a couple of questions about jig tying

hello to all,
first of all i want to say this is a super duper, most excellent fishing site. everyone seems to get along and share info which helps us new guys out alot...thanks crappie .com
i tie my own walleye jigs and am thinking about down sizing to crappie size jigs. i like to fish for panfish too. i have a stationary vise that works ok for the bigger jigs but i was thinking a rotary vise might be better for the smaller stuff. i've done some research on various vises and the results put the($150.00) PEAK vise on top. that being said, the photo only showed the vise no bells and whistles, does anyone know if the add-ons are an additional expense?

next question, when dyeing deer tails is it ok to use clorox bleach? i use more white hair than any other color, so will the bleach make the whole tail white?

thanks,
noel

Welcome from Alabama.

Do a search on this forum about dying bucktail. Just type it in the search box and see what happens. People have used vinegar and rit dye but I am not sure on the clorox.

I just use a nice rotary vise by Danville.

Welcome IMADREAMER!! Contact Skip here at crappie.com and he will be able to help you with the Peak Vise!! Below is a link to part of his website.
Peak Vises & Accessories

bleach will not bleach your deer tail completely white it will do a good cleaning job . But you need to use a commercial dye many other commercial people that do this to make a tail completely white you a asset bath . I do not know the process completely . I do my own dying but we usually buy deer hair white as you probably know on Whitetail you will not get it completely Whitetail you will come close depending on where you're buying your material from good luck to you . There is plenty of information on this site and also if you're wanting to know more about bleaching hair go online. There are plenty of sources.

thanks for the info guys...
noel

I sell Peak vises so ask away and I will send a PM.

Skip

Welcome to the board. Your right this is a very friendly place to hang out. And you are from one of my favorite states. Now about the Deer tail question. DON'T use bleach if you are going to dye bucktail. Take it form someone who has made every mistake at least 3 times. If you use bleach the dye will not take to the tail. It will in places but not like you will like. Put your tails in a bucket add hot water and regular tide. Soak them for a hour and work them good with your hands to get out all the blood and other trash. Then hang them outside on a clothes line with pinch type clothes pins. Let dry for 24 hours and then they are ready for the dye pot. This time of year in Iow it might be hard to get a warm day that you could do that. A basement will work just make sure that the tails are very dry before dying.

As Ship has said about the Rit dye you will have to use vinegar to set the dye. There are many web sites that will go into the process and are very good. But I have found that unless you want to get a very special color it is cheaper to order from one of the many suppliers. Here is a link to one of the best Results for HAIR He is fast and very reasonable and is a member of this board.

Hope this helps you out in your quest if you decide to dye your own tails. BTW would love to be able to catch and eat one of those Walleye. They are very good eating since moving to Texas I have learned to love Crappie.

Redman

Welcome from MS IMADREAMER. You'll get all the help you need on this forum.

Welcome from Middle Tennessee. The Peak vise is a good choice, and will give you years of service. Never having dyed anything I'm no help on that. I have tied a few bucktails and have several colors. I bought a bag for a few $ with many different colors but small pieces and works well for adding a bit of color to an otherwise basic jig. Have fun learning, you've found the right place. No dumb questions here, just friendly info.

again, thanks for the info and the welcome
imadreamer

redman, thanks for the site info. those seem to be good prices. this hardhead will have to try dyeing at least 3 times, too...
again thanks,
imadreamer