by gostone » 28 Nov 2006 23:30
In regards to Materials, I got my last spring steel offcuts from a machine shop that specializes in industrial knives, and cutting tools.
When I was in today, I showed him my picks, he was impressed and said he had a great material for me. Machinist feeler gauges, I just tried one out...... SWEET! They are very hard, about 45 rockwell ( we tested them ) also they are perfect size, and readily available. They are standard size 1/2 inch x 12 inches, they cost less than $2.00 each and are far superior to using hacksaw blades. The other advantage is that they are highly polished, and they come in different thicknesses. I would suggest going with .030 thickness. So when you grind them down and polish them, they will come in around .025 thickness. Best to grind them close, then hand polish with emery paper, say 400 grit, then work down to 600 or finer. Mine are so shiny, I can use them as mirrors. I just take one with me, and polish when I have some idle time. Hand polishing gives real smooth rounded tools, with no sharp edges.
DEFINITELY GO FOR THE FEELER GAUGES!
Shane
