I think it makes sense to have several I guess.



You need to adjust the legs on your bobbin. When you do this try not to put too much pressure on the area were the legs join together with the tube. Instead of just pulling the legs apart, try to adjust the legs at the bend. A bobbin is ideally adjusted when the legs are parallel with the flat ends of your thread spool. It takes a bit of tinkering to get it just right. Ceramic helps but often costs more than necessary. See attached photo of a cheap ceramic bobbin that works well. They are sold by Terra Fly Tying Tools. Most shops charge between $7 - $10 but you can usually get them on ebay for $4 - $5.

If you can "place the thread with some slack into the bottom hole and suck on the tube like a straw and the thread goes right through", your done. Problem solved. Move on. Why add a tool when you don't need one?

If you often use different color threads it is far more convenient to pick up another bobbin that is threaded and ready to go than to stop and change. As you progress in tying you may find yourself using one color as a working thread and another for the head. This may sound a bit extravagant at this point but eventually it will make sense. You may also eventually want bobbins of different weights for different situations.

Here in Outer Duvall we usually have at least three or four bobbins loaded and ready.


TC

[chadk]

"Why add a tool when you don't need one?"

I was just curious, as I was sure there was probably a more 'refined' way :) Besides, my tools and gadget collection is growing fast - just wondering what other things I'm missing...

[TheShadKing]

Chad, your's is the first bobbin I've heard of that broke.

I broke at least one doing that. Didn't chuck it out, though, I wrapped it with saltwater thread, through a couple of whip finishes on top, hit it with some thread cement, and was back in business. :beer2:

I don't think I saw any mention of looking for burrs in the tube? If I was regularly breaking thead, I'd look at the tube. Visually you can see most of them, or try spinning a Q-tip on both ends to see if it catches on anything. But I've seen burrs in the middle of the tube.

Ceramic bobbins are not immune to this problem. I have one ceramic bobbin that I need to have a tube replaced on. Something's not visible, but it breaks thread and my other one doesn't. Same exact bobbin & thread.


Rolland

[Old Man]

I have about seven or eight bobbins and all but one are metal. I guess it's the pressure that you use on the thread that breaks it. I used to pull to tight but after a while you learn to back off on your thread and it will still do the job.

Chad, you are in the learning curve of tying flies. It will all come together for you as you learn. Nobody knows it all,but a few are trying.

How's the vise working??????????????????

Jim

[chadk]

Jim, the vise rocks! As you can tell, i'm putting out several flies a day. I'm addicted...