ToolyMcgee's Picks

[ToolyMcgee]

Good morning.

Here's some photos of a set I made last night.


Not bad for a first attempt. From peak to peak they are just on the outside of the first and 5th pins respectivly. In other words just in front of the middle of the first pin and just behind the middle of the last pin. Got a pretty good picture of them close up. Here:

Close Up

pink heat shrink looks a bit loose on them, how's it holding?

That heat shrink is red and you know it!

[Schuyler]

Looking good, let us know how they're working for you. For anyone who hasn't seen them before, those are Columbian Royals, a mashup of Rai's Bogota's and the King & Queen profiles.

[ToolyMcgee]

I've been trying out lots of new things for the competition. Mostly though the picks that are flashy have been less functional. I see a practical interest in the less is more philosophy, and have always been a fan of the control and the feedback of the Raimundo loop style. So here is a variation I haven't seen before.


Done entirely without power tools in the spirit of minimalism and partially out of necessity. I'm sure you see that it isn't aesthetically perfect, but I have only twisted a half dozen or so.

As always this one too is very shiny. Here's a neat picture to back that up.
CloseUp

The first pick I have posted that isn't entirely a knockoff. Feels pretty good. This might be the style I end up using for the comp pick, but I still have time to crank out junk. I have my heart set on something flashier honestly, even if the feedback suffers.

Got questions? Ask. Criticism? I can take it. Just post. It's starting to get kinda creepy the way I talk to myself in here.

Schuyler - The Columbian royals are awesome. The two of them have replaced one whole side of my pocket case. Thanks for the comparison pic.

[Eyes_Only]

That is beautiful. I swear some of you guys are artists when it comes to working with metal.

[dmux]

wow, really good idea/design

[BraveHeart.]

thats cool dude...
but how does that feel good on your hand??

i think it would be better with only one of those loops

i don't really understand how you hold it in your hand?

[Schuyler]

No worries - I'm looking forward to trying them out myself Gotta drop you a line about getting something in pre-DC if you are game.

[raimundo]

WOW, that is a new take on it. keep up the good work.

[ToolyMcgee]

Ok, so first things first.

-Eyes_Only: Thank you for the over the top compliment
-dmux: Thanks, glad you like it.
-Braveheart: Index finger through the first loop, ring finger through the second.
-Schuyler: It's game time.
-Raimundo: Thank you again, even though it still sounds like you are messing with me.

So, now on to the fun stuff. I have eliminated the separation I was getting in the twist by tightly winding wire every half inch or so to minimize the splaying (thank you AGAIN Raimundo). Now it is nice and tight even with the wider stock.

I used a new method for the tail loop on these two. Now they can be kept on a carabiner, chain, key ring, etc. I got finger prints and junk on them while trying to get a good picture, so I cleaned them up and took the close ups.

HookCloseUP
DeforestCloseUP

I have more, but honestly it is such a pain to take a decent picture of these because the twists throw so much glare that I just can't be bothered.


I'm not done yet. Here is a double sided deal I did to experiment.


This one isn't fitting into any pocket case, but it does work well. No, the loops don't get in the way when you pick with it because I made them extra long. I was picking a KIK with it earlier and setting a pin actually made the loop ring on the knob. I was amused. Here's the closeups.

HookCloseUP
DeforestCloseUP

I just noticed I took pictures of identical pick shapes. I should have noticed that... oh well.

I am back from my bro's this week, so I should be hanging around the boards again. Still have more new things to post. I'll try to restrain myself for a day or two. No promises. Hope you enjoy the new junk.

-ToolyMcgee

[houseonfire]

Those are some sweet picks dude.
What kind of materials are you using?

[raimundo]

I once made a double ended pick, there was one loop on the handle, like a Y sitting on top of a O so you put the second finger in the loop (O) and picked with one tip that was one of the tips of the Y, when you wanted to change to the other tool, pull second finger out, and twirl the lower shaft of the Y and the other tip of the Y presents, then you put the finger in the loop again and you have changed tool one handed, as you picked, the other end of the tool was straight up. of course, it was not convenient for carrying this tool

[ToolyMcgee]

I once made a double ended pick, there was one loop on the handle.

You mean like this?


I use my first finger in the loop so the pick can be smaller. The loop isn't perfect because I rushed this one out in 30 minutes or so. Usually it is totally round to eliminate stress points that cause it to bend because I have always kept them compressed similar to this...



On a key ring, carabiner, chain, case, etc. They always seem to get away from me though, and you don't want to be in the way if this one gets out of control. Seriously. The last one I kept snagged on another pick I was pulling out of my case and achieved escape velocity. Too many incidents like this have kept me from making another one, until you brought it up Raimundo. Thanks for posting a description of such a cool idea. Did I get it right?

To: All other members.

I am pretty sure this post will put me on another page. Check out the previous page for the mod of the double loop.
-Mcgee

[raimundo]

like that and yet not like it, my best explaination of the one I made is still a Y with a loop at the bottom of the letter and the two splayed tips are the picks. Yours are once again a new completly original design.

[mr_chris79]

Just got to say Tooly your creating some fine works here! Well done mate!

[ToolyMcgee]

my best explaination of the one I made is still a Y with a loop at the bottom of the letter and the two splayed tips are the picks.

So, more like this?


A Raimundo knockoff... mostly. The second finger loop gives better feedback, but the Y shape kills the ability to fit it in a pocket case. Still really cool. Thanks for clearing it up. This is closer right?

Well, it's Mcgee's bedtime. More posting tommorow.

mr_chris79- Thank you. There will certainly be more in the next few days.