Thread: Smoothing peened over brass pins

If you're worried about damaging the wood scales, get a small strip of aluminum about 3/4 wide and about 1.5 long. Drill a hole slightly larger than your pins, de-bur the hole. place the hole over the pin and tape the strip down to the scales. Then tap tap tap away.Make sure the peen hammer is polished up nice and purdy too.

Thanks guys! I've got some ideas to play with now. Scale making seems easier than the peening for gosh sakes! I'm using a USA made, polished glass-smooth ball peen hammer. I can see where cleaning up the clipped end will help now. Also, I may be leaving too much rod left after the clipping. I think what's happening is that since there's so much rod left, it begins to spread out and splits leaving a rough edge. I'm more concerned with this than anything. I simply don't feel a rough edge on my other razors. At some point I will get pictures out there. I've got some real nice scale projects going on, and I'd like some input.

Originally Posted by yul b. nekst

Also, I may be leaving too much rod left after the clipping.

Cutting pins too long is the number one mistake of pinning. Cut them as short as your cutters will allow and then file the cut end down a bit. It doesn't have to be totally flat -- just smoothed out. Long pins bend easier and take much longer to peen (tempting you to hit too hard). It doesn't take much excess to get a nice, tight, nice-looking peen that won't need smoothing over.

I got it now! I'm actually surprised that I was that close. First, the length was the most problem. Cutting them closer to the scales helped. Also, it helped that I smoothed the cut end with a file. Lastly, starting the peen until round and smooth made the difference before putting it through the scales. Thanks!

Team effort! Yeah!

Josh

Great info on differing ways to come out with success.
Even having somewhat of a hand done looking pin is true