Fabricating an X-acto pick set (seeking advice)

[cracksman]

I've decided to make a set of picks using a high quality X-acto knife and blades, for now, a few hooks, small and large diamond, and maybe a rake or two. I do own several pick sets now and have made quite a few out of jig-saw blades (which are quite underated for those who want wallet sized picks IMHO). I have searched this site extensively and got some great info, as well as the web in general, and I've seen some excellent examples of people using the x-acto and creating a number of great picks. What I would like to know is how well they actually work from people who have created and used them. In theory, the x-acto is balanced like a scalple and would provide nice feedback, but I have not found anyone who uses them to comment. What I really like about the idea is having one pick handle that is well balanced and one can really become accustomed to, and the ability to change picks without losing feel, and... more importantly, being able to buy blanks (x-acto blades) for $20.00 per 100
In theory we could all post are favorite picks in proper dimensions and really refine and categorize the most effective picks.
p.s. I know the most effective pick is useless in un-skilled hands, that is why I'm not overly concerned with people who would abuse it.
p.p.s. I'm still stuck on a Brinks, shrouded 6 pin, so I don't think I'll be giving out trade secrets anytime soon

[Chucklz]

They work amazingly well. I wrote a post quite some time ago on making/using these picks. Strengthen your search fu.

[Shrub]

You can buy them commecially so they cant be too bad and chucklz set looked good when i saw it on site.

I know you can get all sorts of fittings for the knife so you shouldnt have any probs finding the right blade to modify for any particular pick tip,

Good luck and show us you achievements.

[Chucklz]

Don't bother modifying a blade...... use a bit of windshield wiper insert. Although you do need to take a bit out of the thickness of either the back portion of the insert or widen the channel in the chuck a bit. I generally use the second option, unless the piece of insert i'm using is thin.

[cracksman]

Yeah I searched more thanks for not busting me too hard chucklz I actually cheated and cut down 10 of my cheap Southords that were duplicates of my slightly less cheap shouthords with reinforced handles. Since the handles of the picks I cut are the same width as the ends I now have the opportunity to make 2 picks out of each handle for the x-acto as well Using the x-acto feels like I'm holding a dental pick, it seems really nice. I haven't had a chance to take pics yet, there not much to see, picture a Southord pick sticking out of an x-acto knife and that's it-but the increase in control is quite remarkable, if anyone wants to seem them let me know and I'll post them.

p.s. I'll try the wiper insert next, thanks

[Chucklz]

Using inserts lets you round over the picks and really make a quality tool. SouthOrd picks.... yeah you get better control, but you are still picking with SO picks.

[cracksman]

True Chucklz, and a good point...
I re-read my post and it seems to be a knock against Southern Ordnance. I own several sets from Southern Ordnance, every order I made was recieved promptly, with no problems, and tracking # always provided. The company goes so far as to hand write in ballpoint a "thanks" with your name. As far as the quality, I have no complaints and have been quite satisfied In their 32 piece set they give you many duplicates of their stronger (and thicker) "favorite picks"-the thinner duplicates are what I cut down, and plan on using their handles to create more picks. I think by saying "cheap" I implied inferior quality, that was not my intention. I will from this point forward refer to them as "inexpensive", and well shaped-(The 11-piece slim-line set in particular), My point was, obviously poorly stated, You can buy a very inexpensive set of picks from Southern Ordnance, cut off the shaped pick at top so it will fit in a common Xacto-knife, which, IMHO, really does provide much greater feel and control, and end up with the flat handle of spring steel in which you could fabricate two more picks-essentially getting 3 picks- 1 commercial(very good) and 2 more that you could use the first as a template, or create your own using a high quality, spring steel blank.

However, as Chucklz said, I'm still using SO picks, and I have made picks out of jigsaw blades that I find are stronger and provide better feedback, they also fit the x-acto quite nicely
...yeah, sorry I know I ramble on

[Shrub]

Hmmm i have a majestic set (got free so no flames please) and the big SO set, i find the majestic better if you are in a bad mood and the SO set if i want the lock open, i love the SO set but havent tried any other sets so perhaps its time i tried the others if the SO sets are so little thought of, although i never have any complaints with SO,