Re: [VFB] Now for a serious thread!!

[Wes Wada]

An interesting article about threads:
<http://www.snakerivercutthroats.com/newsletter1200.htm>

A sample excerpt:

Listed below is some information about thread which will increase your overall knowledge of this sometime taken for granted material:

There is no standardization for thread size by manufacturers or distributors of fly tying thread.� Size designations such as 3/0, 6/0, 8/0 are only of general use in determining the actual size of the thread.� Example: Gudebod 8/0, UNI 8/0, Benecchi 12/0 and Griffith 14/0 are all the same size (thickness) and strength.�

Fly tying threads are made of the following primary materials: silk, nylon, polyester, Spun-gel polyethylene, monofilament and Kevlar.

Nylon has significantly more stretch than polyester of the same approximate denier.

There are four basic thread structures: flat or continuous filament thread, simple-twist thread, rope twist and round (this is a monofilament thread).

Some threads are pre-waxed and some are unwaxed. Example, all Benecchi threads are unwaxed, all Gudebrod threads are waxed.� Danville Flymaster 6/0 is available waxed and unwaxed.� ULTRA 140 and 70 are waxed.�

Unwaxed threads "spread" or are able to cover more shank surface by manipulating the bobbin holder.� Unwaxed thread is also subject to fraying, particularly if the tier has rough hands.� It is argued by some that waxed threads are slightly stronger than unwaxed thread of the same brand and size.�

Select thread size and strength in accordance with the size and material being used for the fly.� Example, Dynacord or UNI-cord to tie spun or stacked hair bass bugs, and Gudebrod 10/0 for midges.�

Counter spin your bobbin holder to untwist the thread allowing for wrapping material.� All semi-twisted threads will flatten if the bobbin holder is counter spun (right handed tiers).� UNI 8/0 is a bonded thread which will not flatten even if the bobbin is counterspun.�

Waxed threads are NOT necessary to dub natural or synthetic material.�