Project by cross_wings_wood | posted 10-28-2020 08:01 PM | 1625 views | 1 time favorited | 6 comments | ![]() |
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Started tying flies recently. Definitely gives me something to do when I’m not fishing and it’s 105 degrees here in Texas. Somewhere along the way, I decided to build a fly tying workstation which combines two interests into one project.
After experimenting with a temporary setup for a couple weeks, I finally settled on a usable layout. Seems like that was something worth investing some time on, as I didn’t want to build a nice workstation that, after a couple weeks of usage, didn’t seem optimal.
I had some leftover Acacia wood from another project, which if you’re not familiar is a beautiful exoptic hardwood. It’s a bit hard to source here, but I eventually found an exotic wood shop in Ohio that was happy to ship a few boards. Naturally I drew the project in SketchUp before I started cutting wood, that usually saves a few unnecessary steps in the build process.
First I laid out the base, leaving a “belly cut” in front so I could get up close and personal to the workspace. The shelf has a similar profile and space for a few brass bobbin holders. There’s also a gap between the shelf and backsplash where I can tuck a bag or two of feathers I’m using on the current fly pattern. I drilled holes across the top of the backsplash for my tools and markers. To add some visual interest, I cut a wave pattern in the front of the backsplash and engraved the silhouette of a tarpon on the back using my Shaper Origin CNC router. And, every workstation needs a hand stitched water buffalo leather trash bin, right?
Looking back, it was a fairly simple build. Might make a few enhancements over time, but I think I finally have a decent home for all these feathers.
-- Richard, Austin TX - "Every repair job is really just an upgrade oppty in disguise!"
6 comments so far
pottz
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#1 posted 10-29-2020 12:49 AM
very nice setup.i love fly fishing but tried tying once and realized it wasn’t for me.
-- working with my hands is a joy,it gives me a sense of fulfillment,somthing so many seek and so few find.-SAM MALOOF.
oatmeal
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#2 posted 10-29-2020 05:27 PM
Have considered making something similar.
Really like your design choices (both utilitarian like the “belly cut,” and the decorative like the waves.”
I bet it brings a smile every time you get it out!
cross_wings_wood
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#3 posted 10-29-2020 08:16 PM
Thanks pottz and oatmeal ... kind words! I enjoyed the build and it does bring some add’l satisfaction when I’m tying!
-- Richard, Austin TX - "Every repair job is really just an upgrade oppty in disguise!"
Bstrom
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#4 posted 10-29-2020 08:19 PM
I’ve ordered some Acacia samples from two flooring outfits online – free wood! Can’t get it around here…
-- Bstrom
oatmeal
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#5 posted 07-21-2021 02:19 PM
I keep thinking about making one of these.
Could you share the sketcup file you made?
cross_wings_wood
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135 posts in 1716 days
#6 posted 07-21-2021 04:26 PM
Yes, happy to. Pls email rdtalbot at gmail dot com and I’ll reply with the files.
-- Richard, Austin TX - "Every repair job is really just an upgrade oppty in disguise!"
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