Vacuum chuck is a natural. If the picks are consistent size, that establishes nest or pocket to retain them. Ideally, that combination is easy and quick to load/ unload.
Having sufficient pump is critical, don't know your location but they pop up used all over the usual sites. I'm not aware just who the initial users are, but the pumps abound. A shop vac is capable generating enough suction for tests, but needs venting upstream to provide maximum without unduly loading motor; a real vac-pump has this built in.

Hand held or mounted in a machine, the basics are same. Not just a board full of holes, the low pressure is generated by closed chamber below. A mask or pattern blocks off unused holes. Drilling them is satisfactory, about .020 in diameter, Sand both sides to remove all burrs, otherwise projections break the seal on top, below hamper flow. Fasten this 'lid' by screwing to chamber with enough wall thickness [all 6 sides] to resist collapse. Depending how this will be handled in use, determines best location for the hose connection.
With a modicum of hand woodworking tools, this is maybe a 2 hour project.