Stacking Questions

[phiendWMD]

Hi, I have 2 questions about stacking. First when I stack deer hair, sometimes it clumps up on the cut end. Is this just something that happens or am I doing something wrong/using the wrong hair?

My 2nd question is, do different brands of stackers work better and worse? I have a cheap stacker from when I first started tying. It's probably Angler's Image brand but I'm not sure. Would a higher priced stacker provide better performance? Or should I just focus on improving my technique?

 

[NewSal]

One tip Ive used, if your hair is clumping in the stacker and not aligning properly it could be caused by static electricity built up in the stacker. Keep a dryer sheet around on your tying desk, prior to stacking run the dryer sheet through the stacker, it will reduce / eliminate static electricty build up in your stacker and will stack better.

I have a cheap stacker but it works fine for me, especially when I run the dryer sheet through it.

 

[afishinado]

phiendWMD wrote:
Hi, I have 2 questions about stacking. First when I stack deer hair, sometimes it clumps up on the cut end. Is this just something that happens or am I doing something wrong/using the wrong hair?

My 2nd question is, do different brands of stackers work better and worse? I have a cheap stacker from when I first started tying. It's probably Angler's Image brand but I'm not sure. Would a higher priced stacker provide better performance? Or should I just focus on improving my technique?

Cut the hair > hold by the tips > pull out all the fuzz and shorts

I often use a fine tooth comb to remove the fuzz and shorts.

I would bet when the cut end is cleaned up, it will not clump.

As far as buying a "better" hair stacker, it's really just a tube that fits into a slightly larger tube.

Back in the day I used a shotgun shell and that worked.

The tip that NewSal gave is a good one.

You should be good-to-go.

 

[Solitariolupo]

If its clumping then your not cleaning it good. You have to get the small pieces and fur out of the longer hair. Take a fine tooth comb and run it threw a couple times. Don't be afraid to push the tops down then slam it. Depends on your stacker what's it made out of.

 

[chromid]

If you do not have a fine tooth comb I have found that using a tooth brush to remove fuzz and shorts works well. Actually prefer it to a comb.

 

[linwood]

I'll second the toothbrush.

 

[moon1284]

I'd bet your problem is due to the fur not being removed. I pull it out with my hands, I can do it faster than with a brush.

 

[RCFetter]

I have one of these

It's 5" long and works well but I mostly just use my fingers.

I use those vintage brass stackers (3 sizes) and typically stack twice and vigorously, the second time in the smaller stacker.

 

[phiendWMD]

moon1284 wrote:
I'd bet your problem is due to the fur not being removed. I pull it out with my hands, I can do it faster than with a brush.

I may not be cleaning it well enough. Usually I just hold the bunch of hair horizontally about a 1/4" from the butt ends and run a finger from my other hand up and down over the butts a few times. Then I'll lightly pinch the butt ends and pull outward. I've never tried a comb but I'll give that a shot. I have one of those combs that goes from fine to course. What I do does seem to remove some pieces but maybe I'm not getting it cleaned out enough.