MAINE - Life in the Slow Lane
Tied on a HMH for a lot of years before Charlie snoozled me into the Renzetti. Mine had a solid polished brass base which over many years became quite nasty. I put it on a buffing wheel and made it back like new.
I leveled the head and used it just like a true rotary. Bet I tied a few hundred thousand flies on that vise. When I warmed up to the Renzetti I sold the HMH and got 4 times what I paid for it, and, the dude that got it was bowing and scraping because he got such a sweet deal.
You gotta love em.
Yeah I just tied a few on the HMH Standard with the midge jaws, I may be shopping for a new vise.
I like my Giffin but the HMH for small flies just can't be beat. I compared it side-by-side with the Renzetti Presentation and for anything size 18 or smaller the HMH blows away the Renzetti (in my humble opinion).
So I think I will keep an eye out for a deal, with an eye on upgrading this summer.
Quote by: KtboneYeah I just tied a few on the HMH Standard with the midge jaws, I may be shopping for a new vise.
So I think I will keep an eye out for a deal, with an eye on upgrading this summer.
Renzetti does make midge jaws that will get you down to a #28
Howsomever. I agree, the HMH midge jaws make for an easier shot at the tiny hooks.
a newfangled looking contraption....Are you sure the photo is right side up?
I don't think I would part with my Regal for love nor money...
Stephen
Charlie tied on a Regal and that man was truly a master fly tier. There is a certain charm to those Regals. These days they want blood for one too. Right around $300 samolians 
I've been told for bigger fly tying they can't be beat! But if you are into size 16 and smaller it is only a matter of time before you misplace your hook, pull it out while tying and the jaws slam shut with enough force to chip them. According to my local shop that is almost aways the case with these vises.
Otherwise they cannot be beat. He told me if I was a saltwater tier than this would definitely be the vise to have. But alas, I am not. I think I enjoy tying for tying and plan on trying everything atleast once. Although I'm not crazy enough to attempt a size 32! You guys are nuts! I doubt I will ever go any smaller than 22 personally. And as I get older and my eye sight begins to fade, then I certainly sill not be doing that.
I still say if money wasn't a concer there would be a Nor vise on my desk! They are so awesome! Sadly budget didn't permit the purchase, and I have other needs and wants regarding other aspects of fly fishing this year. Like some new Simm's boots and a wader bag. Maybe even a float tube if I'm a good boy and the wife is in a really good mood one day this year.
Well, here is to hoping!
T~
If you are looking for new boots check these out. I love mine and Mark bought a pair at the same time and he loves his as well.
http://www.korkers.com/footwear/fishing/redside.html
As for float tubes, I will soon have a spare....
Quote by: T_Bone.......I've been told for bigger fly tying they can't be beat! But if you are into size 16 and smaller it is only a matter of time before you misplace your hook, pull it out while tying and the jaws slam shut with enough force to chip them. According to my local shop that is almost aways the case with these vises.
T Bone my man, where in Hell did you hear that whistle dick story? Nate over in Bedford? Gonna have to talk to that lad. I loved my HMH, and I have no issues with my Renzetti. But if someone put me in a corner to beat the ever lovin snot out of those two and a Regal to see which one survived, I'd wager it would be the Regal being the winner.
Charlie Poole tied on that single Regal all those years, tied everything from big salmon flies down to flies I thought were pepper specks.He tied for a living and he never strayed from the Regal.
You get into #20 hooks and smaller it don't take a whole lot to hang on to em. If you're heavy handed like me you end up bending the hooks into shapes that they shouldn't be.
I never say never, anything is possible. Maybe a vise did chip a jaw, but then I know a LOT of Renzettis did for a spell.
I dunno. But I would imagine any of the Regal purist are sure to go over the edge when they hear this.
My got me a Renzetti traveler for Xmas and I have been tying up some 32's and have no probelm what so ever with the jaws or the hooks holding up. Knocking on wood as I type this. I can see my hooks much better then before . Looking fwd to tying 16's again. After tying 32's they should look like Salmon Fly hooks
Got the HMH spartan with the c-clamp rom my wife for Christmas. Tied a couple flies on it so far. Works great so far and it is nice to spin the fly around to see the backside.