ratyoke's picks

[ratyoke]

I thought I would make my own thread for my picks cause I'm vain like that.

These are all 0.025" high carbon steel feeler gauge stock with anodized aluminum handles. Aluminum is hand ground to shape using belt sanders and a rotary tool.

2 made for vrocco:


my entry in the pick competition:


set made for HallisChalmers on the other forums:




made for a locksmith I know:

[TMIB]

Wow, fantastic work!

Are you doing the anodizing yourself? Do you start from aluminum bar stock or molds?

[Legacy712]

Now THOSE are some nice looking picks!

I wouldn't have thought they had anodized aluminum handles - they look more like colored plastic.

How long did it take you to make them?

[TMIB]

Whoops, guess you are anodizing them yourself- I hadn't ready the sticky post until now.

My other question still stands though; what kind of aluminum do you start with? Bar stock or cast?

I'm assuming thin bar stock.

[ratyoke]

I do the anodizing myself. I go over how I do it in this thread:
viewtopic.php?t=37925

I start with aluminum sheet, they are not cast. I have been using two pieces of 1/8" aluminum to sandwich the steel, so they are a little over 1/4" thick when finished. I like them so thick cause it gives me something more to hold on to.

[ratyoke]

How long did it take you to make them?

They take about 5-7 hours each. Depends on the pick type and handle style. But I am getting faster.

[ToolyMcgee]

Actually it would only be vain if you were posting pictures of yourself. I suppose it could be seen as obsequious...

Here's another fun fact; correcting people's english is a great way to make new friends.

Seriously though great looking picks. I really like the sportcar red on the slim competition pick. Looks like it's polished so bright you wouldn't want to look at it in direct sunlight and shaped very well to boot.

-Mcgee

[guest5999]

are you taking orders?

[ratyoke]

are you taking orders?

Yes I am.

[Squelchtone]

Ratyoke,

OMFG. and WOW. Great work! and excellent photography! I second Guests question, are you taking orders?

Best looking picks I've seen in a long time. Can't wait to try the red one during testing in Boston.

thanks for sharing the pics,

Squelchtone

[hydruh]

Seconded from Squelch - thanks for sharing. These are very impressive - we have a lot of different talents on this board, but not enough tool fabricators! These are very impressive.

S

[straightpick]

Having been in the business for 20 years I must say those picks are seriously nice. Excellent job!

[MacGnG1]

wow those are some classy picks! smooth lines and all! very nice.

[JackNco]

HOLY ON A CRACKER! thats some stunning work man!

What are your prices like?

[vrocco]

They are absolutely stunning in person. Easily the most beautiful pick I have ever owned.

I can't vouch for function, because as of yet, i have been afraid to put them in a lock. They are polished to the point that I could use them as a shaving mirror.

Just......WOW. Buy one to add to you collection. Not cheap, but definately one of a kind.