If I remember the MSDS (it's 6am, so I likely don't...), Dave's flexament
uses a 25/30/45 % mix of (I think mineral spirits, but forget) to MEK
(methyl-ethyl-ketone) to tolulene. While acetone is often misnomered the
'universal solvent' in some chemical circles, it truly isn't... Some things
dissolve and/or dilute easily, others don't dissolve at all.
COuld be, but the original bottles mentioned chlorinated solvents. It
still smells like there is at least some PCE in it...
Apologies - while I didn't look it up, my brain had a giant
magnesium-filament bulb turn on when you said PCE -- I *think* that it is
25% PCE, but am likely wrong again. I hereby pass ye ole buck and say 'i'm
not a chemist, i'm a biologist' ;) no offense intended to the fellow
biologists...
Ok, so back to the changed topic: I say that head cement can't hurt on a
tied fly, but agree that it is an extra step that may not be needed. While
often beneficial, such as for holding a fly together longer, i do agree that
a well-tied fly/ whip finish will be just as good. By the time one of my
flies gets its whip- finish loosened to the point of needing head cement,
it's been snagged in a tree or on a hidden rock or the likes. Just my 2
cents... Any other opinions - is head cement needed or just a cover-up for
sloppy/ shoddy work?
Tight wraps (I'm heading to the tying room myself),
Pete
