James Mitchell

Hi, I'm James Mitchell

CIOS • Maker • Problem Solver

I build things, break things, and figure out how they work. JimDotDev is my public notebook for projects, experiments, lessons learned, and technical discoveries across making, computing, signals, research, and everyday problem solving.

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Article

First attempt at making a pick

Finding a banding material made of spring steel had me wanting to make my own pick. With the Sparrow Medusa being one of my favourites, I thought I would use it as a template to start.


The initial cut wasn't too bad. I made sure to leave lots of material to work with.


I then used a grinding bit and file to start making shape of the tip.


It's really starting to take shape here




At this point the tip is a bit long, but it works just as great as the original. I was really wanting to make it personable to me, so I started making a top hat in inspiration of Mad Hatter Labs.



At this point I was pretty happy with it. When originally starting with the banding it was .031 thick with coating, and I was able to bring it to .026 which allowed for clean movements.


After letting the paint dry I have been successful in picking and raking with this design.
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About Me

James Mitchell

I'm James Mitchell, an IT Operations Specialist, builder, and lifelong learner. JimDotDev is where I document projects, experiments, lessons learned, and technical discoveries across fabrication, computing, RF systems, research, and practical problem solving.