srbinkalot8275 wrote:
I have a question about home brew pick tools. I have a dremel, but i don't know what attachments ill need for it. I have a bench grinder as well. I am looking into a hobby sized file set too, and what grit sand paper do i use to polish it up.
Various Dremel bits are handy (none are necessary ofc), I mostly use a small grinding stone, medium size grinding stone, sanding drum, a second sanding drum that I glue 1000 grit paper to and a polishing wheel.
For files a round file is good for shaping the inside curve of hooks and you will need a flat file. Grinders are great for rough shaping but they are round and that makes it hard to get a straight edge. On a hook, for instance, I'll start by filing straight down with a round file (the corner of a flat file works good for a starter notch here) until I reach desired depth. From there I will use a grinding wheel attachment on the Dremel to thin down the shaft, stopping just a hair larger than I want it. I'll then use a flat file to shape the outside edge of my hook and straighten up the shaft. Basically anywhere you use a grinder you'll want to use a file afterwards.
I'd also recommend you get some chopsticks and/or popsicle sticks for sanding. You wrap the stick with the paper and hold it in place with a rubber band usually, I use small scraps of heat shrink tubing for mine. Much better control for sanding bevels and in the nooks and crannys.
Oh, you'll also need a cup or bowl for quenching. Make sure you can fit every part of your pick in it before you start, I didn't do this at first and almost ruined a pick shaft.
Also I'd suggest a bench pin, I have a couple posts talking about mine here. And here is a video showing the usefulness of one (and a master craftsman at work making his signature pick).
Guess that is a decent start, if you have any more questions just ask.
Read this and watched raimundos video and roughed one out this morn
Sat Apr 07, 2012 11:09 am 
