Timmy321 wrote:Okay, I made my first pick today...it's just a basic hook. didn't take me very long at all...tommorow I may try a snake.
how do you think they look? If you want pics of my bicycle spoke tension wrench lemme know, and I'll post it.
give me feedback!
In my opinion, and bear in mind this is only
MY preference. I personally believe that the picks should total 4.5 - 5.5 inches in length, no more, and be no wider than 5/16 - 7/16. Most comercial picks are 5/16 in width.
The handle is too small, and the hook too high. The hook you can change, but adding metal to the handle is beyond the scope of this forum. There is a use for such a large hook, and if you could put a handle on such a small pick, similar to the HPC Short Sure-Grip picks. Seen here:
http://www.hpcworld.com/lockhpc/p_srhpx.htm
You would have a really cool covert set. I'm thinking of making such picks as soon as I settle on a rubber compound I like.
I know of many people who use picks with handles like yours, and they are very comfortable with them. If you are comfortable with them, and they work the way you want, that is what matters the most.
Buy some sand paper in increasingly finer grits. Polish the picks, and they will work much better. Most of my picks are finished with a burnishing wheel. If you can manage that, the things will be smooth as sin, and just shine. Even if you blue the steel to prevent rusting.
Before you think I'm slaming you, I want to tell you this:
From a workmanship stand, it is very, very good. The lines are clean, the shaft is a good thickness, and very level with no perceptible waviness. This makes or breaks a pick when in use. You have a good radius on the hook, and this is important as well. In addition, the shaft seems to be within the 2" limit I feel is safe before you run the risk of making a shaft that is easy to bend.
From a technical standpoint, I like it. From a personal view, I don't think that I would be comfortable using such a small handle without more thickness.
But that's just me.
Making picks is like using picks. Practice, practice, practice.
Happy grinding, and keep up the good work.
Romstar
If it ain't broke.....pull it down and see how it works anyway!
