Marcel's homebrew

[marcel]

After having some sprinsteel stock sitting on my desk for more then a year, I finally went out and got a rotary tool to try and turn it into some picks.

I'll be making both 0.4 (0.0157 inch) and 0.6 (0.0236 inch) mm versions of each pick.

Rough outline made, and sanded with 400

IMG_0375.JPG

Need to visit the store for some more sandpaper before I can finish 'em.

Even though they do have some rough parts, picking a 6 pin wilka isn't a problem for either.

[shadowlock]

Very cool looking picks. Can't wait to see them when you're all the way done. Good Job.

[elbowmacaroni]

Looking good so far! I bet they'll be fantastic once finished!

[EDIT] Forgot to ask if you were planning to put some kind of handle on them once the metal is finished... if so what material(s) are you planning on using and what method of attachment?

[marcel]

For now they won't get handles, the sides are nice enough on the fingers (no sharp edges). Added benifit would be that they are easier to carry then with handles.

Once I get a little more practice at making working tips I may look into making handles. First thing would be finding more locks to test the picks on :)

[Papa Gleb]

Great work. I actually just started making my very first pick too with a rotary tool too
What bits did you use? I used a few standard cut-off wheels together and another larger cut-off wheel but I forget its name atm.
Share some techniques and tools

[marcel]

My setup is a little basic.

It consists of a workmate, a small vise, some clamps, a rotary tool, fiber reinforced cutting discs, various handfiles, and left over bits of sandpaper.

Others have made extensive write ups on their methods, I'm just picking the bits that make sense to me, and fit with the tools I have available.

Whatever method you choose, you're most likely to succeed if you use tools you are comfortable with.

[rerun12]

back when i started out i was making picks like crazy with my dremel and files. just used some cut off wheels (diamond disc is greta if youre working with titanium) and grinding wheels to shape the pick, sanded with the dremel and then finished the polishing by hand. theres one hook that i still use pretty often, her name is becca hah. its alot of fun to play around with different pick profiles. i used to spend alot of time thinking about handles but usually ended up just going with some adhesive heat shrink tubing. if youre looking to make some flags for dimple locks papa gleb an xacto knife and feeler gauge can work really well.

nice lookin picks marcel, keep at it brotha

[nozza36]

Well done Marcel , like them a lot !
As far as handles go , when you get old and tired , you come to find them as a must have ! even just gluing plastic sides to them will be a comfort if you are doing hour upon hour of picking , keep it up , and make as many variants as you can !

[Oldfast]

....looks like the start of somethin' good

[marcel]

For those hessitating to get into pick making because they have no space or tools I made a picture of my 'workspace'

DSC_3710.jpg

The only thing not in that picture are my files, and my rotary tool and the various cutoff, and sanding discs.

The upside down drill has a makeshift flapper strip of sandpaper on it. The clamps on the workmate get used to either clamp the picks onto the surface of the workmate, or to keep the trigger on the drill pressed in (handsfree sanding :).

The phonebook has has 800 and 1000 grit sheets of sandpaper in it, and is a great help to quickly finish the picks.

Neither the phonebook, nor the flapper strip are original ideas. I got both from bosnianbill's utube channel, and I think he mentioned the book idea came from cocomolock.

So what does a pick look like after 400 grit

DSC_3704.jpg

after 800 and 1000 grit

DSC_3706.jpg

Please keep in mind that it is a 0.40 mm (0.015 inch) pick, so scale the scratches down to that size as well.

[marcel]

While sorting through the toolbox I found an old oilstone.

I've only done the 0.4 mm pick so far, but it makes for an interesting comparison.

0.6 mm 1000 grit

DSC_3717.jpg

0.4 mm oilstone

DSC_3718.jpg

It feels really nice and rounded, and I think this is where I'll stop with the grinding.

Both picks finished, and tips flattened

DSC_3722.jpg

[marcel]

I've reconsidered using the sandpaper, and just remove the burrs (if any) with the oilstone.

Latest make, a tension tool, based on the basic prybar design:

DSC_3723.jpg

Although it is a little thin (0.6 mm) it does worok quite well.

[marcel]

Regular hook

DSC_3725.jpg

[Oldfast]

Lookin' like great work there Marcel!

Like that you posted a pic of your work bench.
I actually LOVE seeing peoples' work spaces!!

Whether they're big or small, organized & clean, or an all out dirty war zone...
to me each one is like a little glimpse into a magical and personal place.
So many peaceful hours. So much..................................flooooow

[marcel]

Some more progres. I was given some spare bits of wood, and decided to try adding some handles.

The result

DSC_3728.jpg

The wood is glued directly to the picks, no drilling required.

Shaping was done with a belt sander, and finished by hand. This wasn't done at home. I was fortunate enough to be allowed the use of a very nice workspace by a friend.

They'll get an oil bath tomorrow, and should be ready to use after that.