Fly Tying Guys....help/advice

[Birdguy]

My son got into fly tying a couple years ago and seems to really enjoy it. Some of the guys on this forum gave him some of the stuff he started with (Thank you again  ). He is turning 13 this year and I wanted to do something special with him. I was thinking we would build him a fly tying desk/bench. I would love some pictures of what guys are using and what you like and do not like. I realize it will be his bench so it will be a lot of what he wants when we are done, but I am looking for ideas for him. My Dad was the wood worker and he passed  away a couple years ago, but he left some lumber (oak, black walnut, cedar, pine )we cut on our sawmill that we will be using as a tribute to his Grandpa, should be a cool project. We still have the mill so I could cut more and different types if needed. My son will learn a lot about wood working and tools as well as a few things about how special Grandpa's are when the leave stuff to make memories with. We can make it as big or as small has he wants it but his is just starting to really grow so I know we will need some man sized dimensions to work from. I am sure there is a ton of info you might find beneficial to help us so ask away and I will do my best to get us on the same page. Thank you.

[Birdguy]

Nothing 

Well, we will just have to punt I guess.

[jamesfromseattle]

This seems may be an overly general suggestion, but make sure to consider lighting.  Most prefabed trying setups I've seen don't include any lights.

I finally set up a desk for tying in my office, but never use it because I have a tough time with the angle of the light in there.  With a normal desk lamp casting light from one angle, the shadows can make it difficult to see details.  Instead of using my dedicated desk, I still shlep everything out to the kitchen table because it has a big overhead light and windows nearby.

If it is not going to be set up in an extremely bright room, maybe it would be possible to work in multiple lights that could be adjusted as need be. 

Sounds like a great project!  Looking forward to seeing the results.

[ribka]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1VaKDuWhm14

How about above. Simple and meets needs

 I have a wooden type box that stores materials and opens up. I attach the vise to the wooden handle. Will attach a pic. However most of my tying is done at kitchen table too. I suggest getting some basic materials and storing in small sip lock containes. And get a plastic hook box for storing different sized hooks.  I use a tying light and a magnifiers when tying flies.

[Bill W]

I like a nice flat, light colored table.  I have some plastic racks on top and also underneath that holds materials.  A light colored table is best as it does not "suck" up the light and make it hard to see what you are doing.    I've also used a secretary and a roll top desk.  The flat table works best for me.

[7mmfan]

Here is a picture of my setup. This is a small desk, but I easily sit at it. I'm 5' 9", 155. One thing I can tell you is that a large desk just means more stuff will get piled onto it and you won't be able to find anything. This desk is about 3.5" long and maybe 2' deep and its about perfect. The drawers are to deep in my opinion, I would rather have 4 shallower drawers down the side for easier access. I have a nice thread holder in the big drawer over my lap that makes finding the correct thread easy.

The peg board is attached to the wall and is more than large enough for most of the necessary materials. This is very handy and helps to keep the clutter down on the desk.

Also, as was stated earlier, lighting is EVERYTHING. I have the little desktop lamp, and it works, but having a built in overhead lamp would be so much better. You can get one for the 18" flourescent tubes pretty cheap and could easily mount it to the wall above the tying station.

One thing I don't have is a dedicated tool holder. Make one out of wood or rigid foam that is just big enough to stick his tying tools into for easy access.

Have fun with it, and good luck!

[jamesfromseattle]

The 18" fluorescent tubes are a great idea. I think that would really help with the shadows.

[coachcw]

my biggest problem tieing flys is they all get stuck in the trees when I go to use them ! good luck waiting to see your work.

[Birdguy]

Now we are talking! Thanks guys. I was definitely thinking articulating magnifying glass with built in light (my Mom has one for quilting and needlework) but an additional overhead light will be added. I also really appreciate the "light" wood top idea. As soon as I read it, it made perfect sense, may have to use the black walnut for another project. I will certainly look into the pegboard and more shallow drawers. Again, thanks to all who are offering ideas, that is how good things can become great!

[ribka]

i have this one

works well

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Deluxe-Magnifying-Lamp/1439374.uts?productVariantId=3304136&srccode=cii_17588969&cpncode=42-29032658-2&WT.tsrc=CSE&WT.mc_id=GoogleProductAds&WT.z_mc_id1=03555647&rid=20

[Bullkllr]

Interesting tying bench here
http://globalflyfisher.com/tiebetter/tying_bench/

And like 34 pages of discussion here
http://www.theflyfishingforum.com/forums/general-fly-tying-discussions/3105-lets-see-your-tying-station.html

I have gone from a workbench in the basement, to table in the garage, to a desk in our rec room. I was going to build a desk, but I bought an old roll-top for $20 at a yard sale that worked out great. Really like being able to close it up when not in use. Since it is dark wood, I lined the top of the desk with light colored linoleum squares. I just use a cheap arm light mounted above the desk.

[Birdguy]

That is some great help guys! Some real examples absolutely what I was looking for. Thank you.

[fishnfur]

7mm Fan has a really nice setup.  Storage is a major concern.  I haven't tied in several years, but I have a small dresser filled with all my tying materials - four drawers full.  Most of the materials that he uses on a daily basis can stay at the workbench.  Odds and ends put away elsewhere for use when needed.

Being young, he probably doesn't need a ton of extra light to view his work.  He can always add a magnifying ring light when he is ready, if he has space for it on the bench.