Thread: Pinning

You can always choke up on the hammer. Easier than making a whole new handle if you decide you want it longer later

I'm no expert in this realm, but have some relevant experience on other projects.

90% of my files come from garage sales...less than a buck apiece for the small ones.
For this, i would reach for a small double cut, for a smoother finish.
Not too small though, not like needle files...a little wider is easier to keep flat, and not slip of such a small work area.

And get yourself a wire brush, to keep the file clean. They gunk up pretty quickly when working on soft metals

I got hammer last week, but it was less than $5 (but the price seems to have gone up?). I don't usually skimp on hammers, but I figure one that will never be swung hard doesn't have to be that sturdy. But, it feels pretty solid.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...c=1&pldnSite=1

I have a tiny chasing hammer that I picked up at a craft store on a trip to Canada. I also have a super small ball peen, it is likely around 4 Oz. I have never shortened the handles either, I just choke up on them. If you are going to use a ball peen, the better polished your hammer is the more shiny the peen will be.
As for files, I have many. Most of them are Grobet brand, and go from very coarse to very fine. The coarse files kind of grab the pin a lot and jump around. A single cut smooth file is what I prefer. You can pick up good ones at most tool stores and the craft shops often have them too. My favourite ones came from a jewellers supply shop.

I have a really good line on files. Good quality files of every nature. In my business we use a variety of files literally every day.Sending you a PM Steve.

Originally Posted by planeden

I got hammer last week, but it was less than $5 (but the price seems to have gone up?). I don't usually skimp on hammers, but I figure one that will never be swung hard doesn't have to be that sturdy. But, it feels pretty solid.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...c=1&pldnSite=1

That looks like a nice little hammer.

This is what it cost me in Canada from Amazon.ca


Ball Pein Hammer Jewelers Metalworking Machinist 4oz

CDN$14.21
CDN$ 5.51 for shipping & import fees deposit

This is my 2 ounce pinner.
About $7 on Amazon
I keep it in a leather sleeve to prevent scratches.

This little baby will do it all, Steve. And its not much bigger than your hand.




It has two sets of jaws, one toothed, one smooth. It can be rotated or swiveled for cutting scales.




The toothed jaw has a few cut outs in the jaw for various things, one will hold 1/16th pinning rod vary securely without marring the pin.




And it can be mounted permanently, or clamped to a table.




Now you'll need a dappling block for making your own collars from flat washers.

Originally Posted by outback

This little baby will do it all, Steve. And its not much bigger than your hand.




It has two sets of jaws, one toothed, one smooth. It can be rotated or swiveled for cutting scales.




The toothed jaw has a few cut outs in the jaw for various things, one will hold 1/16th pinning rod vary securely without marring the pin.




And it can be mounted permanently, or clamped to a table.




Now you'll need a dappling block for making your own collars from flat washers.

Hi Mike,

I know that a Dapping set can be quite expensive but is the vice a fortune and where can I get it?

Here in the states, we get them both from a place called "Harbor Freight"

The dappling block was close to $50 US

The vice was around $30 US, but I had a 20% off coupon each purchase, so it was a little less.

I just looked online at Central Forge, it directed me to harbor freight. Its $21 US, for the vise

I've heard VERY mixed reviews about their dapping block set. Any issues with yours?
(i know they're good about returns and exchanges, just keep forgetting to go and try one for myself)