Epoxy anyone?

[Rockstar Caddis]

I have just tied my first flies using epoxy backs. Wow, they look so sweet. Just wonderd if anyone ever fishes flies w/'poxy and if they work any better or worse. I always thought that you had to mix it all up at once and poxy like hundreds to be worth your time and $, WAS I WRONG OR WHAT!

[nightfish]

Hey Clinton,

Glad you had fun playing with the goop. Keep an eye out, I'm planning on hosting my first swap with that theme after the New Year.

Might be a good theme for the tying clubs too.

[Rockstar Caddis]

The flies look great. The goop is fun and you get really high @ the same time. I can't wait for the swap. When you do it just let me know that I am in. Save a place for the new goopmeister.

[grouser]

I checked out a video at the library that has Shane Stalcup tying up some epoxy flies that looked deadly. Having just recently purchased a rotary vice I guess I have no excuse for not tying?(gooping) some up.

[JayMorr]

I look forward to Nightfish's epoxy swap! Clinton, I have found that the 90 second epoxy works good for me. I buy it at Home Depot. The seperate bottles for the resin and hardener make it easy to mix small amounts so that I dont waist a lot of epoxy.

I have a few really good epoxy articles. If you would like I could make you some copies. Also check this page out:

http://www.flyfisherman.com/ftb/ssmaterials/index17.html


Epoxy it a lot of fun to work with ;)

JayMorr

[Rockstar Caddis]

now wait just one munizle, you sayin' that you have more stuff? I need some copies for sure. If you can email them let my know, if I need to pick 'em up I can do that also. Epoxy is so fine! Out-

[JayMorr]

Haha. I can photo copy them or if you like I could scan them in tonight and try and email it to you. I will try and email you first. let me know what you think.


JayMorr

[Jason]

Nice link. I read that article a few months back. Thanks for the refresher. FWIW, in my attempt at tying with epoxy and 'lots of head cement' flies, I rigged my little rod turning motor into a nice fly drier. It's the perfect speed for drying flies. I just took a piece (1/2 to 3/4 inch thick closed cell packing foam) and cut a 6-7 inch circle out of it. Then I attached-stuck it onto my drying motor and turned it on. Works great.

So what's best, 5 minute or 90 minute epoxy? I don't think that article suggested what type is best. Anyone?

[Hopper]

I did a similar thing to rotate my epoxy flies. I went to the local DI and bought an old salad spinner for $2. Glued some foam to the shaft and built a little wooden mount to hold it on it's size. I can put 10-15 streamers on it easily.

Hopper

[Rockstar Caddis]

I am in bontiful if it would be quicker to copy them. My email is cjg_trout@hotmail.com
drop me a line and let me know if I should just come and get them or not. Thanks for the help J's

[WetNymph]

I use 90 minute epoxy, because it allows me to do more flies at one time. You can adjust drying time by the temp of the room and if for some reason you have to come back due to bubbles or a stray piece of material in the epoxy it allows you plenty of play time.

LPRC

[JayMorr]

I will scan the articles tonight and try and email them to you in a PDF format. (acrobat reader) If you do not know what that is, let me know and I will print it out and shoot you a email with details on how I can get it to you.

As for anyone else, if you would like a copy in a PDF format let me know and I will make it available for you.




JayMorr

[nightfish]

In general, the quicker curing products yellow quicker than longer curing epoxies. On the other side, longer curing time leads to more slumping. If you want an epoxy head and are using a drying wheel, the 90 minute is a good choice. If you're doing 'poxybacks, or turning flies by hand, 5 minute is better (keeps the goop from slipping off the sides).

Some other tips:

-Mix the 2 part on a post-it note, squares of foil, or something flat instead of the disposable cups. You'll get a better mix, and even curing.

-Use coffee stir sticks (mini straws) for mixing & applying. Trim them to an angled point for precise work, and to scoop up the material. Toothpicks also work for application.

-If, in the event you screwed up while mixing the 2 part and you find that the applied material stays tacky, there is a fix for that batch. It will never cure completely, but a top coat of Sally Hansen's will make the fly useable.

-The smaller the batch, the greater the chance of an uneven mix ratio.

-If you're epoxying over thread, use a wax free thread for better adhesion.

-If you want a faster cure time, the heat from a lightbulb will speed things up. If you want slower, a cooler room will slow it down. (Thanks WetNymph)

-Epoxy cleans up with acetone or alcohol, but only BEFORE it has cured.

-Any extra mixed product can be used to cover labels on fly boxes, net handles, etc (name tags, for those who are always losing their gear/or identification in the event of losing them to scumbags).