Urgent - Need Wing Case Help

[edwin]

Just sat down to tie some flies for the weekend, and I realized that I forgot (wonder if I ever knew how) to make a wing case for a stone fly nymph. I was taught to burn feathers and tie them on, but I forgot whether I have to put the cement on the wing first and then burn the feather or the other way around. Thanks for your help. -Edwin

[NightOwl]

Good grief!!! Quick ! Someone help this man with his fly !!!!!!!!

[The Ole Man]

edwin
I don't even own a set of burners, so I'm just guessing. Seems logical to me that you would burn first.

[HNeal]

Inasmuch as most cement is more or less flammable, I would recommend burning first then cementing what's left.

[Drifter]

I use a turkey tail feather and "paint" it with head cement. When its dry, cut out a section about 1/2 inch long, by 3/16 inch wide. Then fold it in half "long ways" and cut a inverted notch in one end. Unfold and you have your wing case, ready to tie on the hook.

Usual disclaimers apply...YMMV,
Drifter

[WDN FLY]

YOU NEED TO BURN THE FEATHER FIRST. WHEN YOU COAT THE FEATHER WITH HEAD CEMENT MALE SURE IT'S PRETTY THIN OR THE FEATHER WILL CURL SEVERELY. THE WING PADS YOU ARE MAKING ARE ALOT OF WORK FOR "FISHING" FLIES. I USUALLY ONLY USE THOSE ON REALISTICS I PLAN TO DISPLAY. GOOD LUCK.

[edwin]

Thanks for all your help. Shortly after posting, I realized how stupid I was for not thinking about the flammability of the cement. I also asked a friend how to, and realized that it is much easier than I thought. First, take a large feather (I like quail) and strip the bottom part. Then quickly burn into the size, shape needed. Then take hold of the remaining stem and dip into flexament and place on wax paper. You can make about a dozen real fast and even save some for later. The left over stem makes them easy to tie in, and they look awesome!!

P.S. Burn outside or your wife will kill you.