Fly Tying vise

Question
Dan,

I抳e just recently gotten into fly fishing, and I decided that I want to start tying my own flies too.  Here抯 the catch?.I抦 a lefty.  I have seen a couple of vises that can be setup for a lefty, but not many (I抳e been doing a lot of research).  I was wondering if buying a right handed vise and just using it backwards is an option (I抦 pretty used to working around thing designed for right handers) or if it just isn抰 feasible.
If it is not an option, could you point me in the right direction for a left handed rotary vise with either spring jaws or CAM jaws.  The price range I抦 looking in is $50 - $125.  

Thanks for your time.  
Nick

Answer
Hi Nick --
You threw me for a loop for awhile there. I could NOT figure out how my vise would be any different left handed vs right handed--just rotate the pedestal base 180 degrees. But remembering other vises I've tied on at shows and such, I think I understand you. Some have cams and levers and such that would be on the wrong side of the vise (away from you), and in some the main support shaft doesn't rotate.

You said rotary only, and I indeed would not recommend a non-rotary anymore even to a beginning tier--even if you only use rotary to look at the backside of your wraps while you tie conventionally, it's worth it.

I use a Peak full rotary vise now, they run about $120, and I would highly recommend it. I don't like C-clamp-mount vises, as they never seem to fit motel or camper trailer tables, I have the pedastal. Everything on this vise is either straight above or below the axis of rotation.....so it does not matter which hand you tie with. Peak is very heavy and sturdy, I LOVE mine. You might consider the extra crank handle and the saltwater jaws if you tie lots of big flies; and consider the pedestal extension depending on where you like your eyes in relation to the fly. (I use both).

Another inexpensive full rotary option is the DanVise. I know the distributor personally (Al Beatty, great guy, great teacher!). These have a part you swap out to convert from righty to lefty. They have plastic components, hence the cheaper price (about $80), but it's not cheap crap--the plastic is Delrin, and the vise is VERY well-made. The peak w/ pedastal is a shoulder-breaker in my portable kit, the Danvise is much lighter. Oh, and Al's 'rotary tying techniques' book and DVD are highly recommended too.

I would give those 2 as my favorite right/left option, inexpensive, full rotary vises.

Happy tying!

DAN