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Post by flyfishingpastor on Feb 3, 2009 21:32:57 GMT -5
Okay. I went to the warehouse yesterday to buy some odds 'n ends that they haven't had for a month and still don't have - like black thread. Anyway, I noticed that they do have those cute little pre-formed popper heads, backs or whatever the heck they are - for about $6 for 6! Seemed a bit steep for me; so being the wise fly-tyers that you guys are, do you buy the pre-formed ones or does the local craft stores sell closed cell foam? I know they have sheets - but I haven't see any blocks or round shapes. Have I just missed them?
Pat
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Post by reelteacher on Feb 10, 2009 16:19:44 GMT -5
Hey Pat, Sorry just read this today. Craft stores have the sheets of foam, and then you can simply glue multiply sheets together on top of each other with Zap a gap or nail glue. You can use the same colors or you can create a barred or striped effect by using different colors together. I have done this with good results. I'll bring a few of the poppers I've made using this technique to the meeting, if I remember. Pre-cut popper heads are expensive, plus, they don't always work exactly the way you had hoped.
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Post by flyfishingpastor on Feb 11, 2009 9:16:35 GMT -5
Dustin;
Thanks for the reply. I agree, the premade popper heads ARE expensive - it would be cheaper to buy the darned things. I'm getting ready to try the gluing of alternating colors (black/yellow) to try tying a bumble bee fly, but 1) I didn't know if the glued sections would separate when thread is cinched down and 2) how do you get round cuts on the stacked/glued foam?
Pat
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Post by radioflyer on Feb 11, 2009 10:05:49 GMT -5
I buy foam sheets from the craft store and then layer them. Spray one sheet with 3M-77 spray adhesive and lay on the next sheet. That adhesive is really pliable. Put a phonebook on top and let set/cure for a day or so. You can add more but I do 2 and 3 sheet strips high for hoppers and terrestrials. Like Dustin said you can color combo anything or just build layers of a single color for whatever you need. After the sheets set for a day or so I cut into strips with a ruler and razor to make bodies.
rf
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Post by flyfishingpastor on Feb 11, 2009 10:51:30 GMT -5
RF;
Yep, that's what I'm gonna try (thanks for the spray adhesive tip), but do you cut any round shapes, and if so, do you just cut them with a razor or do you have a round "punch?"
Pat
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Post by phishinincident on Feb 11, 2009 12:52:12 GMT -5
PAT!, have you not seen that incredible jig that Krebsie has made? Its for making popper bodies.... They are the ticket, buy the cheaper rods and pop away!
Also i can get you popper bodies that already have hooks in them and all for really cheap! A buddy in my club makes them and has thousands.....
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Post by radioflyer on Feb 11, 2009 13:28:55 GMT -5
Pastor,
I also remember seeing where someone or some company sells stamps (like cookie cutters) for chernobyl ants and things like that. I'll research that. You just stamp the forms out of the foam sheets.
rf
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Post by trent on Feb 11, 2009 13:58:41 GMT -5
I would love to see a chernobyl ant in the shape of a pumpkin or snowman, maybe a heart for valentine's day.
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Post by flyfishingpastor on Feb 11, 2009 14:31:59 GMT -5
Jordan;
I'd be interested in seeing some of the poppers w/hooks your friend makes - I especially like the "cheap" part. You can PM me with the $/info or his contact info and I can follow up.
And, where do you get the "cheaper" rods?
Pat
RF - I have seen the stamps you're talking about - but they stamp flat foam strips. I was looking for a round one. I've never seen one of these.
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Post by phishinincident on Feb 11, 2009 14:45:43 GMT -5
By cheaper i mean cheaper than buying the pre-made bodies...
Ill be home this weekend, so i will try and see about getting the bodies....unf. the guy that makes em' brings them over on tuesdays...but i will see...
I may have to buy a bunch off of him and then just re-sell them to you guys, so ill have a variety of colors and sizes...
hopefully i can get some info this weekend...
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Post by krebsie on Feb 12, 2009 9:43:04 GMT -5
For those of you who are interested in custom foam cutters go to www.riverroadcreations.com This is the company who is manufacturing my popper jigs. For those of you who want to punch out your own foam rods, Ace hardware carries Stainless Steel tubing. Sharpen one end, then place the tube in a drill press on the slowest speed possible and punch away. Or you can just bring your foam to my house and use mine. That's cheaper and easier! Also here's a link to the place I buy my foam rods. www.allseasonsports.comKrebsie
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Post by flyfishingpastor on Feb 12, 2009 10:12:45 GMT -5
Gary;
What a generous offer! Okay. The vote's in: you're a darned nice guy! Thanks for the links.
Pat
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Post by flyfishingpastor on Feb 12, 2009 19:40:10 GMT -5
RF;
Uh, that 3M77 is pretty, um, STICKY stuff! I did manage to get a couple of experiments of black/yellow and white/red glued together and managed to permanently glue my trashcan (I sprayed the foam on the trashcan) to my garage floor; one of my dogs to his kennel and I doubt the foam EVER comes off the plastic bags I laid it on to dry. I also scrubbed my fingerprints off the tips of my fingers trying to get the glue off - which will come in handy if I decide to undertake a life of crime, which would put my "day job" in some jeopardy.
Still, I can't wait to see if the foam sticks together as well as everything else in my garage is right now... ;D
Pat
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Post by trent on Feb 12, 2009 22:24:21 GMT -5
Dare I ask which canine is permanently afixed to the kennel?
Is that the same kind of adhesive you would use to spray on turkey feathers to get the clumps of wing material, or is that some other kind of spray on glue?
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Post by flyfishingpastor on Feb 13, 2009 13:56:06 GMT -5
T- Divot. He's getting old anyway. Hardly moves around much; so I doubt if it inconveniced him much. I DID clean the bugger off though - so no nasty emails! And, for the record, I didn't spray him, my wife let him into the garage before I got things cleaned up and he walked through the over-spray - and then just stopped and stood still for a moment... all is well now. And, having never sprayed turkey feathers into a clump, I'm not sure whether this is the right stuff or not. I just checked the foam and, except right at the edges, it seemed to do just fine. I'll probably let it sit for another day to make sure it's set up as much as it will. Pat
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