Skirtmaster Tool

[steve187]

After reading the thread about the skirtmaster tool and seeing that one of the members recently ordered and received one I decided to order one also. I hope it arrives soon. I am a beginner for sure but have had absolutely no luck hand tying these skirts, either with thread or wire. I hope the use of the tool and skirt collars will facilitate my skirt tying process.

I don't begrudge the cost or use of the tool and collars if it helps me learn how to tie the skirts but if this tool is the best thing since sliced bread for skirt tyers it makes me wonder what methods and techniques skirt tyers used before the invention of this tool.

Edited September 14, 2010 by steve187

[cadman]

Steve187,

I have 3 of the old version tools and they work well. I do like the new ones but don't need them since the old ones still work. The tool will not make you a better tyer. The tool was originally designed so guys who bought lose strand skirts can mix and match strands and make color combos of their own. Also at the time this tool was used mainly for round and square rubber skirts. I still today use this tool for that purpose since that is exactly what it helps me accomplish. There is no other tool that I know of (unless you make your own) that can do what this tool does with bulk material. It can also be used for tabbed skirt material as well. This next tip a must for the skirt tool to function easily without (you) or anyone getting p****d off and throwing it in the garbage. When you have all of your strands together, take some 3/4" masking tape (I use scotch transparent) and tape all the strand at one end. Once you do this feed it into the rubber collar that is already on the skirt tool in the open position. If you want to see some pics PM me your e-mail and I will show you what I'm talking about. Once you have all your skirts banded, then comes the fun part of putting them on the jig and then starting to tie your skirt. Enjoy and have fun.

[Richard Prager]

Steve187,

I have 3 of the old version tools and they work well. I do like the new ones but don't need them since the old ones still work. The tool will not make you a better tyer. The tool was originally designed so guys who bought lose strand skirts can mix and match strands and make color combos of their own. Also at the time this tool was used mainly for round and square rubber skirts. I still today use this tool for that purpose since that is exactly what it helps me accomplish. There is no other tool that I know of (unless you make your own) that can do what this tool does with bulk material. It can also be used for tabbed skirt material as well. This next tip a must for the skirt tool to function easily without (you) or anyone getting p****d off and throwing it in the garbage. When you have all of your strands together, take some 3/4" masking tape (I use scotch transparent) and tape all the strand at one end. Once you do this feed it into the rubber collar that is already on the skirt tool in the open position. If you want to see some pics PM me your e-mail and I will show you what I'm talking about. Once you have all your skirts banded, then comes the fun part of putting them on the jig and then starting to tie your skirt. Enjoy and have fun.

It also works like a dream to put those rattle bands on.

[steve187]

I got my Skirtmaster tool yesterday. Today I went to the barn to try it out. It is definitely a helpful tool. I use the tool to open the rubber collar and then insert 2 skirt tabs. Next I slid the skirt collar onto the jig. I slid it on just short of where the tying would take place. I'm really down . I'm just not having much luck with the tying, either with thread or wire. I think I may be sorta close to a breakthrough if I just keep practicing . I have been looking on the internet in various places for some videos that show detailed video on how to actually tie the jig. There are lots of videos in different places but they don't really discuss the ins and outs of the tying process.

I will say that this forum has been helpful especially in terms of giving me some hope to hang in there and keep trying.

[Richard Prager]

I'm no expert by any means and there might be easier ways to tie, but this way works for me.

I slide the band as far as it will go and then adjust the skirt the way I like it. Then, I just turn it upside down and wrap a twist tie arounfd the top part to keep it out of the way. I use this thread from Leland. It's cheap and will not break no matter how tight you tie it. It also does cut through the skirt material. Best of all shipping is FREE! I wrap it around 10 times and tie a few knots. Then, I snip the band off and put a little Sally Hansen Strong As Nails over the knot. It soaks right in. Hope this helps.

http://www.flyfishin...ly_tying_thread

[steve187]

I'm no expert by any means and there might be easier ways to tie, but this way works for me.

I slide the band as far as it will go and then adjust the skirt the way I like it. Then, I just turn it upside down and wrap a twist tie arounfd the top part to keep it out of the way. I use this thread from Leland. It's cheap and will not break no matter how tight you tie it. It also does cut through the skirt material. Best of all shipping is FREE! I wrap it around 10 times and tie a few knots. Then, I snip the band off and put a little Sally Hansen Strong As Nails over the knot. It soaks right in. Hope this helps.

OK thanks..I haven't given up yet. I appreciate the picture and the tips.