Woodcock Copper Dun

[Old Hat]

A little thorax spider pattern I came up with. I have used a pattern similar to this for a couple years but I ordered some woodcock wings and wanted to play with them.

Hook: Mustad #3906 #14
Thread: Griffith's 14/0 dun well waxed
Rib: fine copper wire
Body: Griffith's 14/0 dun well waxed and buffed to a sheen
Thorax: hare dyed dark dun
Hackle: woodcock from under the wing

Woodcock Copper Dun.jpg (82.48 KiB) Viewed 2774 times

[DUBBN]

I like that..Very well done.

[Roadkill]

A nice creation Carl!

[Mataura mayfly]

Excellent spider Carl. The buffed body really glows. How are you buffing the thread?

[Old Hat]

Thanks guys.

Mataura, I'm just rubbing it with a smooth agate stone that I use to burnish floss with. It flattens the thread, smooths out the wraps and buffs the wax.

[DUBBN]

A "pet" rock?

[Old Hat]

Yep, and it is even shaped like a fish. Found it years ago in a bead store while my wife was doing a little shopping.

[Mataura mayfly]

Interesting, I do not know I have ever heard of the technique..... might have to give it a try..... if I can find a suitable stone.

[Old Hat]

I use the polished agate. They do make burnishing tools for tying. They are commonly used in full dressed salmon flies and the like to get a very smooth body of floss. For thread it doesn't have to be anything special, really any hard smooth surface will work ( but the pet stone is more fun). You do have to be a little careful not to fray silk If that is what you are using. Work the wax well into the thread, wrap on the hook and then gently rub until smooth and a sheen appears.

[Mataura mayfly]

So you are saying I should not use a buffing wheel in a 4" grinder?