Working with Tying Wax

[paparex]

What suggestions do you have for working with tying wax? I bought some and find it very hard, at least harder than I would have thought. I can work a small piece between my finger and thumb OK but it goes HARD in just a few seconds. I have tried to heat it with light from a lamp. Again, good for a few seconds and then it becomes brittle like Grandma's Homemade Honey Taffy. Any other ideas?

[willowhead]

Papa........all i've ever used it for was waxing my thread........just keep it in your hand til soft enough to use it.....use it.....then forget about it.
Others know much more than i do.....

[narcodog]

I use wax all of the time and there are hundreds of different formulas. If you have a hard wax do as your doing. Bill Bailey has some great wax and he may chime in here.

Hard wax is usually used for waxing the thread. softer wax is used for different types of application for applying dubbing to the thread.

[letumgo]

I often tye with a piece of coblers wax on the side of my index finger. I start with a piece the size of a small pea. I warm it in my hand until it begins to soften, then press it flat against the side of my right index finger. The heat from my hand keeps the wax pliable. When I need the wax during the tying process, it is ready to use.

http://www.flymphforum.com/viewtopic.ph ... nd+#p10864

[wsbailey]

What suggestions do you have for working with tying wax? I bought some and find it very hard, at least harder than I would have thought. I can work a small piece between my finger and thumb OK but it goes HARD in just a few seconds. I have tried to heat it with light from a lamp. Again, good for a few seconds and then it becomes brittle like Grandma's Homemade Honey Taffy. Any other ideas?

I tried a lot of waxes and had similar experiences to yours and with others that were too soft and messy. This led me to working out my own formulas to get the results I was looking for. John McLain at http://www.feathersmc.com has my waxes for sale or you can contact me if you are interested. Bill

[hankaye]

paparex, Howdy;

While I was working on my swap flys for the most receint swap I used some of Jim S's Leisenring-Keene Tying Wax ...
took a small piece and let it sit in the first joint of my non-tying hand's index finger.
Body heat kept it soft enough for when I needed it.

hank

[flyfishwithme]

You know guys I don' use wax anymore. It was originally used to hold everything together when tying by hand. Use of it does away with the translucent of the silk thread, an effect I want in my NCF's. That is why threads like Pearsall's is better than say Uni thread which is pre-waxed. It isn't translucent.
As for the silk rotting. Does its really matter if I have to tie a few more flies. Keeps me busy when the season is closed.

[paparex]

Thanks for the advice. I guess I want to tie with the original materials and have that experience. I'm taking Bill up on his offer. I'll keep trying until I get it under control.