Thread: Pins?

Were they brass pins or just steel?

Will they be seen from the outside at all?

Dave TTC
Turning Wood Into Art

Dave.

They were steel pins. About the same diameter as a dressmakers pin but much shorter. They were concealed under the material. I may have to insert four pins (two at either end) from the outside but being so small in diameter I believe I can pretty well disguise their presence. The rest will be inserted from inside and the hole filled and polished.

Thanks for the interest.


Old Hutcho

Well that was going to be my suggestion. Use dress making pins and cut them short. If they split the timber cut the sharp point off.

I have a spring loaded push thing that was my dads. I've found it usefull for pushing in pins and small brads.

It is like a piston with an outer sleave if you can imagine what im talking about. About the size of a screwdriver

Dave TTC
Turning Wood Into Art

I imagine there was some long defunct tool used by these english craftsmen to do this stuff. I guess they made hundred. I couldnt see the pins until I started to pull out the innards. I am stunned by the workmanship that went into these boxes. All the corners of mine are still flush and tight. Its just amazing.

I will take on board your suggestion to cut down some pins. Why should I take the point off them? Does this minimise splitting in the wood. I am using tassie oak battens inside.

regards

Old Hutcho

Some timbers split easier than others and yes a sharp point can create splitting. I blunt end pushed in without splitting. Sometimes even a blunt end does not help.

When i have not had this tool handy I have just used some pointy nised pliers and pushed them in this way.

Dave TTC
Turning Wood Into Art

Originally Posted by Old Hutcho

I will take on board your suggestion to cut down some pins. Why should I take the point off them? Does this minimise splitting in the wood.

By having a blunt end to nails (pins), you change the nail's movement from what is a wedging action to a shearing or punching action. The point on a nail is great at pushing the grains of timber apart (read - split), especially near the end of a board that you have just lovingly sized, planed, finished, etc.

The majority(?) of woodworkers don't know this; onya Dave!





Jinks! Dave and I posted at the same time.

As an aside, recently on the Forum (I thought it was in the Pallet Challenge section?) I saw a BIG denailer being used to punch out nails in pallets. Much more oomph than a spring punch.

Found it, (post number 8): https://www.woodworkforums.com/f255/consistent-supply-4x2-hardwood-blackbutt-195628