Am I the Only One that Struggles with CDC Collars?

[Letort]

Watch a YT video and it appears to be the simplest process in the world,

So I am trying some nymphs and want to add a CDC collar. I tried tying in the stem and wrapping the stem, but felt the collar was too long. So I am using a clamp to hold the CDC feather and then trimming the stem off. Where I am struggling is transferring the trimmed fronds to the dubbing loop. Seems all my dubbing loop tools keep the thread too far apart to hold the fronds before they are spun by the dubbing tool.

Any one have any tips to share (other than just use hen hackle)

 

[hooker-of-men]

Watch a YT video and it appears to be the simplest process in the world,

So I am trying some nymphs and want to add a CDC collar. I tried tying in the stem and wrapping the stem, but felt the collar was too long. So I am using a clamp to hold the CDC feather and then trimming the stem off. Where I am struggling is transferring the trimmed fronds to the dubbing loop. Seems all my dubbing loop tools keep the thread too far apart to hold the fronds before they are spun by the dubbing tool.

Any one have any tips to share (other than just use hen hackle)

Split thread instead of a dubbing loop?

 

[Calico]

Try splitting your thread

 

[Letort]

Ah, didn't think of that, thanks!

 

[Drifly]

Here what I did to remedy this issue, get a 30 cent binder clip then scuff up the inside of the paint with some sand paper then cut and superglue some sheet rubber to the inside. So no more holding the stem and trying to put in in the loop. You take your new binder clip tool clamp frond cut them off the stem then you take your new tool and put the fronds into the loop, pull the loop tight and release your binder clip….done

 

[poopdeck]

I’m not a gear guy and I try not to spend a lot of money on fly tying gizmos but I bought one of these and absolutely love it. It was the best 50 bucks I ever spent on fly tying. In fact it’s the most expensive fly tying tool I ever bought and that includes the 3 vises I have. I got rid of all the other twisters after I got this.

.

 

[nfrechet]

i just pinch off the fibers if they are too long

 

[SBecker]

Another option is hitting the inside of the loop with a little wax. When you go lay the line of fibers down they should catch.

 

[TheDuke44]

I can tell you for certain that you are not the only one that struggles with CDC collars. The "10,000-hour rule" might not apply to me.