The Ultimate Review: Upavon Gunville Foam Cutters for Fly Tying
If you have ever tried to hand-cut foam cylinders for your fly patterns, you know how frustrating it can be. Ragged edges, uneven diameters, and wasted material are common headaches. Enter the Upavon Gunville Foam Cutters—a premium, tool-grade set designed to bring manufacturing precision straight to your tying bench.
Whether you are mass-producing booby flies, crafting high-floating beetles, or prepping neat emerger posts, these UK-made tools promise a flawless finish every single time. Here is our comprehensive look at how they stack up.
Technical Specifications
- Material: Tool-grade, pre-sharpened stainless steel
- Origin: Manufactured in the United Kingdom
- Sizes Included: 6-piece set spanning 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 7mm, and 8mm
- Dimensions: 57mm total length with an impressive 45mm cutting depth
- Compatibility: Engineered for standard cordless drill chucks
Performance & On-the-Bench Testing
The standout feature of the Upavon cutters is their raw build quality. Unlike cheap, thin-walled alternatives that warp under pressure, these are rugged tools built to last for years. Out of the box, the pre-sharpened stainless steel edges are razor-sharp.
When it comes to operation, these are not meant to be twisted by hand. For the best results, chuck the cutter into a standard cordless drill and run it on a fast setting. The high RPMs allow the tool to slice through dense foam like warm butter, leaving perfectly smooth, cylindrical walls without any of the jagged warping caused by dull blades. Thanks to the 45mm cutting depth, you can drill deep into thick foam blocks to yield multiple bodies or eyes in a single pass.
Pro-Tips for Perfect Results
Fly tyers across the community emphasize a few simple tricks to get the absolute most out of this kit:
- Lubricate the Blade: Before drilling, dip the cutter into a mixture of 25% detergent and 75% water. This simple lubricant eliminates friction, prevents the foam from binding, and ensures an incredibly clean extraction.
- Pair with HD Foam: These cutters perform best when paired with high-density materials, such as Upavon HD Foam Blocks.
- Easy Extraction: Each cutter features a convenient side slot. If a foam cylinder gets stuck inside the barrel, simply slide a standard tying bodkin or needle through the slot to pop the foam out cleanly without damaging the edges.
The Verdict
The Upavon Gunville Foam Cutters are an essential investment for any tier who frequently works with top water or buoyant patterns. They eliminate the guesswork, save massive amounts of time, and produce commercial-quality foam components. If you are tired of messy, asymmetrical flies, this kit is worth every penny.
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