First attempt at pinning didn't go so well...

Hi Folks,

I'm after some advice other than what's in the library. I'm "handy" with tools, but this is usually motorbike or computer parts, rather than actually manufacturing parts. I'm great at putting things together :) Also, I'm a metric person, so all this 1/16th etc. confuses the heck out of me :)

The first problem is the pin. I'm using 1/16 nickel rod, but it doesn't easily go through the original factory scales, I think gssixgun mentioned re-drilling old scales because they were actually a slightly different size hole than the rod people are using. I think the scales I was using were plastic, I am sure if they were bakelite they would have exploded :) Can someone clarify the drilling info - what bit would I use? I'll need to pick up a drill press as I don't have one at the moment.

The second problem is the peening. I was going slow with a 4oz hammer and rotating the scales 360 as I go, but this bent the pin before the end was domed :-/

I think I know what my third problem is - I don't think I filed the pin down enough so had too much pin to dome - maybe this is making the peening more difficult for me?

Thanks!

kD

drill to 5/64 do the math for metric

cut the excess to 1mm above the washer

File the excess to a smooth feel after the cut

Practice with Popsicle sticks first not scales all this is really done by feel not measuring and if you refuse to practice first then expect broken scales...


The Wiki or Library is not all that extensive as people are lazy about updating it... This thread is updated continually by Max and myself and everything I just told you is in there for future reference

http://straightrazorpalace.com/works...wers-here.html

Ah ice cream sticks - thats an awesome idea :) I was using some scales I wasn't too bothered about if I broke them, but I'll move over to sticks.

Thank you.

UPDATE - I've been and got 50 ice cream sticks and am watching hand bench drill on ebay, so I'm going to get practicing over the next few weeks. Expect to see some kids with some very impressive popsicles around the area I live in :)

Go slowly when peening down the ends of the brass rod. I got a little heavy handed with the first re-pin that I tried, and it didn't turn out so well. The second time, I took my time. Probably 300 to 400 taps (maybe more) on each side of the pins 50 at a time then flip. Looks much better this time around. Most use a really light hammer like yours, but mine is a 12 oz. I just choke all the way up on the handle and let gravity do all the work.

Hint:

How hard to hit the pins????

Put your index finger on the anvil (hard surface) take your hammer and hit your finger right at the edge of the nail on that real sensitive spot on the cuticle,, if it hurts, your hitting too hard...

No really, I am being serious, try it

Quote:

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Originally Posted by gssixgun

Hint:

How hard to hit the pins????

Put your index finger on the anvil (hard surface) take your hammer and hit your finger right at the edge of the nail on that real sensitive spot on the cuticle,, if it hurts, your hitting too hard...

No really, I am being serious, try it

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Fantastic tip, thanks!

Another thing that may be helpfull,you want the hammer to feel like it bounces at the strike,just let gravity drop the head.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by gssixgun

Hint:

How hard to hit the pins????

Put your index finger on the anvil (hard surface) take your hammer and hit your finger right at the edge of the nail on that real sensitive spot on the cuticle,, if it hurts, your hitting too hard...

No really, I am being serious, try it

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I was hitting waaaaaay too hard. Looking at what I did, I think I had a host of problems at each step that all added up to a bent pin, and I think I'm lucky not to have smashed the scales:

1) Pin was too long by about 3.5mm in total
2) Didn't re-drill the hole
3) Hitting too hard

I'll wait for the sticks and hopefully win a drill press on eBay today, and try again. Thank you for the advice, I really do appreciate it. Reading is great, and all the knowledge is in the library, but sometimes newbies need calming a little but mentor's words! I need to learn to walk before I start running.

Every time I pin I go through 15 washers... While tapping the washer pops off and goes to that place socks in the dryer go.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Wintchase

Every time I pin I go through 15 washers... While tapping the washer pops off and goes to that place socks in the dryer go.

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Grab yourself a steel block and drill some 1/16 holes and other sizes if you pin with thicker pins some times. I drill 2 of each size I use, one about 9mm and one about 13mm. That way once your pins are cut to length you can drop it down the hole and start to peen one end. I do it just enough so that when I drop the washer on it wont fall off. That should solve 50% of the pop offs.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by davebug

Grab yourself a steel block and drill some 1/16 holes and other sizes if you pin with thicker pins some times. I drill 2 of each size I use, one about 9mm and one about 13mm. That way once your pins are cut to length you can drop it down the hole and start to peen one end. I do it just enough so that when I drop the washer on it wont fall off. That should solve 50% of the pop offs.

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Good ide! Thanks!