Should I change my pick material?

[LearningTheArt]

No problem, just thought it was a steep price. Thanks for the link I'll look into them.

[ridinplugspinnaz]

Just a small note about hacksaw / bandsaw blades that I've observed from a few others that make their own picks. It seems that for the most part, the cheaper the blade is (i.e. considered to be a lower-quality blade for cutting), the easier it seems to be to work with when making picks out of them. I'm not quite sure why that is, but I have heard this said in more than one place, and it probably has to do with the steel selection on cheaper blades.

Anyway, if you're finding that sawblades are difficult for you to work with, maybe you just need to buy crappier blades A workable blade for grinding plus the appropriate temper treatment should make excellent picks out of really cheap material 99% of the time (at least from my observations).

[datagram]

Just a small note about hacksaw / bandsaw blades that I've observed from a few others that make their own picks. It seems that for the most part, the cheaper the blade is (i.e. considered to be a lower-quality blade for cutting), the easier it seems to be to work with when making picks out of them. I'm not quite sure why that is, but I have heard this said in more than one place, and it probably has to do with the steel selection on cheaper blades.

Anyway, if you're finding that sawblades are difficult for you to work with, maybe you just need to buy crappier blades A workable blade for grinding plus the appropriate temper treatment should make excellent picks out of really cheap material 99% of the time (at least from my observations).

Yeah, that's probably due to cheaper blades being lower carbon steel, or some weaker type of alloy.

dg

[Legion303]

Go to mcmaster.com and search for spring stock.

-steve

[savs2k]

150 isnt bad at all. if you think about it really... 200' roll your paying less then a buck a foot. I think its well worth it. The only reason i wouldnt do it is because i dont know how i can make 350 picks =P . If you have a few feet to spare would you mind selling a few feet? Im currently just looking for material i really like and this could be a winner. Remember guys quality is what you want i rather have a few good picks then 100 cheap ones. get what you pay for right?

[datagram]

150 isnt bad at all. if you think about it really... 200' roll your paying less then a buck a foot. I think its well worth it. The only reason i wouldnt do it is because i dont know how i can make 350 picks =P . If you have a few feet to spare would you mind selling a few feet? Im currently just looking for material i really like and this could be a winner. Remember guys quality is what you want i rather have a few good picks then 100 cheap ones. get what you pay for right?

Check out the post just above yours, mcmaster.com sells smaller sizes for a very good price.

dg

[TheSnakey]

being a mechanic i can get wiper blades and hacksaw blade real easy. oxy and welder are also available and a grinder. i've only bought locks and a rotary tool for this hobby atm.( i can see heaps more locks coming )

[LearningTheArt]

That's nice, but that really doesn't help much. Thanks for the link datagram, I'll be sure to check it out.

[ufd538]

With the coils from nolan supply, any suggestion as to what should be used to straighten the metal....I.E. straighten by hand, or put weight on it, etc?

[Pyrhhus]

I have been having trouble coming across pick-making materials myself, partly due to the cost factor and the need to buy in bulk. Judging by the tone of this thread, this seems to be a problem for others as well. If anyone here wants buy some material, but the cost and size is prohibitive, perhaps spiting the order with another member is an option? I know i would be willing to split paying for pick-making material if someone can acquire it, and doesn't need/want to buy a whole lot.

-P

[phippoD]

for cheap picks ive have used a metal leaf rake they are not that expensive and ive made bulk from not even half of one the steel is very strong aswell.

-phippoD-

[mkultra23]

there are lots of materials out there to be found, if you have the patience. Keeps your eyes open and keep your money for tools you can't make out of scrap.