Crease Fly Cutters

[jmccall]

While checking out what was new at the Bear's Den I found a set of cutters for crease fly bodies. I was hoping someone had tried them and could share an opinion. The price was kind of high($50.00), or I would probably have baught them


Thanks

John

[SamRiley]

Does it only cut one pattern and size? If so, why not just make up a pattern sheet like Sato?

[Ray]

I found it easy to cut a rectangle of the desired length and height. Then cut the curve and straight tail portion. The cutters will work but I think they can't be sharpened.

[jmccall]

Does it only cut one pattern and size? If so, why not just make up a pattern sheet like Sato?
The set I saw had 3 cutters each would cut the same shame shape but a different size depending on the hook you wanted to use

[ChemFly]

If you plan on making MANY, i.e hundreds of flys, then I can see a pre-fashioned cutter being of value. If you only plan on making a dozen or so of the pattern then I suggest that you invest the money into something more static. Have some fun and cut the bodies into a rough shape and then trim them into the final look and image that will work during the time you plan to fish the pattern.

"Be creative and let the "bait of the day" dictate what you need. There is nothing worse then looking into your fly box and finding 25 models of the same pattern that's not producing."

A serial quote by me, Jeff Weiss. Take it for what it's worth.

[Captcastafly]

Wonder if there is a simple way to do it like Mayfly wings. Does anyone know if you can burn them and see what would happen?

[ChemFly]

why not just make up a pattern sheet like Sato?

Sam makes a solid point. Mr. Sato has a pre-configured sheet of plastic that has all of his shapes ready to be transcribed onto the foam body material of choice.

I use a less sophisticated, single image template to make my repeat/size foam body patterns. Basically, all I do is keep a tracing of the first shape that fits and looks right for the hook size and style of fly that I am making. Should there be a transfer paper backing that gets peeled off the foam I use it as the pattern master, with a minor tweak to adjust for size and shape! No stamps, no extra money spent.

A sharp scissor and x-acto knife is all you need..and an eye for experimentation! --125-3

[Sentience]

I think I might send in a few step by steps for some flies to the site this winter but in the meantime....

I'd say skip the cutters. Either make a template like Sato or just start tying a bunch up with scissors. The more you do the better tier you become.

Here is how I do it most of the time.

Cut a rectangle that is a bit longer than the shank.

Figure out the angle you would like from the tail to head by lightly folding the rectangle and loosely holding it onto the shank.

Once you have that angle, and the size of the head (or mouth) figured out, squeeze the base of the foam hard so that the shank makes an indentation in it.

Set the hook down and unfold that foam. Cut the foam with scissors making sure that you cut below the indentation a bit so the bottom can come together.

You may have to fold it onto the hook a few times to figure out the lip angle for the mouth and the over length of the body, but this will only take a second.

Make final adjustments.

I put my foil on after the foam is glued to the hook.

[BuzFly]

Yes the cutters work and the may dull after after 1,000 flies or more (more than a typical person can use). They do cost about $15 and will save time. I dont like them because you are locked in to one shape. Me - Trace the pattern on some hard plastic, label it and now you can make as many as you want with a scissor.
You can make your own cutter. You can purchase a 6" or 8" razor blade and bend it to your shape (the blades are sharp and can break). Once you get the shape, take a block of wood and route out the entier bottom leaving just say a 1/8" around the side sticking up. Set the blade in the bottom and fill the bottom with epoxy. This will cost you about $10. Its about $6 less than what you would pay. It is worth makeing your own - If you have to have your shape yes, if you like the shape that is sold in the store - no.

Do we spend more time making things to make files, hunting the rag shops to save money, picking up things out of the trash or from the side of the road just to save money and time when making our flies????????

Brad

[flysully]

John, you don't need cutters for the Crease Fly. Just purchase one at your local fly shop, copy the foam body on a paper pattern and cut away.