Making Your Own Custom Coin

Switch & Lever
30 Jul 201509:30
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRIn this episode of Switch & Lever, the host demonstrates how to create a personalized coin using a CNC mill. The process involves designing a 3D model of a head, either by using a 3D scanning software like Autodesk's 123D Catch or by converting a photo into a depth map. The model is then modified to fit the coin design. The host uses a Roland MDX-40A mill to mill a brass stock, emphasizing the importance of secure work holding and slow milling for metal. After milling, the coin is given an aged look with a blowtorch and spray paint, followed by polishing. The video concludes with the creation of a custom oak box for the coin, complete with a magnetic closure, showcasing the final product in a polished and professional manner.

Takeaways
  • 🪙 The video outlines the process of creating a custom coin using a CNC mill from a brass stock.
  • 🎥 Two methods for creating a 3D head model on a coin are discussed: using 123D Catch software for a 3D scan or converting a photo into a depth map for manual editing.
  • 🤳 The 123D Catch method requires taking 50-100 photos for a full head model or fewer for a profile.
  • 🖼️ For the photo-based method, hand painting is needed to create a depth map, which is then used to displace geometry in 3D software.
  • 🔧 The Roland MDX-40A mill is used, which is not designed for milling metal, hence special attention is given to work holding and milling parameters.
  • 🔩 A new aluminum bed with holes was made for the mill to securely hold the workpiece during metal milling.
  • 📏 The coin design includes marking the centerpoint for precise alignment when milling both the front and back sides.
  • 🛠️ Milling is done slowly to avoid vibration, using an engraving cutter for detail and durability.
  • 🌐 The brass coin is patinated using a blowtorch and matte black spray paint, followed by polishing with a compound like Autosol.
  • 💡 Linseed oil is applied to darken and harden the patina over time.
  • 🗃️ A custom oak box with a book-matched design and magnetic closure is created for the coin, showcasing the CNC mill's capabilities beyond coin making.
Q & A

  • What is the main topic of the video?

    -The main topic of the video is the process of creating a coin using a CNC mill, specifically from a piece of brass stock.

  • How long have coins been around?

    -Coins have been around for virtually forever, with various shapes and materials used throughout history.

  • What are the two methods for creating a realistic 3D head on a coin without modeling from scratch?

    -The two methods are: 1) Using a 3D model of your head obtained through software like Autodesk's 123D Catch, and 2) Converting a photo into a depth map and then using photo editing and 3D software to create the coin's design.

  • What type of software is suggested for creating a 3D model from a series of photos?

    -Autodesk's 123D Catch is suggested for creating a 3D model from a series of photos.

  • What type of CNC mill is used in the video?

    -A Roland MDX-40A mill is used in the video, which is typically not designed for milling metal and requires special attention.

  • How was the workpiece secured for milling the coin?

    -The workpiece was secured by drilling four holes in it to match the holes in a newly made aluminum plate bed, ensuring a stable hold during milling.

  • What was the milling process like for the coin?

    -The milling process involved slow milling, taking fractions of a millimeter at a time, with a roughing pass followed by a finishing pass to remove material and create detail.

  • How was the patina created on the coin?

    -The patina was created by heating the brass with a blowtorch to remove shine and oxidize the surface, followed by applying matte black spray paint and polishing with a metal compound like Autosol.

  • What was the final step to enhance the coin's appearance?

    -The final step was to treat the coin with linseed oil to darken the paint and harden it over time, giving the coin a more aged and realistic look.

  • What additional project was undertaken to complement the coin?

    -A custom box was made using a CNC mill from a piece of oak, with recesses for three coins and features like hinges and magnets to keep the box closed.

  • What tip is given for filming detailed work in a dusty or grimy environment?

    -To protect the camera lens from dust and grime while filming detailed work, it is suggested to cover the camera with saran wrap, ensuring it is stretched tightly to avoid distortions.

Outlines
00:00
🛠️ Introduction to Coin Making with CNC Mill

This paragraph introduces the video's theme of creating a coin using a CNC mill. It discusses the history and variety of coins, and encourages viewers to make their own. The video focuses on making a 3D coin with a realistic head design, either by using an existing 3D model or by converting a photo into a depth map. The paragraph also mentions the use of a Roland MDX-40A mill for this project and the importance of proper work holding when milling metal.

05:10
🎨 Patination and Finishing Techniques for the Coin

This paragraph details the process of patinating and finishing the coin to give it an aged and realistic appearance. It covers the use of a blowtorch to heat the brass, creating an oxidized and dull surface, followed by applying matte black spray paint and wiping it off to leave paint in the recesses. The paragraph also explains the use of a metal polishing compound to polish the high spots and create a layered patina. Additionally, it suggests using linseed oil to darken the paint and harden it over time. The video concludes with the creation of a custom box for the coin, highlighting the ease of doing so with access to a CNC mill.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡CNC mill
A CNC (Computer Numerical Control) mill is a type of machine tool that is used for shaping materials, in this case, brass, into desired shapes through a controlled motion of tools that are guided by computer programs. In the video, the CNC mill is used to create a coin with a 3D design, demonstrating its precision and versatility in manufacturing custom items.
💡3D modeling
3D modeling refers to the process of creating a three-dimensional representation of any object or character using specialized software. In the context of the video, 3D modeling is crucial for designing the coin's intricate details, such as a realistic head profile, which is then used to guide the CNC mill in creating the physical coin.
💡Depth map
A depth map is a type of image used in 3D modeling where the intensity of each pixel corresponds to the distance of the object from the viewer or camera. In the video, a depth map is created from a photo to represent the 3D structure of a person's head, which is then used to displace geometry in 3D modeling software to create a realistic coin design.
💡Patination
Patination refers to the process of forming a protective or decorative layer on the surface of a material, often metal, to give it an aged or unique appearance. In the video, patination is achieved by heating the brass coin with a blowtorch to oxidize the surface and then using spray paint and polishing compound to create a layered, realistic look.
💡Linseed oil
Linseed oil is a drying oil derived from the seeds of the flax plant, commonly used in paints, varnishes, and as a wood finish. In the video, linseed oil is applied to the coin to darken the paint and enhance the patina, as it absorbs into the paint, creating a darker color that hardens over time.
💡Custom box
A custom box is a specially designed and crafted container made to fit a specific item or set of items. In the video, the custom box is created using a CNC mill from a piece of oak to house the coin, showcasing the capabilities of CNC milling in creating intricate and personalized storage solutions.
💡Blowtorch
A blowtorch is a tool that produces a flame, typically used for welding, cutting, or heating metals. In the video, a blowtorch is used to heat the brass coin, which removes the shine, oxidizes the surface, and contributes to the patination process by creating an aged and dull appearance.
💡Metal polishing compound
A metal polishing compound is a substance used to clean, polish, and protect metal surfaces, restoring their shine and luster. In the video, Autosol, a type of metal polishing compound, is used to polish the high spots of the coin after patination, creating a contrast between the dark, oxidized areas and the polished, shiny parts.
💡123D Catch
123D Catch is a free software developed by Autodesk that allows users to create 3D models from a series of photos. By taking pictures of an object from various angles, the software stitches them together to form a 3D representation. In the video, 123D Catch is suggested as a method to obtain a 3D model of one's head for the coin design.
💡Engraving cutter
An engraving cutter is a specialized tool used in CNC milling to cut and shape materials with precision, often used for creating detailed designs or text. In the video, an engraving cutter with a 90-degree included angle is used to mill the coin because it provides both the sturdiness required for cutting brass and the capability to create fine details.
💡Milling machine
A milling machine is a machine tool used for cutting and shaping materials with a rotating cutting tool that moves in a controlled manner. In the video, the milling machine is used to carve the design of the coin into a piece of brass stock, demonstrating the machine's precision and versatility in creating custom shapes and designs.
Highlights

Creating a coin using a CNC mill is explored in this video.

Coins have been made in various shapes and materials throughout history, including metal, wood, plastic, and even chocolate.

The video introduces two methods for creating a realistic 3D head on a coin without modeling from scratch.

Autodesk's 123D Catch software can transform a series of photos into a 3D model of your head.

For a detailed 3D model of your head, you need to take between 50 and 100 photos from every angle.

The 3D model is then bisected and compressed to fit the coin's profile.

A photo of the person can be converted into a depth map for coin design if a 3D model is not available.

Depth maps require hand painting in photo editing software to achieve the desired look.

The video uses a Roland MDX-40A mill, which is not designed for milling metal and requires special attention.

A new aluminum bed with holes was made for secure workpiece holding during metal milling.

The coin is milled slowly in fractions of a millimeter to prevent vibration and ensure precision.

An engraving cutter with a 90-degree angle is used for both sturdiness and fine detail creation.

The coin milling process takes 2-3 hours per side, starting with a roughing pass followed by a finishing pass.

The coin's patina is enhanced using a blowtorch, matte black spray paint, and a metal polishing compound.

Linseed oil is applied to darken and harden the patina over time.

A custom oak box with recesses for three coins and neodymium magnets for closure is also created.

The video provides tips for camera protection in dusty environments using saran wrap.

The final product is a detailed coin with an aged patina and a matching oak box, showcasing the capabilities of CNC milling.

Transcripts

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CoinMakingCNCMill3DModelingPatinaTechniquesDIYProjectCreativeProcessMetalworkingEngravingCustomizationDisplayBox