Slowly making my set

[doppleganger]

Ok, so I'm still working on my pick set. Tonight I figured I've made enough to post up my work so far. Mind you I've spent about 30 minutes total in making these picks. I still need to break out the dremel and polishing wheel to finish it up, but I'm still getting the feel of making these things. The top three are made from the smallest wiper blades I've found, which I though would be nice to have just in case I encounter smaller keyways. Still have several more types to make, but I'm taking my time.




thanks,
D

[PickFree]

Very nice work i think, i've never made my own but i think i'll give it a go soon, the more i read on this forum the more i want to create something from scratch

So thanks for yet more inspiration.

[BraveHeart.]

good job
good job

[MacGnG1]

wow dude those look good, what kinda handles u got on them

[doppleganger]

wow dude those look good, what kinda handles u got on them

I haven't put any handles on them yet. that's still up in the air. I'm really wanting to give pasti-dip a run, but I need to find a place that sells it or buy it online. There was one guy who used modeling clay that you cook and it hardens, which I might look into also. Getting things made is more important right now, but the handles will have to come eventually.

Thanks for the feedback!

D

[prag]

Very nicely done. I must create the time to make me a set. At the moment our suppliers are selling them so cheap that it's cost effective to just buy a set. We use the HPC set that comes in a nice pouch.

But I'm sure using something that was made by your own hands brings more satisfaction than a factory made one.

Well done

[doppleganger]

thanks...

the big thing about making them yourself is that if you break one or something happens to a pick you can just make a new one. Plus you can customize them to your liking.

It's not for everyone, but to each his own. As long as you get what you want, either making or purchasing, it's all good.

D

[test]

Nice looking picks!

Quick question about the hooks. Did you bend the metal to make the hook?

If so make sure to treat the hooks so they retain their shape.

I've had good luck with heating them up to red hot then bending and quenching. This gives them a nice spring, resiliency and a longer life.*

I also recommend plast-i-cote, or even 'liquid electrical tape' for the handles.


* I could say more here, but I'm not a metal smith. May good books have been written on the subject of heat treating metal for various purposes.

[doppleganger]

Nice looking picks!

Quick question about the hooks. Did you bend the metal to make the hook?

If so make sure to treat the hooks so they retain their shape.

I've had good luck with heating them up to red hot then bending and quenching. This gives them a nice spring, resiliency and a longer life.*

I also recommend plast-i-cote, or even 'liquid electrical tape' for the handles.


* I could say more here, but I'm not a metal smith. May good books have been written on the subject of heat treating metal for various purposes.

no bending at all

I used my 6" bench grinder to make everything.

[Legion303]

Very nice. I haven't been able to get mine that straight on the cuts. If you have a buffer wheel for your grinder, try that after sanding for a mirror shine.

-steve