Chestnut
These fly tying bobbins are inspired by a Wayne Moore bobbin (see story here). The bodies are handcrafted from hardwoods (mostly) and are approximately three inches in length. The bodies are sanded to 320 grit, triple coated with gunstock oil, lightly sanded to 600 grit, and cotton wheel buffed. The thread is held by a Class 66 sewing machine bobbin. The tensioning spindle is brass threaded rod with a brass tube sleeve. The thread tensioning system is a combination of plastic and felt washers held in place by a tight fitted rubber washer and a flat knurled nut. The tight fitting washer prevents the knurled nut from loosening or tightening after the thread tension is set. The thread passes through a two inch stainless steel hypodermic tube that has been buffed to 1500 grit.
Production of these bobbins is a hobby!
I do, however, want to share them; so I'm making them available for $45 US (plus $10 shipping--USPS priority mail--in the US and actual shipping cost international); I will ship up to four bobbins for the same shipping. I am also very much open to trading/bartering bobbins for fly tying materials of approximate equal value and/or unusual woods/burls. Make me an offer.
To order send me an email at bobbins@lumpofclay.net with your address and type of wood you want. NOTE: photos are examples and you will not get the exact bobbin in the photo. Then send payment to either PayPal or Venmo both at @AndysBobbins. I can preload some thread if you want. Let me know what color, and I'll do the best I'm able.
I can also do custom orders if there is a wood you want that is not pictured here (if I'm able to source the wood). Expect about a two week turnaround.
Also email me at bobbins@lumpofclay.net with questions or comments.
NEW spring 2025 - handpainted and epoxy coated: these specialty bobbins are $75 plus $10 shipping. A set of three is $200 plus shipping. Will be available in a variety of fish and critters.
Ash
Black Cherry
Boxelder Burl
Cedar
Cherry
Elm
Hickory
Maple
Nine Bark
Oak (Red)
Oak (White)
Persimmon
Redbud (top)
Spalted Birch
Walnut (I wasn't going to do walnut because it's what "everyone" else does. But then I discoverd Steve Jensen used at least 40 different woods, so now available in walnut.)
The Wayne Moore Bobbin Story
Wayne Moore was very active in the fly fishing community until his death in 1984 serving as chairman of many Midwest Council of the Federation of Fly Fishers conclaves, Vice President of the Southern Counci of FFF, and chairman of the National FFF Conclave at West Yellowstone, MT.
There were no fly tying bobbins prior to the one Wayne developed in the 1940's. "When I started tying flies there were no fly tying bobbins. The thread was held in a clip or rubber button mounted on the table edge underneath the fly tying vice" (Moore, Fly Tying Notes. 1984, p.81). So, Wayne Moore invented a bobbin design that he improved over the next 40 years.
I was generously given a bobbin I believe to be a Wayne Moore original with the suggestion that I could make them.
A Wayne Moore Bobbin
The box the bobbin came in
I was also given a copy of a handout prepared by Steve Jensen detailing what he had gleaned from Wanye Moore and giving instructions for how to finish the body of these bobbins. (available here)
There were some "problems" I had to solve along the way; but between Moore's book, Jensen's document, and advise from a few other craftsmen, I've come up with my take on the Wayne Moore / Steve Jensen bobbins. This video details my production process (though the process continues to evolve and there are a few things I've changed since making the video).
Sincerely,
Christian "Andy" Andrews
Springfield, MO