Creating a functional coin roll crimper at home requires precision and access to specific tools, particularly for machining the core component: the crimping die. This guide outlines the process, drawing on methods used for similar crimping applications, to help you understand how to make a coin roll crimper.
Understanding the Coin Roll Crimper
A coin roll crimper is a tool designed to securely close the end of a paper coin wrapper after it has been filled with coins. This crimping action prevents coins from spilling out and keeps the roll intact for storage or banking. Commercial crimpers are available, but building your own allows for customization and can be a rewarding project for those with machining skills. The central element of how to make a coin roll crimper is the creation of a specialized crimping die.
Materials and Tools Required
The most critical part of this DIY project is the crimping die, which necessitates specific materials and machinery.
Core Materials for the Crimping Die
- Metal Stock: A piece of round metal bar stock is needed. D2 drill rod is often recommended due to its hardness and machinability, which allows it to hold a precise edge and withstand repeated use. The diameter of this stock will depend on the final size of your crimping die and the bore size needed for various coin rolls.
- Cutting Fluid/Lubricant: Essential for machining operations to reduce friction, dissipate heat, and improve surface finish.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Lathe: A metalworking lathe is indispensable for this project. It provides the precision required for boring, turning, and creating the specific concave groove.
- Drill Press (Optional, for Use): While not strictly for making the die, a drill press can serve as the power source for rotating the finished crimping die during use.
- Drill Bits: Various sizes will be needed, including a pilot drill and larger drills for roughing out the main bore.
- Custom Boring Bar: This is a crucial, specialized tool. It will need to be ground to a specific profile to create the concave crimping groove.
- Grinder (for Boring Bar): A bench grinder or tool post grinder is necessary to shape the custom boring bar precisely.
- Measuring Tools: Calipers, micrometers, and possibly a bore gauge are vital for accurate measurements throughout the machining process.
- Safety Glasses: Eye protection is paramount when operating machinery.
- Gloves: Protect hands from sharp edges and coolants.
Steps to Make the Crimping Die
The process of how to make a coin roll crimper hinges on the accurate machining of the crimping die.
1. Preparing the Custom Boring Bar
The success of your crimper depends heavily on the shape of the boring bar. This tool will create the distinctive concave channel that forms the crimp.
- Select Stock: Choose a piece of high-speed steel (HSS) or carbide tool blank that can be ground.
- Grind the Profile: Using a grinder, carefully shape the tip of the boring bar. The profile should be a concave curve that matches the desired crimp. This curve needs to be smooth and consistent. Think of it as a small, rounded cutting edge that will scoop out material in a circular path. The radius of this curve will determine the tightness and appearance of your crimp. Practice on scrap material if unsure.
- Relief Angles: Ensure proper relief angles are ground behind the cutting edge to prevent rubbing and facilitate smooth cutting.
2. Boring the Metal Stock
This step establishes the primary cavity where the coin roll end will sit.
- Secure the Stock: Chuck the round metal bar stock securely in the lathe. Ensure it runs true with minimal runout.
- Face the End: Use a facing tool to create a flat, perpendicular surface on the end of the stock.
- Center Drill: Create a small, precise pilot hole using a center drill. This guides subsequent drilling operations.
- Drill Pilot Hole: Use a drill bit to create a pilot hole that is slightly smaller than the final bore diameter. This removes bulk material efficiently.
- Rough Bore: Use a boring bar to enlarge the pilot hole to just under the final desired diameter for your coin rolls. This roughing pass removes most of the material.
- Finish Bore: Use a sharp boring bar to create the final bore diameter. This bore should be precise, allowing the end of a coin wrapper to fit snugly but without excessive play. Measure frequently with calipers or a bore gauge. The depth of this bore should accommodate the portion of the wrapper that needs to be crimped.
3. Creating the Concave Groove
This is the most critical step for the crimping action.
- Insert Custom Boring Bar: Replace the general-purpose boring bar with your custom-ground concave boring bar.
- Set Depth: Carefully advance the custom boring bar into the bore. The goal is to bore the hole slightly deeper than the initial bore, creating an annular (ring-shaped) concave groove. The depth of this groove will determine how much material is crimped.
- Feed Slowly: Apply a slow, consistent feed rate. The custom boring bar will scoop out material, forming the crimping groove.
- Measure and Adjust: After a pass, retract the boring bar and inspect the groove. Measure its depth and profile. Adjust the depth of cut and make additional passes as needed until the desired concave shape and depth are achieved. The groove should be deep enough to effectively gather and crimp the paper wrapper.
4. Shaping the Shank
The crimping die needs a way to be held and rotated.
- Reverse or Re-chuck: If necessary, re-chuck the die (carefully, to avoid damaging the machined end) or reverse it in the chuck.
- Turn Down Diameter: Using a turning tool, reduce the diameter of the other end of the metal stock to create a shank. The size of this shank should fit the chuck of the tool you intend to use to operate the crimper (e.g., a drill press chuck, a hand drill chuck).
- Chamfer/Deburr: Add a slight chamfer to the end of the shank and remove any sharp burrs.
5. Testing the Crimper
Before using it with actual coins, test the functionality of your newly made crimping die.
- Secure the Die: Chuck the completed crimping die into your drill press (or other chosen power source).
- Prepare a Test Wrapper: Take an empty coin wrapper.
- Simulate Use: Insert the open end of the empty wrapper into the crimper’s groove.
- Apply Pressure and Rotate: With the drill press running at a moderate speed, gently apply upward pressure to the wrapper against the rotating die. Observe how the paper crimps.
- Inspect Crimp: Examine the crimped end. It should form a neat, gathered crimp. Adjust drill press speed or pressure as needed. This test helps verify the die’s geometry and your technique.
Using the Coin Roll Crimper
Once you have a functional crimping die, you can use it to create tightly crimped coin rolls.
1. Fill the Wrapper
- Count Coins: Ensure you have the correct number of coins for the wrapper (e.g., 50 pennies, 40 nickels, 50 dimes, 40 quarters).
- Load Wrapper: Carefully insert the coins into the wrapper, making sure they are seated firmly at the bottom of the wrapper. Avoid gaps between coins.
2. Insert the Wrapper
- Position Correctly: Hold the filled wrapper with the open end facing upwards.
- Align with Crimper: Insert the open end of the filled wrapper into the crimper’s groove or recess.
- Maintain Coin Seating: It is important to keep the coins seated at the bottom of the wrapper. Do not turn the roll upside down, as this will dislodge the coins.
3. Crimp the Roll
- Power Source: If using a drill press or hand drill, ensure the crimping die is securely chucked and the machine is ready.
- Apply Pressure: Gently apply upward pressure, pushing the open end of the wrapper into the rotating crimper.
- Rotate: Rotate the wrapper clockwise while applying this pressure. The rotating die will gather and fold the paper, forming the crimp.
- Controlled Motion: Use a smooth, controlled motion. Do not force the wrapper. Excessive pressure can tear the paper or cause an uneven crimp.
4. Check the Crimp
- Inspect: After crimping, remove the roll and inspect the crimped end.
- Verify Contact: The crimp should be tight and neat, and it should touch the top coin in the roll. This ensures the coins are held securely.
- Re-crimp (If Needed): If the crimp is loose or does not touch the coins, re-insert the wrapper into the crimper and repeat the crimping process, applying a bit more pressure or rotating for slightly longer.
Important Considerations for Use
- Gentle Pressure: As noted by some commercial sellers, avoid forcing the wrapper during the crimping process. This can lead to torn wrappers or a poor crimp. The crimp should form from the gentle gathering action of the die.
- Wrapper Quality: The quality of the coin wrappers can impact the crimping process. Thicker or more rigid wrappers may require slightly more pressure or a different crimp profile.
- Consistency: With practice, you will develop a consistent technique for applying pressure and rotation, leading to uniform and secure coin rolls.
By following these steps, you can successfully understand how to make a coin roll crimper and produce consistent, neatly crimped coin rolls for your needs.
How to crimp the end of a coin roll?
Great question! That you want to crimp. And I just take this in there put that in the socket in the area here in the groove. There. And I’ll just turn the wrapper like this.
How to make crimps without a crimper?
Good point! And then I’m going to braid it so to braid all you need to do is take the left section and place it over the middle.
What can I use if I don’t have a crimper tool?
See. Use the needle nose pliers to squeeze the tabs of the crimp connector to secure it firmly on the wire as you can.
How to crimp metal without a crimper?
Thanks for asking. Well. So let’s work our way all the way around. Here. And you leave a spot right next to the seam. Alone. And there you can see we have a crimp. Going all the way around the outside of the pipe.