dremel or grinder

[Stray]

Buy a cheap grinder at your local hardware store, that and a cheap wheel or two should last a lifetime of "hobby" pick making. As long as you take care of it that is...

[mcm757207]

The reason I prefer a dremel is because you can get a much higher level of detail with it than a grinder, which usually has a bunch fatter grinding surface.

[Stray]

Yeah but I've made some good picks with a 4.95$ set of files. Sure it takes longer but less chance for me to ruin the pick when I sneeze or when the broken cutting wheel is flying towards my face at 400 km/h

[josh0094]

never ever never been hurt by one of those... scared me the first time it happend tho...

[5thcorps]

I use Dremel often but prefer the grinder. The grinder is mounted stationary and as such won't move. It is better to have the machine stationary and move the piece. Using the dremel means both can move. Using the tool with one hand and holding the piece with the other you're giving a lot to chance by even the slightest movements. Even mounting th epiece in a vise isn't quite as good. I've always believed the machine and not the piece should be stationary that way both of your hands are focused on the project and holding it in the right position. Just my method

[MacGyver101]

Personally, I've found that a Dremel with a flex-shaft works well for rough-shaping the pieces -- followed by careful final shaping with a set of needle-files and some oiled wet/dry sandpaper. Before grinding/filing, I'll often use a carbide scribing pen to etch in the outline of the piece I'm trying to make.

I think that, at the end of the day, it's whatever you're most comfortable with using that provides a safe level of control over both the cutting and the heating of the material.