Made some picks today -- Critique

[Guitar_J]

Hello, I made a basic pick set today after watching pyro's video several times... I know they're not excellent but they're ok... (I think) I've managed to open 2 different Masterlock#1s, 2 different #3s and 1 #140
The snake rake seems to work good, but the pick seems to have a little spring in it.. is that normal or should I make another one? the Tension wrench is good.. fits most locks I might grind the edge down just a little.. it was too big for one lock.. (or I might make another. I have all kinds of wiper blade inserts.. ) anywho here's a pic.. I know i Need to sand off the paint and junk.. let me know what you think...

Keep in mind this was the first time I've ever used a bench grinder.. and I didn't have a dremel.. I did the snake rake with the bench grinder

[obcessedwithcoffee]

Looking good!! A hell of a lot better than I managed on my first try.

[randmguy]

Those look very good for a first try. The spring is probably a result of your shafts being a little thin...Most of my pick shafts are about 1/8" at the handle and then taper down to about 1/16" at the head. Or you may have removed the temper if you got the metal too hot on the grinder. A good rule of thumb is to use the grinder to make a rough shape and to quench the metal often. When you've got the rough shape ready finish it off with a hand file. Rub your picks flat on some emery paper after you're done to take off the burrs and smooth the rough edges out.

[Chucklz]

Everything looks good to start with. Your hook has a rather long tang, so some springiness may be inevitable. To finish your picks nicely, start with 80 grit sandpaper, and wrap it around a dowel or pencil or as raimundo suggests a chopstick. Sand your curves smooth, and use it to round over all your edges. Progress then from 100 through 200 or so paper to start to polish things up. Some very fine sandpaper or scotchbrite pads could be used to give you a good final polishing.

[Timmy321]

looks good! I still need to polish mine but check mine out here: viewtopic.php?t=2942

[Mad Mick]

Looking good for a 1st set. One tip - grind off the teeth of the hacksaw blade, or at least put some heat-shrink over the handles, you want your fingers/hands to be in the best shape as possible and not sore from cuts etc.

Another tip after taking a second look at the pics (as Randmguy spotted)- try to eliminate any points on the blade going towards the tip, where it is thinner than any point closer to the handle (gradual taper is best). Not only are these thinner points likely to be the source of the springyness, but a likely snapping point too. The length as Chucklz points out, combined with the thin profile, will result in a springing effect. Do a search for posts by pick_maker for an excellent (the best I've seen so far) home made set. These were made from (I believe) a stainless steel plumber's snake.

[Mad Mick]

Here's the link to pick_maker's posts:
viewtopic.php?t=2867&highlight=

HTH.

[Romstar]

Darn good set for your first try. Especially if you never used a bench grinder before.

I can't add much more to what's been said already. I think your pick shaft is too long. Try to aim for 2" shaft. That's probably where the spring is coming from.

Keep a very small tray of water right in front of the grinder. It makes it easier to dunk the pick as you grind it. 1,2,3 DIP, 1,2,3 DIP. Get a rythm going, and you shouldn't ever destroy the temper.

Happy grinding,
Romstar

[maldotcom2]

Very good!

hows the snake rake work, how'd you find it to make

[CitySpider]

Quite probably better than I could make. Well done.

[Guitar_J]

maldotcom - Snake rake works nice... I tend to do better with the regular pick but it still works good... I have been able to open all the locks i mentioned earlier with both the pick and the rake... It wasn't really hard to make... I made the blank like Pyro shows in the video and then used the rough wheel to get it pretty close to the shape, I made the indentions by grinding on the corner of the wheel.. and then used the smooth wheel to do some fine tuning...

the first pick I tried to make I ended up breaking... I didn't cool it off at all and it snapped while I was grinding.. lesson learned... always cool...

[CaptHook]

Looks good, you may find the handles a little short though... just a personal preference. If you like them like that, and eventually want to buy some, there are short handled set for ya.
Chuck