Making Wooden Guitar Picks

On this week's show, we continue our quest to use up scrap stock and make some wooden guitar picks.

[@luckysevenairammo1217]

Cool ! Wood picks sound awesome. I actually have been playing with wood picks now for quite a while and through trial and error have developed the best way for a fully functional wood pick sized from 1.5mm all the way down to as thin as .6mm is about the thinnest possible wood pick that will stand up to the abuse. I sand them against a worn 220 grit vertical disc sander with my finger sticky with a little pine pitch. Keep flipping it over when it gets hot taking breaks between. When the desired thickness is achieved then I hand bevel the edges with 220 and finish sand them by hand with 800 grit They come out amazingly beautiful and very strong. Cutting the individual slabs with a saw always ends up with a weaker pick. The biggest factor is grain orientation. I have found that picks made following parallel with the natural growth rings are the best as they have no growth ring separation. And what you want to do is cut a block of wood a little longer then your pick length, and with a small hatchet and a mallet split like 1/8" scales running right with the growth rings. Splitting the wood ensures that the pick will have a zero chance of any grain runout and it preserves the woods natural strength and integrity. And out of about 20 different native and exotic hardwoods. The number one best wood I have found for making picks is Madagascar Rosewood, other species of rosewood are also decent. Bubinga is great. And straight grained cocobola is also very good. It is amazing to think a .6mm thick wooden pick could be a real thing, and it absolutely can be done !

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

This is some great information and I thank you for posting it. As far as the sanding of the picks is concerned, you may want to consider using double sided tape and attaching them to a larger piece of wood that has the end squared off. This way you can keep your fingers away from the sanding belt and not worry about catches or about the friction heat. As long as the sander and the wood block have been squared up, you will still get an even sanding. Thanks for tuning in to the show and for chiming in with this great information. It is truly appreciated.

[@luckysevenairammo1217]

@@acutabove_woodworkings Ya that may be a better idea for folks, that's why I use a warn out 220 disc lol it doesn't grab hard or catch and I use really lite pressure so it doesn't get too hot. I have managed to sand well over 100 picks this way without grinding my finger tip off though lol.

[@chemcody5119]

Using the combination square is a great idea Kenny. Great project! Both my son and I play guitar.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

+Chem Cody Well then quit messing around on the computer and get out there and make some picks for you and your son. Win, win situation if you ask me. Thanks again for tuning in to the show.

[@soulsistag66]

Awesome tutorial! You have inspired me to give it a try. Thank you for sharing.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Glad that you enjoyed it. I you have any questions, feel free to ask. I'd be more than happy to help you out.

[@willemkossen]

Another musician woodworker! Nice. I will try this one day. Never thought it would work. I made some from old bank cards ;). Thanks for sharing!

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

+Willem Kossen I wouldn't call what I do with a guitar the work of a "musician". My drum playing is another story. If you get the chance, definitely try these. These give a completely different sound. They are not as thin as I would like them to be, but that can be changed by cutting a thinner strip on the table saw. I've got some picks that were punched out of old bank cards. They are pretty neat too. Thanks for tuning in.

[@TheDansana]

Well done. While I am not likely to be making guitar picks, I did learn some valuable technique. Thanks for sharing.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

+Danny Morehouse As long as you took something useful to you from this video, then it was worth the effort to make it. Glad to have you aboard on the show. Thanks for tuning in.

[@thedivinehammerswoodworks1895]

thanks for the idea, I need to make some throat plates for my scroll saw, it was missing when I bought it, never thought to use my old Rockwell/beaver to rip a slice down that thin, been scratching my head for weeks. Thanks Kenny.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

+michael hoyle No problem. Glad that you enjoyed it and that you found something in there for you. Thanks for tuning in to the show and thanks for taking the time to leave me a comment.

[@justind9858]

Very nice! Thank you.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

You're very welcome Justin. Thanks for tuning in to the show.

[@pcorlis]

Kenny, good use of scrap wood. Interesting videos always come out of your shop. Thanks or sharing. Paul / paulsmessyworkshop

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

+pcorlis Glad to hear that you liked the show again this week. Always good to hear from you. Thanks for tuning in.

[@dustinray1840]

I do edge banding, and here recently just start making picks from scrap edge band. My favorites are Tuscan Moon, Dark Roast and Cashmere Grey.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Sorry for the late reply Dustin. I just noticed this comment. Edge banding would be a great material to make guitar picks out of. I would imagine that there would be a heck of a lot of flexibility due to the thinner stock. Thanks for sharing your material choice for this project and thanks for tuning in to the show. It's appreciated.

[@tomzifer927]

In the end what thickness did you like best?

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

I actually preferred the skinny ones Tom. 1/16" or less seemed to have much more flex and I liked the sound they provided better than the more rigid pick. Thanks for tuning in to the show and for taking the time to leave me a comment.

[@alfredsanturri922]

I know it's been 5 years but I just came across your video you always do a great job I don't know if you're a teacher or not but you should give classes great job again

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Thank you for the kind words Alfred. I'm not a teacher. In fact, I'm an electrician. But I have been woodworking for over 40 years and I just enjoy teaching others the craft. Thanks for tuning in and taking the time to leave the kind words.

[@Ibaneddie76]

Man killer technique with the combo square, you learn something new every day. If you are lucky.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Glad to hear that this show was able to teach you something new Eddie. Thanks for tuning in and if you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask.

[@Nottoosure2448]

What types of wood have you used and what has become your favorite for guitar picks?

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

I really don't have a favourite. Any tight grained hardwood will suffice. There hasn't been a species yet that I didn't like. Maple, poplar, oak, walnut, mahogany, pine, flame box elder, cocobolo. They have all been just fantastic and I feel better about not wasting smaller pieces of stock. Thanks for tuning in.

[@jjjvclub]

Thanks Kenny another great video. I'm not a guitar player but I sure got allot of tips from your video. Cheers!

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

+Jerry Hickey I'm glad that you were able to take something away from this show. Thanks for tuning in.

[@hgohlke]

Nice and very educational video! As always it was good, you listened to your wife÷)

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

+Henning Gohlke LOL. She does have some good ideas sometimes. I guess I'll keep her. Thanks for tuning in.

[@jameshouk515]

the supplies you used were really nice compared to my plywood pick I made 😂 maybe I'll try something with the poplar or redwood scraps my friend has

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

It's definitely a great way to use up the scraps that would normally be wasted. Good luck with the picks. I hope they work out for you and that you like the new ones in the difference species of wood.

[@misty7220]

Ooh I love these! Great idea, thanks for an awesome video! Do you think burning something (like a monogram or simple logo) into them would affect their playability? 🤔

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Absolutely not Misty. It wouldn't affect it at all and if anything, it would enhance the looks of the picks. Thanks for tuning in. Great idea on the wood burning.

[@mixermantim]

I have made my own guitar pick design and I just love the tone. What was the machine that you cut all your pieces with? I think it was a scroll saw but I've never seen that model

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Hi Tim and thanks for contacting me. Yes, you are correct. It is indeed a scrollsaw. It is an Excalibur which for many years was considered the Cadillac of the scrolling world but unfortunately, the name has been sold to a Canadian company called King Canada and they now manufacture the saw under the name Excelsior. If you are able to get one of the original Excaliburs, you won't be disappointed. This unit has served me well for many years and I anticipate that it will continue to serve me well for many years to come. Just a great unit. Thanks for tuning in to the show.

[@11941leechie]

Good idea.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Glad that you liked it. Thanks for tuning in.

[@jjjchallenges9490]

This was really good! But I've not got a regular jigsaw so I tried and it turned out OK, but it was really helpful anyway!

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

I'm glad that you found it helpful JJJ. I would think that it would be a real challenge with a jig saw. Thanks for tuning in to the show.

[@SpiritualOnslaught]

are these for sale? i live in canada as well, ontario. If they are for sale how many for how much? and can you make them in 1.14mm?

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Sadly, I don't sell the work. I only show folks how to make them. They aren't that hard to make. You should give it a try.

[@jorgesantos6536]

Such a great tutorial video! Thank you very much. Now I wanna make mines. I just need to get all the cutting machines... :( lol

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Thanks for the kind words Jorge. You don't need any of the fancy cutting machines that I have. All you need is a small, hand held fret saw and you can make these guitar picks. They will needs a little more sanding when you cut them by hand, but it is totally possible to make them without the power tools.

[@propnose]

Definitely going to try this! I just finished my first cutting board and wanted to show it to you. I tried the FB page, but it didn't give me the option to post a picture.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Mark Lowe You can send the picture and a message via private message on the Facebook page. There is no option to post on the actual page. I'd love to see the cutting board.

[@pennavecreations3752]

Love the Idea thanks.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

+Sawdust Trails Glad to hear that you enjoyed the idea. Thanks for taking the time to drop me a message. It's appreciated.

[@walmars3curity]

Ive been making these for years wit just a hand saw and a belt sander and finished it with 400 grit sand paper. Just so yall know it does not take this much work. Its easier than you think, have fun.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

I'm glad that you posted this comment. I've had several people comment that they don't have a scroll saw and therefore, can't make these picks. I've told them that is nonsense and there are a million different ways to make them and a coping saw is a perfect example of that. Thanks for the input on the show and letting people know that there are more than one method in woodworking to accomplish the same task. Thanks for tuning in.

[@walmars3curity]

You are correct. Just to clear things up with other people, the point was that you CAN do this with tools you already have. When I started out all i had was sand paper, a 2x4, and a dremel. Over time I was able to use scraps of different woods making new designs and types of picks. Just keep learning

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

I couldn't agree with you more. Thanks once again for chiming in on the show and encouraging people to try new methods.

[@dawidczerniak5177]

Nice project well executed... now make yourself a wooden guitar tuner :p

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

If I could, I would. LOL. Or in my case, I guess if I could, I wood. LOL. Thanks for tuning in and for the chuckle.

[@sorian_delorean3348]

Cool

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Glad you liked it. Thanks for tuning in to the show.

[@DREDEDEDGE]

I just make sheets of mostly ebony bubinga and purpleheart then cut a square and throw it on the disc sander, also superglue is your friend

[@DREDEDEDGE]

and double stick tape for sanding

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

And yet another viewer with a different method all together. Thank for describing the method that you use to make your picks. That's fantastic and I think that some viewers will find your method to be very useful. Thanks for tuning in to the show and for taking the time to leave me a comment. I truly do appreciate it.

[@elamlowery8854]

Sir how many stacks would you sell for 5$

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Unfortunately Elam, this is a show on how to make your own and I don't sell these at all. $5 wouldn't cover the shipping from Canada, let alone the material. They are quite easy to make however and if you want to give it a try and have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

[@elamlowery8854]

I’m just getting into guitar playing

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Good luck with your playing Elam.

[@elamlowery8854]

Because I got in a wreck on Saturday and hurt my spleen and appendix

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Sorry to hear that you got in a wreck. I hope that you are feeling better soon. All the best.

[@ninjaslash52_98]

I was splitting my wood with a knife and blunt object I uh didn’t get a nice 1/16” I don’t know if it’s gonna snap it’s a strong wood so might hold up It turned out alright I’d say the edge of it is 1/16 and in the middle it’s 1/8 I was whittling and sanding it pain in the ass have tools to do this so you don’t spend 2 days trying to saw hard wood (use large teeth not fine teeth it can’t cut shit) like I did then realize you can split the wood with your knife I don’t have a table saw I have a miter saw that’s it it’s not ideal for cutting small objects like I was (I used an old stick was surprisingly strong) also stay away from the center of a limb I thought it’d be cool to make mine out of the middle of the tree limb but now there’s a bore going from bottom to top of my pick I don’t think it’ll effect it too much but I’d like for it to be as strong as possible with what I was given an outline is optional but you should probably have one either from another pic or print a picture I don’t know how to play guitar yet so Idk if it works well

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

I don't think you will have a problem with getting it to hold up. There's only one way to find out and that's to give it a try. I hope it work. Thanks for tuning in.

[@luvmorgue]

Use a popsicle stick 😂

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Not quite the same thing. LOL

[@random2059]

I made the se but with angle grinder 🤣 one by one

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Just goes to show that there is always a different method to make things. Thanks for tuning in to the show.

[@timlivingood122]

L armed a little more then what I thought thanks

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

+Tim Livingood You're very welcome.

[@elamlowery8854]

I was just wondering because I don’t have the materials

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

The materials are very easy to get and are available at any big box store. The picks can be cut with a simple coping saw which would cost about $10. It could be a great project for you while you are getting better from your wreck.

[@elamlowery8854]

kennyearrings1 thank you so much

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

You're welcome

[@alphasxsignal]

Just use a laser to cut a bunch of them

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

There's no skill or fun in that. Thanks for tuning in.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

And it's a lot more fun than just letting a computer and a laser cut them out for you.

[@rogertyler3237]

I Would Never Attempt That. I'd Use An Osscilating Multitool.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

That method would work as well Roger. There is always more than one way to accomplish a project. Thanks for tuning in to the show.

[@guitarpickfashion5026]

I make them out of vinyl records.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

That sounds pretty awesome. I'd love to see some of those. Thanks for tuning in to the show and chiming in with your experience. I appreciate it.

[@guitarpickfashion5026]

@@acutabove_woodworkings I have a little video slide-show with a few pictures of them in it. I liked your video. I think the wood guitar picks are really neat. I really like guitar picks, in general, for some odd reason lol.

[@guitarpickfashion5026]

@@acutabove_woodworkings I could send you a few vinyl ones to check out, if you'd like. Let me know.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Shipping to Canada is brutally expensive. I appreciate your offer though. Thanks

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

You could alway post the video link or some photos to my channel's Facebook page. You can also send a private message through there as well. Here's the link if you are interested. facebook.com/kennyearrings1/ I also post projects that don't get aired on the show on the Facebook page.

[@clasherguys1703]

Shikamaru's voice 😳

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

I have no idea who that is. LOL. Thanks for tuning in.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

@RoachDoggJr I've never watched anime in my life and don't intend to start. Thanks for clearing it up for me and for confirming that I don't sound like a lazy teenaged boy. LOL. Thanks for tuning in to the show.

[@elamlowery8854]

Can for a video you play the devil went down to Georgia

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha. No,

[@elamlowery8854]

kennyearrings1 I am ten and that’s my favorite song I jus wanted to see how it is played

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

I would suggest a google search for that Elam. I am a woodworker and not a guitar player. I couldn't play that song if I wanted to my friend. I'm really not a good guitar player.

[@elamlowery8854]

kennyearrings1 does he have a KZbin channel

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Just do a google search of "how to play devil went down to Georgia on guitar".

[@javasonproject066]

Hallo Mr. Kenny.. can I get 1 free to you for me?

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Um. Sorry, but I wont be giving these away. They're easy to make though. Good luck.

[@javasonproject066]

Ok thanks Mr. Kenny..

[@sarmadhassan6704]

I want plzzz can you send me

[@love-cx9eh]

il parle trop

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

I don't know what you mean that I talk too much. Most people think that I talk just the right amount. Others say that I don't talk enough. When I talk I usually talk for a reason. Sometimes it is just to make a point and other times, it is to annoy a troll. I don't think I talk to much. How about all my other viewers? Do they think I talk too much. My mom used to say that I talk to much but I don't think that I talk too much. I know when to stop talking and I don't think that I have had to stop talking on the show for a while. That's because I don't talk too much. I could talk more, but then people might think that I talk too much. But I'm not worried about whether or not I talk to much because usually, when people say I talk too much in their comments on the show, they are usually just a useless troll whose opinion doesn't matter anyway. Oops. Did I talk too much?