Building A Portable Fly Tying Kit

Now that trout season has come to a memorable end we trout fishers will have extra time on our hands. It is a good time to inspect and clean our lines, clean and oil our reels, weed out our fly boxes, time some new flies for next year and tackle a winter project. Every fly tyer should have a portable fly tying kit. I have seen many types, some large, some fancy, some very expensive. I have come up with the design for a portable kit that is very easy and relatively inexpensive to build. Following is the list of materials you will need and the instructions for assembly.

Lumber

  • 4 - 1/4" plywood 7 3/4" X 14" (top, bottom & sides)
  • 2 - 3/8" plywood 7 1/4" X 7 3/4" (ends)
  • 4 - 1/4" plywood 2 1/2" X 7" (tray ends)
  • 4 - 1/4" plywood 1 1/2" X 12 1/2" ( tray sides)
  • 2 - 1/4" plywood 7" X 12 1/2" (tray bottoms)
  • 4 - 3/4" Quarter Round 2" - tray support
  • pr. - Brass Hinges, 1 luggage handle, 1 brass hasp, 4 - Brass Top Corners, 4 Brass Bottom Corners.

A BOX FOR ALL SEASONS

After cutting the plywood, glue and nail the sides to the ends using 3/4" brads. Be careful not to place any brads in the area where you will be cutting the box apart. Next nail the top and bottom on the box. Use a nail set on the brads and fill the holes with a sandable putty. Sand the box with a very fine grit paper and apply your choice of finishes. You will probably want to use several coats. Once your finish is dry,it is time to cut your box open. This is best done on a table saw. Make the cut 1 1/2" down from the top, being sure to miss your nails. You can now attach your hardware. Center the hinges in 2" from the ends. Center the handle on the lid, attach your hasp and your brass corners. Next assemble your trays as shown in the drawing. After the trays are complete, glue the 1/4 round in the bottom corners to support the first tray, the second tray will set on top of the first. You should stain the inside of the box and you may want to use dividers in the one or both trays.

You now have a convenient tying kit that will give you may years of service. The next article will help you stock your kit.

by Keith Burkhart