Mini-Bogota

[Aedalas]

My first attempt at using nothing but hand tools. Not sure why, I just wanted to have something I made by hand and I was wanted to try a smaller bogota for padlocks. This was my first attempt at makign one, in hindsight I should have started with a full sized pick to get the feel for it, I'm really not happy with the business end. Also the finest sandpaper I have at the moment is 400 grit, going to have to pick up some finer and spend some more time on these.

[jruther2]

Looking really good for a first attempt! Keep up the good work!

[LocksmithArmy]

that looks great for a mini bogota... i bet it works well too

[Aedalas]

i bet it works well too

I've only tried it on a couple masterlocks so that is hardly a fair test, it works at least as well as anything else that will fit in there. The hook design is going to take some getting used to but the feedback is actually quite amazing. I think I may have done myself a disservice by getting the rubber handled Petersons.

[Violaetor]

You should be okay with 400 grit.

A couple of tips:

Sand along the length always back/forth in the same direction, don't swirl or change the orientation of the pick while you're sanding.

Use a light/medium pressure, you might think being aggressive will sand it quicker/better but it just makes deep cuts which you will have to spend more time sanding out.

Spend more time with your 180 or what you are using initially until you get an even looking "grain" during sanding (no highs or lows in depth or color/sheen) that will reduce the time needed with finer papers later and much less effort.

You can always use the 400 as dry first then wet later if you feel it isn't enough alone, and you should use a polishing compound after you're done to clear off the haze which might make your picks look duller than they are.

A mirror finish is just for show, you can have a functionally smooth pick with fewer passes of each grit, smooth beveled edges are of more importance than the shine.

[Aedalas]

I know they need a lot more sanding, I'm not even sure why I posted them to be honest. I'm really unhappy with the shaping, particularly on the rake. I'm probably just going to start over. The bevel you're talking about is one of my major issues with it, they're too small to get much detail work out of the files I have. If/when I make another set I'll put something else in the pictures to show scale. I may finish out the hook though, I really do like the feedback I'm getting with it. Has anybody tried bending the picks separately and getting them to cradle? I'd rather not scrap both when one is still salvageable if possible.