Homemade Fly Tying Bench

Fly tying benches provide a work space and organize the tools and supplies used to tie flies for fly fishing. The design of the bench will be influenced by the amount of space available and whether the bench will be placed permanently or be portable. The project can be built either simply or using more complex construction techniques, depending on the carpentry skills of the builder. Finish the project to match the décor of the area where the bench will be placed.

  1. Homemade Fly Tying Bench

    • A fly tying bench serves two purposes. It organizes the tools and supplies used to tie flies and it provides a fly tying workspace.

      Several options exist for the bench itself. It can be freestanding and portable so it can be moved as needed. The fly tying bench can be mounted to a wall in a permanent placement or a tabletop work space can be built and moved from table to table as needed.

      Designing the workspace is the next consideration. The bench top should allow enough room to rotate the bobbin cradle completely around the vise used to hold the fly during work. Beyond this the bench needs to provide storage space for the materials and supplies associated with fly tying.

      The design of the storage areas for the fly tying bench will vary depending on a number of considerations. The simplest form of storage is to construct areas in the bench where pre-built drawer units can be attached.

      More complex storage areas can be built as part of the fly tying bench. These can include small drawers, shelves and bins. The bench plans should include more storage than is currently required. The amount of supplies and equipment used in any hobby seldom decreases over time.

      Plans for the bench should also include holders for the more commonly used fly tying tools. Most fly fishermen will have tied flies at a table or other temporary fly tying bench. They will know what tools they commonly use and want to have close at hand.

      The final touch for the bench should be a light. Lights for permanently mounted benches can be attached to the wall or ceiling. Portable benches usually use a desk lamp. In either case the light should be focused on the fly tying vise.

      A fly tying bench improves the quality of the time spent preparing flies for the next fishing expedition, making the entire experience more enjoyable.