Seahorse Coin Cutting Pendant

I decided I was going to try coin cutting, so I chose a coin with a design that would cut out well, something with a figure that has distinct boundaries, not some design that is integrated into the background filling the entire coin.  I chose a 10 cent piece from Singapore made in the 60s for this reason, and I thought it would look better than just cutting out a random portrait.

Step 1: Materials

The first thing you will obviously need is a coin to cut, remember that a more detailed figure will be harder to cut.  If you use a fairly common non precious coin, you can find one that will have a very nice end result for maybe $2-4 with shipping.

For tools, you will see I am using a simple v block to cut the coin on made of a piece of oak.  It will really help having this to support the coin as you cut it.  You will see other people using a device that sort of pinches the coin while you work on it.  That will save you a lot of strain, but if you hardly ever cut coins it might not be worth the investment.

The three main tools you will need for cutting it out will be a drill with some pretty small bits, a jeweler's saw, and a bunch of files.  I used a dremel with a 61 gauge drill bit I think.  While using the jeweler's saw, you will go through blades extremely fast.  I think I snapped about 5 blades, so have extra blades, 4/0 size is probably the best.  Files may be useful to help smooth things out when you are done, but I didn't have too much need for them.

I also used a bit of silver plated wire to create something to allow this to be put on a chain.  I think the drill hole was about 1mm, finding a chain that thin would be a pain, so creating something to allow this coin to hang from will make this a better pendant.  I used a toothpick to bend the wire around, and a pair of wire clippers to cut the ends off.

Comments

[Penolopy Bulnick]

That is awesome! So precise!

[Islam Safir]

Nice ible , allow me to suggest a solution for the metal filings problem you had , mainly i use an aquarium air bump, but also you can use a fine artist brush , because if you can't see the details you can't cut it , also this coin is hard alloy and it needs lubrication -a lot of it- for me i use a WD-40 oiling pen you can see a picture of it in my ible here http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-cut-coins-to-make-jewelry/
and with practice you won't break hardly any blades , most of the times i replace blades because they have gone dull not broke

[generic_username]

I used a tealight candle and just rubbed that on the blade. It helped a bit. It seems they mainly snap when I try to turn the blade to much to the side while cutting.

[mygibzone]

This is really cool! Does the design already have to be on the coin or can you do your own design?

[generic_username]

You can make the design on your own, completely make your own design, or add things to the design of the coin. There are several designs of presidents smoking things I have seen where they just added a bit to the portrait, Lincoln smoking a pipe and Washington smoking a blunt.

[scoochmaroo]

Wow, that is really gorgeous!