New kid on the block... Help

[jimu57]

I just bought a Worksharp knife sharpener. I saw a post here about using power tools to polish picks. Not sure what type of power tools he was referring to. The Worksharp uses a belt for sharpening and are available and various grits. I am going to try polishing a Peterson hook tonight. I'll open a thread about using the Worksharp and include some pics. IF it works out that is. It could turn out FUBAR.

[Joshua904]

Just a little up date I had my southord spool pin cutaway lock turn up, it is a 5 pin lock all the pins being spool. It took me about 30min to finally get it open... I was some what confused tho because a number of times it seem as tho all the pins were in long above the sheer line but the lock would not move. I will play around with it some more to night and see if I can get any better .

That was my problem with cutaway practice locks, too busy looking instead of feeling. Close your eyes and pick it and see if it takes you as long.

I just bought a Worksharp knife sharpener. I saw a post here about using power tools to polish picks. Not sure what type of power tools he was referring to. The Worksharp uses a belt for sharpening and are available and various grits. I am going to try polishing a Peterson hook tonight. I'll open a thread about using the Worksharp and include some pics. IF it works out that is. It could turn out FUBAR.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/172070019303

Check this out. It's cheap, and works perfect for making picks if you don't have access to other stuff.
They make leather stropping belts, and scotchbright type polishing belts for it as well. Just search for "1x30 belt" and you'll find everything for it on eBay.

[Mighty]

Just a little up date I had my southord spool pin cutaway lock turn up, it is a 5 pin lock all the pins being spool. It took me about 30min to finally get it open... I was some what confused tho because a number of times it seem as tho all the pins were in long above the sheer line but the lock would not move. I will play around with it some more to night and see if I can get any better .

It's possible that some of the pins were very slightly overset. Sometimes just easing off the tension veeeeeery slightly and then reapplying it can allow the lock to open.

[jbrint]

You can also try just easing back a hair and tapping on the side of the lock with something to pull the key pins back down. I have a dental scaping pick that's kind of heavy and wrapped some rubber around it and taped it up. Works really good for this.

[PowerHaus930]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/172070019303

Check this out. It's cheap, and works perfect for making picks if you don't have access to other stuff.
They make leather stropping belts, and scotchbright type polishing belts for it as well. Just search for "1x30 belt" and you'll find everything for it on eBay.

I thought that picture and description looked familiar so I checked and it appears to be the same model that they sell at harbor freight for $55. You can get a 20% off coupon relatively easily and occasionally they will have a 25% off coupon if you sign up for their email newsletter. I didn't realize there were so many different types of belts available for it. I may have to look into getting one myself. Thanks for the info.

[Joshua904]

Yeah, I would have went that route but didn't have a coupon or the time to go to the store, so ordering online I went. The auction has free shipping.
If you have access to coupons and a store near by, I'd definitely do that.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/182048474257

I got a bunch of belts from this guy, he combines shipping.

[MBI]

I just bought a Worksharp knife sharpener. I saw a post here about using power tools to polish picks. Not sure what type of power tools he was referring to. The Worksharp uses a belt for sharpening and are available and various grits. I am going to try polishing a Peterson hook tonight. I'll open a thread about using the Worksharp and include some pics. IF it works out that is. It could turn out FUBAR.

When making picks a wet grinder works VERY well for shaping the piece without risking losing the temper. Since the wheel turns much more slowly than a regular grinder you have good control over how much material you remove. With a gentle touch you could also use it to remove the rough burrs on stamped picks like the HPC spring steel picks.

For any detail work in shaping the tip of the pick I use needle files.

I sand the picks by hand with a little water and wet/dry sandpaper. Also to help avoiding heating it up and messing with the temper of the steel. I realize if you go slowly and carefully with a Dremel and a sanding drum you can accomplish the same, but sanding isn't tedious for me. I just do it while watching TV.

For a final polish that's when I do finally break out the Dremel. A felt wheel with some Flitz can work wonders. You can accomplish the same look with sandpaper, but to get a truly mirror finish that way will take you a rather long time.

I think those belt sanders you have are nice tools if you do woodworking, but I wonder how good of a job they'd be at super-fine detail work like sanding picks. But hey, if you already have one, I guess it's not a big deal to risk one pick to test it out. Just be sure to quench! For final polishing, I'd use a Dremel. Usually I recommend not cheaping out and getting generic rotary tools, since the cheap ones really don't work as well or last as long. But if you're just using it for pick polishing with a felt wheel, an $8 imitation dremel from harbor freight will probably serve you just fine.

[Skyshot16]

I have to second Squelch on the Master 570. That was my second lock, and it was much more of a challenge than the Master no. 3, which sounds like what you are looking for. I also gives you really good feedback on the spool pins, and will help you learn how to pick those. As I said though, it will be much more of a challenge, so expect it to take a looooong time to get the first few times (if you get it at all). Eventually it will become the easiest thing in the world to open, but you'll have to be patient.

Good luck! Have fun!

Hi all can I ask about the master 570? I've been looking online and eBay and I can't seem to find this lock in the uk... It is on amzon but it's going for £40 do you know of a lock that I can get in the uk will out any trouble?

[Joshua904]

I use burr bits to remove the excess mess, then the belt sander and a rough grit (80) to get it down to a hot dog shape. I'll redraw my lines, then use a 200 grit belt to bring the shaft down to a normal pick size and shape, round and thin the handle more and depending on the pick profile, rough shape it as well. It'll pretty much look like the fatter cousin of the pick you want. I'll either use the edge of the belt to cut in the shape, or use the dremel and a small burr bit, I've also used the rounded engraving bits for this, followed by small jewelers files. I'll grab a piece of 800 grit and work it to remove the scratches and marks left behind, as well as round all the edges. I'll have pretty much what I want now, touch up with a file, progress up the grits with sandpaper then buff wheel.

I like working on two picks at a time so I never get one very hot. I keep a cup of water near my sander. Work one for like 20 secs, drop it in and grab the other.

It all sounds time consuming, but honestly you work in a rhythm and fly through all the steps.
Also, unless you are trying to get a flat edge, like on the handle or bottom of the shaft, I'd use the slack part of the belt, and not the braced portion.

[kwoswalt99-]

I think those belt sanders you have are nice tools if you do woodworking, but I wonder how good of a job they'd be at super-fine detail work like sanding picks. But hey, if you already have one, I guess it's not a big deal to risk one pick to test it out. Just be sure to quench!

With woodworking belt sanders, you shouldn't have to worry about softening the steel, they are slow enough. Belt grinders are a different story...

[Squelchtone]

Skyshot16: to answer your question, I checked Amazon and ebay.co.uk but as you are finding out, the Master Lock 570,572, and 576 models are only sold by US sellers. I found one for $9 dollars but shipping to UK was $27.

I'll keep an eye out for any deals for you.
Squelchtone