Pin questions

[wissler]

I'm looking for some 3/16" silver pins, and while at the hardware store, I came across "music wire"
The other choices were aluminum, brass(which I have), and stainless.
What is music wire?  
Is it suitable for pins?
Will it polish up? I'm guessing it's harder than brass and softer than stainless??
Can I use aluminum?
Thanks,
Mark

[OconeeDan]

Music wire is carbon steel wire.  It'll work fine, but with a couple of notes.  
It is not stainless, not usually a problem but something to know.
It is pretty hard stuff, and if you use a grinder to grind it flush with the handle, it'll get real hot.  Hot enough to melt any epoxy you used.  Best thing to use, is clip it close as you can or use a hacksaw or bandsaw, and work it down with files and sandpaper.  If you are relying on a grinder, it'll get hotter than a firecracker.
I made mosaic pins with music wire inside.  Cool looking.  Throws showers of sparks when ground with fast grinder.  Then too hot, melts epoxy, mosaic pins come apart.  Not good.
So, I work them down by hand.  
No big deal, I work the handles down by hand (files and sandpaper) now.  Except for really roughing it out.
Dan

[wissler]

Thanks Dan

[David Ricke]

Mark, You can find all kinds of pinning material at  www.sheffieldsupply.com.   The next time drill a 11/64th hole and insert 5 1/16" rods in the hole. This will give you a nice rosett apperance. Use thin super glue to secure. Good luck  Knife maker

[Maxximusgrind]

I expect the music wire is actually harder than the stainless

[Maxximusgrind]

sheffield,Jantz supply,texas knifemakers supply,or just about any knifemakers or muzzleloader supply should have a variety of siver pin options that will be easier to work than music wire.

[R H Clark]

I've not used them yet but the Corby rivets look to be an easy way to make a clean looking pin.