Favorite Vise

[CatskillKid]

The vise I grew up tying on is an old Bronze Edition Regal Pedestal with their Midge Head which I find is cool for most any trout flies. On really big hooks I switch to the standard head. As I got into Saltwater Flies though I began to find that the Regal wasn't a true 360 so I went with a Renzetti and to this day I love it as it's a pleasure to tie flies on. I have the Traveler model, non cam. The cam version is even better though, I just own the other version. The new Regals are super cool too and they do have 360 rotation.

However, for my birthday this year, my girlfriend got me a Nor-Vise with all three heads (standard, heavy and midge). She knew I was really curious about it and I have to say, the concept of rotating the vise to apply materials, make dubbing ropes, wind thread and make bodies is really unconventional.

I've been playing around with the automatic bobbins and I have to say, the bobbin alone is downright unique. Combined with the Vise, both conceptually and from a quality standpoint, not to mention Norm's top flight service and follow through, I'm frankly stunned by this thing and I'm having a blast learning with it.

When I retire, and I start producing my own flies in dozens and just do nothing but fish, drink, tie and of course fornicate, I imagine that this vise will become my favorite vise and it will really speed my production time as well so I can focus on the two f's and drinking.

Any vise will hold a hook, but certain ones become people's favorites for reasons. I still tie the best looking flies on my other vises because I just haven't gotten used to the Nor-Vise, but I intend on using it a lot and trying to improve with it. As a Master Fly Tyer of both Fresh and Saltwater patterns, I see this vise as having the potential to speed tying a flie up and thus make me a faster, more productive artisan.

 

[Andy B]

For me it is my Renzetti Master vise. I went with the master because it allows me to tye my classic winged wet flies, streamers and Salmon Flies up to 5/0. I never use the rotary function of this vise and use it more to look at the other side of the fly or tye in some cheeks and so on. To me the vise does not make the tyer, with out a good foundation of skills, a few tricks and advanced techniques it will not matter what you tye on because the fly will still not look it's best. Now my first vise was a thompson model A. I still tye on that vise once in awhile and the flies that I tye on it are still just as pretty as the flies tyed on my Renzetti Master. Far as vises go I still believe to this day that it's a Ford vs Chevy type of thing. Some tyers love Regals and others hate them. Others love DynaKing and then there's people in my class that love Renzetti. The Nor vise looks to be a good product and to me will take a little getting use to. I do know alot of people that swear by them. Enjoy your new vise and I would love to see some of your flies posted on the sight. Salmon Flies, Wet Flies, Streamers, Saltwater flies, Bass Bugs and so on , there all good.

 

[Werloc]

CatskillKid,
Are you looking to sell your Bronze Edition Regal Pedestal vise?

 

[PRomano]

Last year I replaced my 30 year old Thompson model A with a Renzetti Presentation. It was like going from the outhouse to the white-house. I liked the head design on the Renzetti. It was perfect for the range of fly's that I ty.

Dyna King, Regal and HMH all make superior vises.

 

[Future Fanatic]

Someday, when I save up a little money, I'm gonna buy one of these babies from my friend Ed.

 

[Werloc]

You need that for tying flies used for panfish.

I just couldn't let that one slip by...

 

[CatskillKid]

For me it is my Renzetti Master vise. I went with the master because it allows me to tye my classic winged wet flies, streamers and Salmon Flies up to 5/0. I never use the rotary function of this vise and use it more to look at the other side of the fly or tye in some cheeks and so on. To me the vise does not make the tyer, with out a good foundation of skills, a few tricks and advanced techniques it will not matter what you tye on because the fly will still not look it's best. Now my first vise was a thompson model A. I still tye on that vise once in awhile and the flies that I tye on it are still just as pretty as the flies tyed on my Renzetti Master. Far as vises go I still believe to this day that it's a Ford vs Chevy type of thing. Some tyers love Regals and others hate them. Others love DynaKing and then there's people in my class that love Renzetti. The Nor vise looks to be a good product and to me will take a little getting use to. I do know alot of people that swear by them. Enjoy your new vise and I would love to see some of your flies posted on the sight. Salmon Flies, Wet Flies, Streamers, Saltwater flies, Bass Bugs and so on , there all good.

Awesome post, very fun to read. I will put flies on here when I get more time. Unfortunately, I'm too busy the next few weeks to have much time. I want to put the Electric Deceiver up for the Salt guys and also an emerger pattern. Once I get going on flies I won't be around this part of the chat boards much as flies seem to occupy me the most.

---------- Post added at 12:50 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:47 AM ----------

CatskillKid,
Are you looking to sell your Bronze Edition Regal Pedestal vise?

No, I don't think I ever will as it was my first vise and to this day, my sentimental favorite. I do find this vise to be my freshwater vise of choice as well, so far that is because I'm learning the Nor Vise and all. I really like the midge head on the Regal and the ease of putting a hook in is second to none.

---------- Post added at 12:52 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:50 AM ----------

Last year I replaced my 30 year old Thompson model A with a Renzetti Presentation. It was like going from the outhouse to the white-house. I liked the head design on the Renzetti. It was perfect for the range of fly's that I ty.

Dyna King, Regal and HMH all make superior vises.

The Presentation is an absolutely sick vise. Very cool. It looks like it would be very easy to tie with because it seems so easy to access the hook, the vise head and arm are really streamlined.

 

[Werloc]

Hey, I figured I'd ask, you never know. I don't blame ya, hold on to it. I just love the classic old look of that bronze base. I'm getting a nice old roll top desk from a friend in a few weeks for my tying station and that vise will be the one for me to get. Right now, I'm using my Dad's old tying stuff, and the vise is at least a 30+ year old Thompson. It's nice to continue my Dad's life passion of fly tying using his tools. To bad I wasn't into it 20 years ago before he passed. I just wish he was still here to see me. I have old black & white pictures of him sitting and tying that I plan to frame and hang over my desk.

 

[Andy B]

Hi Werloc:

Depending on this years vendors at the Symposium, you might be able to see a vew different models of Regal vises to look at and buy. Just keep in mind a few things:

1) Does the vise reliably hold hooks
2) Does the base seem heavy enough so it won't slide if some tying presure is placed upon it?
3) Is there enough rooms for your hands to access the hook in the jaws and feel comfortable?
4) Can you reliable go from hook to hook of the same size without having to constantly make adjustments?
5) How easy is it to make adjustments for the vise when changing hook sizes?
6) Is the vise steady (meaing firm and tight) and does not wobble?

these are just a few things I look for in a vise, when all the mechanical issues our out of the way the last part for me is. Does the vise look good and how would it look sitting in your tying area? I know this sounds silly, but you have to look at this vise every day and if you feel it's ugly or just plain odd, the chances are you will be in the market for a new vise in the future. Spending the money for a new vise that will last me a life time and give me very little to no issues at all is worth it.

The part about your father I can relate to. I guess the old statemnet that the Apple doesn't fall to far from the tree applies here. Don't get rid of his vise, you will kick your self in the ass later on if you do. I think it's reel cool that you are tying flies on that vise that your father used. To me, that's what is ment by priceless.

 

[Werloc]

Hi Werloc:

Depending on this years vendors at the Symposium, you might be able to see a vew different models of Regal vises to look at and buy. Just keep in mind a few things:

1) Does the vise reliably hold hooks
2) Does the base seem heavy enough so it won't slide if some tying presure is placed upon it?
3) Is there enough rooms for your hands to access the hook in the jaws and feel comfortable?
4) Can you reliable go from hook to hook of the same size without having to constantly make adjustments?
5) How easy is it to make adjustments for the vise when changing hook sizes?
6) Is the vise steady (meaing firm and tight) and does not wobble?

these are just a few things I look for in a vise, when all the mechanical issues our out of the way the last part for me is. Does the vise look good and how would it look sitting in your tying area? I know this sounds silly, but you have to look at this vise every day and if you feel it's ugly or just plain odd, the chances are you will be in the market for a new vise in the future. Spending the money for a new vise that will last me a life time and give me very little to no issues at all is worth it.

The part about your father I can relate to. I guess the old statemnet that the Apple doesn't fall to far from the tree applies here. Don't get rid of his vise, you will kick your self in the ass later on if you do. I think it's reel cool that you are tying flies on that vise that your father used. To me, that's what is ment by priceless.

The main reason I'm interested in the Regal vise "is" the look. I just hope it passes all of the qualities you just brought up. Which, are very good points. Thanks for your advice. I wouldn't be able to afford the vise for a few weeks, but it's time to start looking. I do have a feeling about that Regal with the bronze base. I think I may look for more reasons to get that one...lol Just love that look....

Yeah, I'll never get rid of any of my Dad's stuff. He had a LOT. The whole basement was fly tying. Most of the stuff I have is labeled REED TACKLE. He bought all their stuff when they sold out up in Caldwel (I think), NJ. He had a side business tying flies. Tyed for a lot of guys in PA. We had a Summer house up there on Lake Wallenpaupack. Fly Tying and fishing was his passion. More tying as he got older. I remember as a young boy, he had me up stream turning rocks over as he was collecting bugs with a very fine net strung between 2 sticks. Placing them in some liquid in small jars and would tye to match them. To bad my younger brother threw out a lot of his stuff (before I was able to get there) when my Mom sold her house years ago. That killed me. I have a few hundred of his flies though. Anyway, all this fly fishing & tying is in my blood. I'm also lucky because my wife "LOVES" to fish. For the passed 4 years "She" has had a fishing licence and I didn't. Just this passed Spring I told her I would start fishing with her, but, under one condition. We both learn to fly fish. My Dad died a few weeks after he started teaching me how to fly cast. The very morning he died, he told me that we are going to the water for the first time today. He had me casting in the back yard. Well, those were the last words I heard him say. He passed later that day. So, learning to fly fish and tye flies has a very different meaning to me than most, and I take it to heart. Plus my wife loves it (tying as well) and it's something we both now enjoy together.

Sorry for rambling on, didn't mean to hi-jack this thread.

 

[Andy B]

Hi Werloc:

My wife does fish quite a bit with me but is not into the tying scene. However she does support all the tying I do and loves all the flies I tye for her to use as well. Nice to know that fly fishing runs in other couples to here on this board. I think it a pretty cool thing.

 

[Trout Nazi]

My favorite vice is sex, with alcohol being a close second.

 

[CatskillKid]

Hey, I figured I'd ask, you never know. I don't blame ya, hold on to it. I just love the classic old look of that bronze base. I'm getting a nice old roll top desk from a friend in a few weeks for my tying station and that vise will be the one for me to get. Right now, I'm using my Dad's old tying stuff, and the vise is at least a 30+ year old Thompson. It's nice to continue my Dad's life passion of fly tying using his tools. To bad I wasn't into it 20 years ago before he passed. I just wish he was still here to see me. I have old black & white pictures of him sitting and tying that I plan to frame and hang over my desk.

This is a very touching post my friend. Do me a favor. Carry on your pop's tradition with pride and each time you fish, raise a toast to those that fished before us all. If this was your father's passion, then let it be yours now. Let me ask you a question too. What makes you think your father doesn't see every move you make? Trust me, he is with you still and all that matters is that you hang those pictures where they belong and realize that with every new thing you learn, you move a step closer to him always. God bless you ok.

As for the antique look of the bronze pedestal, call Regal and tell them you want an old one. If they have any, I bet they will hook you up. You won't be unhappy with one if you manage to score one. They are a pleasure to tie on. Please let me know if you succeed or not ok.

---------- Post added at 01:11 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:08 AM ----------

Hi Werloc:

Depending on this years vendors at the Symposium, you might be able to see a vew different models of Regal vises to look at and buy. Just keep in mind a few things:

1) Does the vise reliably hold hooks
2) Does the base seem heavy enough so it won't slide if some tying presure is placed upon it?
3) Is there enough rooms for your hands to access the hook in the jaws and feel comfortable?
4) Can you reliable go from hook to hook of the same size without having to constantly make adjustments?
5) How easy is it to make adjustments for the vise when changing hook sizes?
6) Is the vise steady (meaing firm and tight) and does not wobble?

these are just a few things I look for in a vise, when all the mechanical issues our out of the way the last part for me is. Does the vise look good and how would it look sitting in your tying area? I know this sounds silly, but you have to look at this vise every day and if you feel it's ugly or just plain odd, the chances are you will be in the market for a new vise in the future. Spending the money for a new vise that will last me a life time and give me very little to no issues at all is worth it.

The part about your father I can relate to. I guess the old statemnet that the Apple doesn't fall to far from the tree applies here. Don't get rid of his vise, you will kick your self in the ass later on if you do. I think it's reel cool that you are tying flies on that vise that your father used. To me, that's what is ment by priceless.

Andy B, this is a good point you made. I also liked all your reasons for selecting a vise. Good Stuff. Werloc, when you do replace the vise I have a suggestion. Attach it to the mantle of a fireplace in your home. Or a shelf if need be. Leave it there for you to look at each and ever day. You will be glad you did.

---------- Post added at 01:15 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:11 AM ----------

The main reason I'm interested in the Regal vise "is" the look. I just hope it passes all of the qualities you just brought up. Which, are very good points. Thanks for your advice. I wouldn't be able to afford the vise for a few weeks, but it's time to start looking. I do have a feeling about that Regal with the bronze base. I think I may look for more reasons to get that one...lol Just love that look....

Yeah, I'll never get rid of any of my Dad's stuff. He had a LOT. The whole basement was fly tying. Most of the stuff I have is labeled REED TACKLE. He bought all their stuff when they sold out up in Caldwel (I think), NJ. He had a side business tying flies. Tyed for a lot of guys in PA. We had a Summer house up there on Lake Wallenpaupack. Fly Tying and fishing was his passion. More tying as he got older. I remember as a young boy, he had me up stream turning rocks over as he was collecting bugs with a very fine net strung between 2 sticks. Placing them in some liquid in small jars and would tye to match them. To bad my younger brother threw out a lot of his stuff (before I was able to get there) when my Mom sold her house years ago. That killed me. I have a few hundred of his flies though. Anyway, all this fly fishing & tying is in my blood. I'm also lucky because my wife "LOVES" to fish. For the passed 4 years "She" has had a fishing licence and I didn't. Just this passed Spring I told her I would start fishing with her, but, under one condition. We both learn to fly fish. My Dad died a few weeks after he started teaching me how to fly cast. The very morning he died, he told me that we are going to the water for the first time today. He had me casting in the back yard. Well, those were the last words I heard him say. He passed later that day. So, learning to fly fish and tye flies has a very different meaning to me than most, and I take it to heart. Plus my wife loves it (tying as well) and it's something we both now enjoy together.

Sorry for rambling on, didn't mean to hi-jack this thread.

You in NO WAY hijacked this thread. I hope we all learned from you that far more important than the idiotic gear we all argue about, is the sport and the people who passed this sport on to us. I do have one other idea for you. Why not mount a bunch of his old flies in a shadow box and hang them near the vise. It would be pretty kick as_ my friend.

---------- Post added at 01:16 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:15 AM ----------

My favorite vice is sex, with alcohol being a close second.

I suggest sticking to drinking heavy. Leave the women to me! (I plageramize love letters from the internet and chicks can't resist)

 

[Werloc]

So, we went to the fly tying show yesterday, and about 70% of the tyers where using the Regal vise. That says a lot. Plus, I was able to really check them out. Now the question is, do I wait a little longer and fork out some extra $$ for the rotating head.

 

[Andy B]

Hi Weloc:

Depends on you and your situation. Here is what I mean. If you are sure you are getting into tying and truly enjoy it, then your answer from me is yes. Just don't want you to spend money like this and then you really do not enjoy tying as much as you thought. Now the reason I say yes get the rotating head is for the following reasons:

1) It will allow you to look at the other side of the fly for cosmetic issues

2) It will alow you to place items like cheeks and shoulders on easier.

3) When tying wet flies I like to angle the body a bit that helps me achieve even spacing between wraps when ribbing a fly very quickly

Do you need to have it, no. I have a true rotary vise and don't use the rotary feature at all. I use it for the items I listed above. I like the idea of the rotating head. My friend John Collins has this vise with the rotating head you seen and I do give it a thumbs up. Will this make you a better tyer, NO. Will it help you on the items I listed above YES. Lastly it is up to you and your budget to decide. Honestly if it were me I would save a few more dollars and buy it. This is based upon my years of tying of what I know now and didn't know then scenario. Hope this helps you out a bit. Sorry I could not just say yes or no but this is a personal thing that only you can answer yourself.

 

[flytire]

all of the regal vises are "rotary" vises except for the "inex" which is a stationary vise. none appear to be "true rotary" in which the vise head spin on the same axix as the hook shank. there is the "revolution" but that does not spin in a "true rotary" style.

the regal vises also have a "limited warranty" which has to be looked over very carefully. regals have been notorious for broken jaws when the hook is improperly placed in the jaws. the warranty does not cover this.

i think anyone who wants to purchase a regal to head out to a fly shop and sit down with their demo vise and tie a few flies one it. just because there appeared to be a majority of tyers using them at a tying show is not enough for me to justify buying one. next year the majority may be tying on the newer C&F reference vise and youll then want one of them.

remember if you dont have the talent to wrap stuff around a hook shank, the vise wont make a difference. expert fly tyers still tie flies on old thompson model a vises.

just my opinion, yours may vary

 

[Werloc]

Thanks for your reply, and advice. Yeah, the Regal Revolution was what I was refering to as the "rotary". I really want this vise though. I just fell in love with it's looks the first time I saw it. Saying what I did about how many where used at the show, was just justifying (to me) that at least it's not a piece of crap. It is at least a decent vise for a hobby fly tier.



I just love the way it looks. I don't need a "true" rotary head anyway. A modern high tech looking vise would just upset my stomach after a while anyway...lol

 

[Andy B]

Werloc:

Regal vises are not pieces of crap. Yes there have been reports of the jaws chipping or breaking with impropper hook inserts. On the flip side for the people I know this has happened to, Regal made good and replaced the jaws free of charge. The only thing I dislike about regal vises are there damb material holder. Most tyers remove it because it's in the way of there hands. Now the reason I did not buy one is because I tye wet flies and salmon flies and the vise could not handle the differrent hook sizes from 18 to 5/0. Regals solution for me was to buy the extra set of jaws that would be used only for when I was tying a salmon fly. This was not worth it for me and the little quirk about the material holder pushed me right back to Renzetti where I bought the master vise. Norman is right about some of the tyers in the shows. A few years back ago alot of the tyers were tying on Renzetti's and now Regals. It will change again shortly. The only thing before you buy the vise is to try it it and see if you feel comfortable with it. This way when you buy it and get it home, you will truly be happy with your purchase. To me buying a vise is a big deal and should be fun.

Sincerely
Andy Brasko

 

[Werloc]

Andy B,
Thanks for the tip on the tip..lol I'm pretty careful with my stuff. I'm sure I'll be OK on the jaws. I want to get the "midge" jaw on this vise since the biggest hook I'll be tying would be a #10 or 12 and smaller. Maybe the stainless steel jaws would be better? They do have that option for about $20. bucks more. I think I should be OK though. My wife gave me the OK to get it for Christmas....:hubbahubba:

My Mom was over for Thanksgiving yesterday and gave me some more pictures of Dad at his tying desk, which led to a teary eyed talk about him over dinner.