DIY...Rotary Fly Dryer

In an attempt to bring more content to our DIY section of the blog (tab above), I've decided to start featuring one DIY project every two or so weeks (if feasible). In order to do so, we need requests for what you want us to make! You can check out the DIY tab above for more info.

Our latest project is for those of you who still appreciate good ol' head cement, epoxy, or super glue for tying flies and don't have the time to watch your flies back or head dry as you turn it or move it in an attempt to get an even dry. I have had a fly dryer on my Bass Pro wish list for month but have never decided it a good time to throw down $55 for it. So I set out on a quest to make a fly dryer for under $20, over half of the cost of the BPS Rotary Fly Dryer...

I started out with a basic idea of what I wanted based off of a few Google image searches and came up with this...click below to read on a for full instructions.




Materials List:

• Philips-head screwdriver
• Hammer
• Saw
• Measuring tape
• Drill
• Sandpaper
• 1 - 16" x 5.5" board
• 1 - Square of 5" x 5" foam, 1/4" thick
• 1 - Small picture hanging nail
• 1 - 1" long 3/4" thick wooden dowel
• 1 - Mirror ball motor
• 3 - Small screws for mirror ball motor
• 4 - Corner brackets
• Screws for corner brackets
• Soft pads for bottom (optional)

Start out by measuring out 9" on your board and make a line at that point. On the 6.5" section, place your motor on the board, centered, and mark where the screw holes are on the outer rim of the motor with the cord coming out of the motor toward the long section of the board.

Drill a hole in the center of one end of your wooden dowel piece with a drill bit the same diameter of the metal rotary pin coming out of your motor. Fit your dowel onto the motor and pre-drill a hole for your picture hanging nail.

Cut your board on the line you marked and screw on two of your corner brackets to the 9" section of board (the one that is not pre-marked for your motor. Make sure the corner brackets are flush with the back of the board.

Place your motor onto the smaller board and pre-drill your holes for your motor screws. Screw the motor down using your small screws. Pre-drill your holes for your corner brackets in the front and back of your smaller board as well as a hole for your cord in the bottom of the board (seen above). Cut your foam square into a circle and nail the foam onto the dowel on your motor.

Fit your cord through the hole you drilled and mount your smaller board with the motor on it to your larger board with the corner brackets.

If you decided to do so, go ahead and ass on your pads to the bottom of your board.

Boom, done. If you so chose, you can always varnish your boards to make your rotary fly dryer look a little prettier and make sure you sand down the edges so you don't get a splinter. The motor automatically turns on once plugged in. If you have any questions or suggestions, hit us up with an email or comment below!

Boom...Morgan