wire tying skirts

[AKFerzy7]

Anyone here tying their skirts with wire? If so I'd like to pick your brain a little. How do you do it and what tools do you use?

[21XDC]

I have wire tied for 20+ years. I use 24 gauge copper craft wire. A beginner should start with 20-22 gauge. 2 wraps only and pull tight and twist to hold. Dont twist to tighten. I use safety wire twister pliers in manual non spring return. Once you get used to them they are awesome. Look for Milbar or armstrong brand. I have some matco and mac tool pairs and they were pricey.

[OsageJoe]

Do you use a vise?.. for whatever reason I suck at wire tying skirts. I really just need to see someone do it or something

[paulpus]

I tie all of mine with thread.
Paul

[21XDC]

Yes... I have several clamp on 1 inch bench vices and some 3 or 4 inch clamp on bench vices. I tried thread and like the results better with wire personally. Many I used to tie for would ask for red wire as a bleeding bait/gills etc..

Google "mini vise" or "Jewellers vise"

http://www.widgetsupply.com/pa...417CV

[thedude]

i just started messing with them. i use a vice like 21xdc to hold the hook. i lay my skirt out on a cut rubber band, tie it in a overhandknot and slide it on the hook. then use 2 pairs of small needle nose pliers to wrap/twist the wire. take off the rubberband and snip with flush cut wire snips then trim the skirt.

i'm sure there's better ways, like i said, i just got started.

[paulpus]

[QUOTE=21XDC]Yes... I have several clamp on 1 inch bench vices and some 3 or 4 inch clamp on bench vices. I tried thread and like the results better with wire personally. Many I used to tie for would ask for red wire as a bleeding bait/gills etc.. [QUOTE=21XDC]

I have never tried the wire myself. I tie in alot of bear hair, craft hair and flashabuo in my jigs, not sure wire will hold it.
Thread comes in some many colors that you can add highlights to a jig and or a great contrast too.
I use a large fly tying vise also, but have a small bench vise as a back up on a board that I can take when I travel for tourneys.
After you use a jig with a tied skirt you will never use a rubber band again.
Paul

[21XDC]

The wire wont do well on hair or flashabou and the thread works better,Unless you mix with some rubber and hair. I never could tie a hair jig well... I do OK with 3 feathers on trebels, But I have my limits..

[paulpus]

I tie rubber but you have to use a fine "weak" thread to hold the rubber still.
I have never tried to tie a treble hook, how hard is it?
Paul

[21XDC]

After the first 10 they start to look good.. I just buy saddle hackle/neck hackle in the color I like/white. pick 3 feathers and tie on the shank. I use a drop of super glue on the thread after I tie it off. One feather at a time with a couple of wraps to hold each one and then 6-10 wraps to finish.

[21XDC]

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/...s.php