New Bench

[Jay Wirth]

I have my bench (left) where I do my production jig tying. This has been great for jigs and the occasional bucktail streamer. I have been getting much more serious into fly tying but disliked the thought of changing things on my bench – too much hassle. The solution was to get a second bench. Being just across the river from the birthplace of IBM these types of benches are a pretty common surplus item. The bench on the left is my old reliable bench handed down from my father who tied on this for decades (IBM surplus picked up around 1980). The bench with the drawers I found on craigslist and purchased from a fella just a block from the old IBM plant. Some scrap wood and 30 minutes I added the wood shelf similar to how my old bench is. I still have to purchase a new lamp (maybe halogen that clamps to my vise) and a new drafting stool. I have a Renzetti Presentation 3000 ordered which should be here Wednesday.

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[Jig Man]

Now thats nice right there... Gonna have to get me a good light some day, maybe before I loose my vision...

 

[StumpHunter]

Two desk will be awesome! Let us know what your thoughts are on the new vise. I been eyeing one for awhile now but the vise I have works on everything I tie so it's hard to drop the money.

 

[Jay Wirth]

The Renzetti is in and it works great! It took a little getting use to the jaws 0 my first couple hooks popped right out :-/ My first fly is a popular hairwing from the UK. Whiskey Fly #10hook
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[Pup]

I like your Renzetti vice. Looks like a fine piece of equipment to me. Nice fly in the picture too.

Do I see a couple of Abu Cardinal Spinning Reels in the first picture, far to the right? Great old reels. Had a 4 once and wish I still had it.

 

[Jay Wirth]

Yep, the cardinal 4s are on my walleye rods. I have a 7 on a surf rod and a 3 on a very light spinning setup and on my three ice rods as well. I have always liked the cardinal reels. I have found lately after 20+ years the cardinals develop cracks in the spool. I think its from the pressure of the line when they just sit. I have a couple 4s with aluminum spools and I see on ebay some new aluminum spools for 3 & 4s (though a bit pricey)

 

[LedHed]

Great set up Jay and congrats on the excellent vise - think you are really going to enjoy it.

 

[plateboater]

How solid can you lock in the hooks....I am a little heavy handed! Looking for another vice!

 

[Jay Wirth]

Aside from the angle and location the knob / jaws combo feel very solid and well built. A lot like my old Universal II the jaws are tough.

 

[CrappieHappy]

Nice Setup, what lamps are those Jay?

 

[JUNGLEJIM1]

Nice set up and a killer vise. I've had my Renzetti for 18 years, had to replace a screw a few years back and that's it. Have a spare Renzetti just in case sitting in the closet and haven't tied on it yet.

 

[Jay Wirth]

Nice Setup, what lamps are those Jay?

I dont find any lables. The lamps (and benches) are old IBM surplus used in their headquerters in Endicott, NY - Im guessing circa 1975.

 

[CrappieHappy]

Nice Setup, what lamps are those Jay?

I dont find any lables. The lamps (and benches) are old IBM surplus used in their headquerters in Endicott, NY - Im guessing circa 1975.

Thanks, Nice score!!