Kilt Pin Round 2

**Maclachlan** · 27th November 10, 01:29 PM

If you recall I made a kilt pin the other day using wood (specifically black ebony) and today I decided to make another one using a purple and green acrylic to make my version of a thistle. I still have to flatten a spot for the pin itself but this is what I have today. It is about 2.5" long.

Be honest in your review, I'm a Scot and am, therefore, thick skinned.

**The Kilted Chaplain** · 27th November 10, 01:47 PM

I think it looks great, very unique and eye-catching. May I ask you a question? I've recently made some kilt pins, but am having trouble with the backing, mainly that I can't find any of the pin components that are longer than 1 1/2 inches, or ones that don't roll and allow the pin to flop over instead of laying nice and tight against the kilt. Any suggestions?

**Curly** · 27th November 10, 03:44 PM

"having trouble with the backing, mainly that I can't find any of the pin components that are longer than 1 1/2 inches, or ones that don't roll and allow the pin to flop over instead of laying nice and tight against the kilt. Any suggestions? " I second the question! ;)

**CaseyB** · 27th November 10, 03:47 PM

That looks fantastic! I too have a question! When are you going to start taking orders!

**Ozark Ridge Rider** · 27th November 10, 07:21 PM

One possible answer: forget the pin back and make some little spikes which will accept a clutch back like most military uniform stuff. I have even used the lowly thumbtack by grinding the round head to the size I wanted and scoring the shaft a bit so the clutch back has something to grab.

Roughen the head somewhat and they can be epoxied onto a lot of stuff. Not sure about plastic, though. Maybe some other kind of glue would work.

They have the advantage of setting your object back close to the fabric so it doesn't flop. I have a Masonic kilt pin which I may strip the pin back off of and replace for just that reason.

Dan

**Eleazar** · 27th November 10, 10:58 PM

I've been wondering if you could cut it length wise and end up with 2 pins.

It wouldn't stick out so much on the kilt and would be less likely to roll or get hung up on something. It would also give you a surface to mount the pin on.

It's beautiful, by the way. Very nice.

**Maclachlan** · 27th November 10, 11:48 PM

Originally Posted by Eleazar

I've been wondering if you could cut it length wise and end up with 2 pins.

It wouldn't stick out so much on the kilt and would be less likely to roll or get hung up on something. It would also give you a surface to mount the pin on.

It's beautiful, by the way. Very nice.

I actually like that idea! I think the next round instead of tapering it as much I can start with a larger version (diameter wise) and then split it using the band saw. From there I can drill and epoxy a pair of pins for the clutch backs (great idea, Dan!).

**Maclachlan** · 27th November 10, 11:56 PM

Originally Posted by TheKiltedChaplain

I think it looks great, very unique and eye-catching. May I ask you a question? I've recently made some kilt pins, but am having trouble with the backing, mainly that I can't find any of the pin components that are longer than 1 1/2 inches, or ones that don't roll and allow the pin to flop over instead of laying nice and tight against the kilt. Any suggestions?

1.5" is all I have been able to locate but I had another idea as I was sitting here looking at the Hunter Ed Instructor badge...it has a thin but very strong magnet glued to it and a small piece of steel that is used under the shirt that might be much better than even the pin/clutch method and will prevent having to poke holes in the kilt! Something along these lines...

**Maclachlan** · 28th November 10, 12:02 AM

Originally Posted by CaseyB

That looks fantastic! I too have a question! When are you going to start taking orders!

I'm not sure what I would even think about charging for one of these. The material cost truly is negligible, it is the labor involved in all of this! This one pin (which will now become two thereby reducing work time by half) took the better part of an hour spinning on the lathe turning and then polishing.

Hand made and every one would be unique. Assuming I made one as Mark said, split in half and then offered it up with the magnetic back, what it would be worth to a buyer is the question.

**Eleazar** · 28th November 10, 12:15 AM

I believe I would be interested in one.

There is an old turners trick where you use double sided tape to hold the turning together. Then when you are done, a quick smack on the line where the tape is and you have two mirror pieces.