making picks

[FSSARD]

i don't have access to a dremel or a grinder. I've watched Pyro's video's, very helpful by the way. i was wondering i know i can handfile to get the "pick blank" but could i use a Silicon Carbide wheel on a drill as a temporary alternative to a dremel?? the drill is just your standard black and decker battery powered drill.

[quicklocks]

yes that would work ok

[FSSARD]

thanks just wanted to make sure before hand

[chopitup]

Using a hand drill works, but it's also a bit ungainly. You can pick up dremels fairly cheaply either new or on Ebay, etc. and if you're going to be making a lot of them you might just want to spring for the dremel.

[raimundo]

I make pick with just files, but then I don't start with a really thick blank of hard metal like a hacksaw blade, and I like to use sharp new files, in fact, I expect to start making more picks when quicklocks package arrives, and I will replace the few files I use to make it all that much better. for example, when using a flat file to cut the shafts on sweeperbristle, I count the strokes it takes to mass waste the excess around the shafts, when it gets to 30 strokes, (two minutes work) I start thinking about how much longer I wil use the file before its worth my while to replace it. They are not expensive, i like mine to say made in usa or made in switzerland or made in sweeden, if they say made in india pakistan malasia or china, They are not going to stay sharp for long.

[digital_blue]

You could also start with the junior hacksaw blades to minimize the amount of 'meat' that you have to take off. If you have a vice, you can lock the drill in a vice and you've got yourself a makeshift grinder.

db

[pick_maker]

Small investment, small return. Recall, the work in Pyro's video was all done with grinders. Wait, study and learn until you can afford a grinding tool because the creative possibilities are huge.

While saving you could start with mcguyver-style picks made out of debit/gift cards and bobby pins:

viewtopic.php?t=5691

[stick]

Dremel too, not just grinder. You could get away with a grinder alone if you are really skilled and patient, but it's a lot easier and more useful just to buy a Dremel.

[chopitup]

I guess in the end it's personal preference. Personally I like using a dremel, and plus it's just a handy tool.

[FSSARD]

I should be getting some employment soon, so i should be able to pick up a dremel or grinder. I'll check into mcDonalds, or Target or something.

digital_blue: no, sadly, i don't have access to a vice.

[digital_blue]

FS: Do you have a Costco near you? They have been known to have a rotary tool kit with a whole pile of accessories for really cheap. It is not the highest quality tool out there, but I bought one anyway just because the accessories were compatible with my dremel. I paid $36 Canadian for it, so that should be... um... let me see here.... carry the two... $1.75 US. The accessories alone are worth considerably more than the money I paid, so even if the tool doesn't last and you eventually have to buy a dremel anyway, you haven't really lost anything.

db

[Geek142]

Hey

The first picks i used using power tools i started off with a rotary tool. So buy the time i had finished 5 picks or so i would have go through heaps of grinding bits and would only have a couple left. I would recommend you get a grinder it is so much easier then using a rotary tool but you still use the rotary tool for getting the finishing touchs and sharper corners.

Geek

[master in training]

hey sorry, old thread, i was just searching and cant find what i was looking for so here goes, it seems like they would, but if i was to get some kind of dremel type bits, like cutting wheels, will they fit in a normal drill?

it looks like they'll fit, but i dont have all that much money and cant afford a dremel, but i have a drill, so if i could buy some cutoff wheels or something it would be better.

thanks,

~ Master in Training ~

[Buggs41]

MIT: I would advise against that. The Dremel tools are designed to operate at a very high speed. A drill can't operate at that high speed.

[master in training]

ok thank you, i'll just have to save up for ages and keep hunting around ebay to try and find one, thank you!