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Dubbing Wax For Life

Sept. 28, 2013 Dubbing Wax

Hardcore fly tyers use a soft, tacky wax to adhere "fuzz" to tying thread, which essentially makes it into a yarn. The fuzz can be anything from chopped up carpet yarn, to synthetic materials made for the purpose...

Once wound onto a hook, this fuzzy thread then represents a convincing body on their creations. Both the 'fuzz' and the practice is called, "dubbing," and it is utterly dependent on the proper adhesive.

I've tried a few things on hand, like nail polish and silicone glue and like the overall effect, even if these things are not really ideal for the use. From this testing, I knew I was going to need the right wax, sooner or later. Its about 5$-7$ for a small tube, and I must order it in, as there its no local outlet.

I was about to pull the trigger and order, when I searched the internet for alternatives. And here in the photo, you see what I learned.

Good old toilet sealing wax is the same thing!

Anybody who has replaced a toilet knows how sticky and gooey this wax is. It comes in a donut shape, which fits between the toilet base and the flange upon which the toilet rests.

All I had to do was melt some of the ring over a candle flame, and I did it in a votive candle base....you know, those little metal cups the votives come in. The resulting "tin" is on the right, post-melt. You can also cut down an old soft drink can to melt large quantities in a pot of boiling water, double boiler style. Pour the wax into film canisters, small jars, etc.

This toilet ring had some poly fiber reinforcement in it, but it can be picked out once the wax is melted. Even, if a bit remains, it won't hurt.

Cost of the wax ring at Wal Mart was $2.50, give or take, and it will probably last a lifetime. Wax on, wax off, friends.

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Comment by David, aka, "McScruff" on September 28, 2013 at 4:21pm: Thanks, Jim. I realize I read it wrong on my end...after I posted.
I'll try the tubes, using the ones I have.
I very much appreciate your help.

Comment by jim cosgrove on September 28, 2013 at 3:23pm: sorry David i was in a rush earlier.the lip balm tubes are empty.my daughter makes her own lip balm .remember chummin rub?came i n a tube like spray on attractants but in a sticky stick form.well i have messed around with different concoctions and the wax ring is the easiest to work with.you can even add glitter.for dubbing wax just melt as you did and pour in the tube.the other scent stick is up to you.fish oil garlic anise wd 40 what ever scent you like in retractable tube.

Comment by David, aka, "McScruff" on September 28, 2013 at 2:07pm: Lip balm was another idea I saw. Do you recommend any particular brand?
I bought some scented sticks on clearance a long time ago - I'm sure
they are useless now, the scent long gone. But I still have the tubes.....
I like the direction this is going, fellas!

Comment by jim cosgrove on September 28, 2013 at 1:30pm: you can order lip balm tubes online .use a double boiler method and a small funnel and ur in business.the tube makes the wax much easier to apply.also graet for tying extended bodies on large needles as they slide right off and don't get glued to the needle.i also make scent the same way,i add fish oil and shrimp pellets that i grind in a coffee grinder into the wax.the oil makes it a little pastier.i rud it on jigs plastics etc.the tubes are cheap in bulk and very handy

Comment by David, aka, "McScruff" on September 28, 2013 at 12:41pm: The best ideas often come when one is willing to chuck "control" for a moment. I'll take the lard idea under advisement. It may add a scent element, now that I think of it....

Comment by Leo Nguyen on September 28, 2013 at 12:32pm: David, yes..did recognized it ;) I was about to recommend you to use bacon's grease, but then, I imagine it may just adds fuel to interesting discussion of something that may get out of control..LOL

Comment by David, aka, "McScruff" on September 28, 2013 at 12:29pm: And I thought about rubber cement, too.

Comment by David, aka, "McScruff" on September 28, 2013 at 12:28pm: You realize that's an oxymoron, right?
But, I get the idea and you're encouraging me.
I was also thinking about that blue glue stick stuff.
You know me, though.... I had to try the toilet wax!

Comment by Leo Nguyen on September 28, 2013 at 12:20pm: Spit may not be glue, but the method of using saliva is to bind the dubbin together enough to create a hold for the thread to finalize the tying. Jelly and wax are way too sticky. It makes more messes than it's worth. Once the dubbin get a chance to dry up, the wax and jelly just make the presentation not as live like.

Comment by David, aka, "McScruff" on September 28, 2013 at 12:15pm: Saliva..honestly that's one I've never heard.
I find that even the ring wax is not quite tacky enough. My next test will include some petroleum jelly in the mix.
And maybe a bit of spit.
Leo, your wife is a real trooper.