MrAnybody wrote:.....so if anyone has any of their own additions or alternatives, that would be very cool to help anyone get going.
Well I tried... but every time I took note of somethin' I could add... you touched on it a minute later. lol
Fantastic job MrA! I vote sticky as well. This should be at the top - easy to find for anyone starting out.
You covered the concepts, basics, and techniques very well. Simplistic and thorough. I too find it quite
enjoyable... & your vids I'm sure will help others get into this facet of the hobby. Thanks for your effort!
This post
here brought about some good tips & tricks from other members.
I'd also like to post a link to my ongoing journey with impressioning
here...
only because SO many people gave me a TON of good tips and advice
along the way that might help others. You'll just have to sift through
the 15 or so pages to find it though. lol
One such piece of advice was given to me by Matt (mdc5150).
So simple and effective... yet it had never even occurred to me!
By clamping your lock
horizontally rather than
vertically, very little
to no movement of the lock occurs and better marks are produced.
VERSUSAnother advantage to this is that you're far less likely to damage the lock.
Like with this old Yale. When clamped vertically you can see we're applying
LOTS of pressure on either side of the cylinder where the lock body is thinnest.
In regards to files. For just starting out I'd recommend a #4 cut round (rat tail) file.
If for no other reason - it's 1/3 the cost of a pippen. Hard to justify spending $70
on something you don't know if you'll be any good at or possibly not even enjoy.
Beyond the cost though; a round/rat tail file is not only easier for a beginner to handle,
but thoroughly maintains it's value in the hands of a more experienced user. Any drifting
is corrected almost effortlessly. The slightly broader/flatter cuts produced seems to accept
marks better. In general, I feel the shape of this file is just more forgiving than a pippen file.
After you find you enjoy impressioning, I'd say it's definitely worth the $ for a pippen!
A tremendously versatile file - magical in the right hands. But don't expect miracles
immediately though. You might have a knack for it... but I found it to be a bit tricky,
almost awkward at first. In fact I
STILL don't feel like I handle my pippen in a way
that sources it's true potential. Just like with lock picking, it takes time & practice.
With summer over I'm gearing up for another 'lock-season' over here
Great to see ya'll still at it! Posting all the wonderful shit I've come to love & need.
Dunno where I'd be without you all!!! Looking forward to being back around for a while.
Speaking of impressioning - I'd better get back to Sargent Mossbergs padlocks!
Holy shit he dropped enough on me to stay busy all winter, lol. Damn you Mossman!