Using coins in blanks

[Roly]

Has anyone found a relatively simple way to bend a coin so that it may cast around a tube for a pen. I just cannot seem to find any information on this and any help will be greatly appreciated.

Roly

 

[carlmorrell]

Seamus Rooney sets the standard:

 

[Dalecamino]

Look up Seamus7227 in the members search. He has a website link which might get you to his contact info.

 

[dogcatcher]

You have to reduce the thickness of the coin. Next bend it around a steel rod the same diameter of the tube or whatever that you will be gluing it to. To thin the coin you can use a milling machine, using a handmade coin vise. Another option is to sand off one side until it the coin is thin enough to bend, you can do this using a sheet of sand paper on a perfectly flat surface. Several other ways to do that sanding, but they require absolutely accurate jigs so that the coin is always flat to the abrasive.

 

[jttheclockman]

Yes Seamus is the man when using coins in pens. He scrollsaws the design he wants and thins them but he will not tell you how. This is a trade secret of his so do not pressure him. He makes money from the blanks he makes. Now thinning a coin is what you need to do to make it easier to bend something like a watch dial. I have shown my method many times here. and is relatively easy. I use a flat plate with a block of wood attached to it or you could just use a block of wood chucked up with your favorite chuck. Like a 4 jaw chuck. Then with a forstner bit ( proper sized to coin being used) in a drill chuck in the tailstock. Drill a partial hole in block. You can make it just deep enough to give you the thickness needed to bend or go deeper. Then with a spindle gouge or carbide round cutter trim down. Metal will cut easily. It is varied metals in there. Just protect your lathe electronics from metal filings. Included a photo of my jig. By the way I use double sided tape to hold coin in jig.

 

[Bob in SF]

Nice!
Thanks.

 

[PenPal]

I wish to sustain the remarks re people who make money from what they develop to an art form,Seamus is indeed the man,generous of soul and a personal friend of mine. He has from time to time given hints if you take notice do assist. Kind regards and respect to all Peter.

 

[Roly]

I thank you all for your comment and will try some of the suggestion in the next few days. Then, if I can work out how I will post a picture.