Build a custom fly tying bench at home to customize and save money.
Fly tying benches provide a convenient work surface and station that typically hold a fly tying vise and the assorted other materials including tools, hooks, feathers, thread and yarn used to tie flies. These benches are commonly made of wood, and though they are widely available for purchase, many fly tiers choose to make their own bench to save money and include custom features. Making a fly tying bench requires only a few materials and common tools.
Instructions
1. Place the larger cutting board on a sturdy work surface. Use a tape measure to mark a drill point in each corner of the larger cutting board. Mark the points 1 inch from both sides of the board. Mark two addition points that are 6 inches apart and 1 inch from the front edge. These holes should be centered on the board from side to side.
2. Place a 3/8-inch drill bit in the drill and make holes at the marked location that are 1/2 inch deep. Hold the drill parallel to the board so that the holes will be as straight as possible.
3. Place a smaller cutting board on the work surface and use a tape measure to locate the center of the board long ways. The long side of this smaller cutting board should match the width of the larger cutting board you just drilled. Cut the smaller cutting board in half following the marked line. Use a fine-toothed handsaw to make the cut.
4. Lay the two halves of the smaller cutting board so the short ends are toward you. Use the tape measure to mark two drill points in opposite corners that match the holes drilled in the larger board. The holes should be 1 inch from both sides in the corner. Drill the holes with the 3/8-inch bit installed in the drill.
5. Repeat the drilling steps for the opposite half of the smaller board you cut. Cut the 3/8-inch dowel to the desired length. Place a drop of glue in all of the drilled holes and insert the dowels so they are securely seated in the larger board. Place one of smaller board halves on one set of dowels to one side and the other half on the opposite side. Allow the glue to dry thoroughly.
6. Cut the smallest cutting board in half by marking the midpoint with the tape measure and cutting with the fine tooth wood saw. Locate and drill two 3/8-inch holes that are 6 inches apart and evenly spaced from the sides. Apply glue and insert two 3/8-inch dowels into the holes.
7. Drill two rows of holes that are 1/2 inch deep with a 1/8-inch drill bit. Cut lengths of 1/8-inch dowel that are 3 inches long; apply a small drop of glue to each hole and insert the dowels securely. Place two drops of glue in the remaining holes on the larger cutting board. Insert the 3/8-inch dowels that are attached to the half of the smaller cutting board with the two rows of small dowel.
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