To Wax or not to wax??

[ballingall512]

As above.

with all the current, pre waxed threads on the market, do you still prefer to add your own tying wax to your thread or do you use it as it comes??

I have been using utc threads for some time now, as I find the colours brilliant and the strength great, for it's diameter, compared with uni thread (which I now hate ;D)
The utc threads are however a wee bit slippy especially when using hair and fur.

I now use utc thread and apply my own tying wax to it, and the difference is incredible, not only to how much easier the tying is, but to the finish of the fly, ie smaller neater heads.

I'd be interested to here your way of doing things.

Dave

[underghillie]

Good question Dave i use utc threads as they come for most of my flee's only use wax for dubbed bodies.

[hagar]

Wrote this elsewhere.

"Until this year , I've used 8/0 & 6/0 Uni thread almost exclusively.

I'm now using UTC 70 den , but if anyone thinks it's a magic bullet for neater heads / ease of use etc , then they should think again.
I find that the UTC demands good technique & waxing before and during use.
It's slippery stuff that will split into it's component strands at the drop of a hat , and frays easily if you havn't been using your hand moisturising regime.

That said , I havn't managed to break it in tying yet and it does seem to have an ideal degree of stretch for secure tying wi' minimal turns of thread. "