Foam Bodies???

[Transplant]

I am just starting to tie a few flies with foam and am wondering what you guys use to keep the foam from 'rolling' when you sinch it down on the hook. I know to use some type of glue so it stays on the hook and doesn't slide down, I am just wondering what are some ideas on how to keep the foam stiff/rigid when you tie with it?

Thanks in advance.

[nightfish]

When tying with foam you need:
1. good thread base
2. the right size thread
3. tension control on the thread
4. management of torsion to position the foam correctly.

It'd help if I knew what you were tying, but in general, when tying in your foam, you should place the foam on the hook shank facing you, and not on top of the shank. The torsion the thread applies will roll the foam up on to the top of the shank. Start the first wrap with moderate tension, and increase the tension with each wrap. You should be at max tension with the third wrap.

Thread selection is important. 8/0 thread is more likely to cut through the foam. 6/0 is a little wider (think snowshoe effect) and will bind the foam more securely.

Even though foam rolls around while you're tying, you can move it a bit for final positioning.

Superglue (or even head cement)isn't required for many foam applications, but if you do use it, use the gel type CA glues.

I'm not quite sure what you mean about keeping the foam stiff. Have you tried rubbing it vigorously?

[Transplant]

Thanks for the advice I think. As for the last I don't think my wife would appreciate me doing 'that'.

I asked a friend of mine and he said that sometimes he had heard of people using the Loon uv knott sense glue to the underside of the foam to keep it stiff or flat like and that it wouldn't turn it whitish yellow either.

Anyway I will be giving it a try this week. The glue that is not the rubbing vigorously.;)

[Foamy8]

I think nightfish hit it all on the head. I rarely use glue. It is more about thread control and tension than anything. I've had problems with foam getting cut, but that is because I cranked on it too hard and it broke.

Personally, I wouldn't use any glue on the foam as it makes it too rigid and hard. That could compromise the floatability that makes foam so great.

[wildnative]

If you are talking about getting the foam started so it stays on the top of the hook, you can use the "pinch" technique. You hold the foam (or any material) on top of the hook with your thumb and index finger. Bring the tying thread up on the near side and slide it in between the thumb and finger and pinch it, then bring it straight down the other side (far side) between the thumb and finger and and pinch it, then pull straight down on the thread while holding the material on top of the shank. Do this several times and the foam should be secured on top without any rolling.

[Transplant]

Thanks I will try it. It has been a year or so since I last tied any flies, so it might take me all week to get 'er done, but I'll let you know.
ANDY

[Lonnie]

ever tried the "3 wrap" technique? I use it alot spinning hair and doing other thing but it works for foam too. It's simple, all you do is take 3 "loose" wraps (just tight enough to hold the material on the hook) around your material before you really cinch it down. If done right, it will help keep the foam from rolling over as much...

[cheech]

ever tried the "3 wrap" technique? I use it alot spinning hair and doing other thing but it works for foam to. It's simple, all you do is take 3 "loose" wraps (just tight enough to hold the material on the hook) around your material before you really cinch it down. If done right, it will help keep the foam from rolling over as much...

2 wraps work if'n yer not from temmessee;)

Good advise fron Lonnie.

I got nothing against a properly placed proportion of glue.