Make sure to check out uses.tech for a list of everyone’s /uses pages! Also check out usesthis.com for curated interviews.
For computer and software, check out my relevant Uses posts:
Workshop
My main workhorse is a Shopsmith Mark V from the 1970s. I’ve upgraded the bandsaw and the tightening screws on the lathe tool rest. I also overhauled the headstock.
I redid the inside of my workshop in 2024. Posts about that:
- Insulating and heating my workshop with a diesel heater
- Workbench build
- Workshop dust collection
- French Cleats
I have an unbranded drill press.
For sharpening, I use an 8″ slow speed WEN grinder with 80 and 180 grit CBN wheels and a Savannah Pro-Grind jig.
Fly tying
- Vise: I use a Griffin Odyssey Spider with a table clamp mount. It works well, though it is the only one I’ve used and I can’t argue that it is the best out there. It was a good price and it functions as intended. It is a rotary, which I wouldn’t want to do without.
- Materials:
- You know, the standard threads and wires that everyone uses. I get them from J Stockard.
- I like Jameison’s Shetland Spindrift wool yarn.
- I buy some standard hackle on eBay, some specialty hackle from J Stockard.
- Hooks:
- I really like the profile of the Gamakatsu R17-B, R18-B, and R19-B hooks.
- For variety, I order different kinds of hooks from Saluda Beads. I also order beads from them.
- I use a bunch of Dr. Slick tools:
- Standard scissors
- Micro tip arrow scissors
- 3″ and 4″ bobbins
- Whip finisher
- Tyflyz Toolz hackle pliers
- I made my own tool caddy.
- I made my own dubbing wax, finger wax, and tying wax.
- I made my own bodkin and bobbin threader.