Dual Rake with Custom Cocobolo Handle

[ChonkyTonks]

Hey all,

Here is a new pick that I made the other day. The handle was made from cocobolo wood and designed with ergonomics in mind. It is a good pick, but I need to make a few modifications to the handle design to improve the ergonomics. The cool thing is that this handle can accommodate a couple of different ways to hold the pick. I am pleased with the result and will be making a few more like this over the weekend. I will post the results.



Let me know what you think. People from lp101 will have likely already seen this.

[LocksmithArmy]

i saw this on lp101. it looks very nice, if you start making several picks i may buy some off you

[WhitePicker]

Also me i love woody XD (Also me = I also would want to buy one if you make more of em)

[ChonkyTonks]

Thanks for the props guys. I love making picks. I need to get some things worked out with the process as you can likely see that the metal needs some tlc due to dremel sanding. I will post pics of the new stuff I make and keep asking for your thoughts/comments. I have been making pics with a number of different kinds of exotic woods, but cocobolo is my absolute favorite. All you need to give it the shine is a good sanding and the oils from your hand. Should I get the kinks worked out with the sanding process, I will be happy to make you guys some picks. Also, if you wanted anything in particular (design, types of picks, wood type, etc), just let me know.

[LocksmithArmy]

you mentioned ur metal is dremil sanded... try giving it a shine like your wood...

[ChonkyTonks]

Yeah, I dremel it to even out any nicks that occurred from sanding the wood handle. For example, I have a bench grinder that I use to get the rough shape of the handle. Since it is a bench grinder, I can tend to lose control of the pick when getting down to the smaller size. That is the part that I need to work on in the process. I need to protect the metal during that process so I can just concentrate on the sanding. Normally, I sand it with a coarse 150 and move up to 320. I need to get to the store to pick up a 600 since I know that will really make it shine. Once I have that process down, I will start making more picks that could be something I would feel comfortable selling.

I use feeler gauge from McMaster-Carr. I tend to stay away from anything lower than .027". I prefer .030", but have no problem using a thinner gauge if someone had that desire.

[Velvokay]

That looks nice! If you keep sanding it with regular binder paper, it will get a VERY smooth finish. I did this on the cocabola pen I made, and it turned out nice.

[uklockpicker]

Very nice indeed - congrats

[ChonkyTonks]

Thanks, guys. These tips are great and most certainly appreciated. I have changed the process of how I make these. Last night I made two new dual picks and am sanding them prior to making the handles. So far, I can see this will be a better way to go in getting the shine that I want on the pick, itself. When I make the handle, I will simply cover the portions that will not be covered by wood so that I do not ruin the finish. This is going to make the whole process much better. I should have the other picks done over the weekend and I will post them here.

[ChonkyTonks]

Hey all,

Here is a pick I made over the weekend. Dual hook with a purpleheart handle. I do not like how the handle turned out, but I did get a better idea as to what I want to do with the handle-crafting process. In addition, the color of the wood is just muddy. I need to apply a laquer, me thinks. The actual pick, however, is getting closer to where I would like to see it. The shine is there for the most part. I have another pick that is ready to go for a handle. I will be using olive wood for that handle. I have to say, I really like the figured woods over anything else. Let me know what you think.

[bezza1]

looks great mate

[ChonkyTonks]

Thanks, Bezza. Any critiques?