Chip Milling (1 Viewer)

[DMack]

Gentlemen,

I humbly admit I don't have the funds to do what I would like, so I have a considered a project that would require some chip milling and relabeling. I would love to just be able to send them to Gear and have the work done, but I don't think I have the funds for that. Have any of you veterans done this yourself? If so, any tips you might offer? Any tips/advice would be much appreciated.

 

[Meddler2]

It has been done by others. Try search function.

 

[Steve5k]

I've had success by making my own jig for a drill press, and using a bottom cleaning dado router bit. If you don't have a drill press, maybe you could find a used one cheap on craigslist or some similar listing. I was able to get a setup together for under $100. There should be some good threads in here with pics of how others have set up their equipment. Good luck!

 

[Meddler2]

I've had success by making my own jig for a drill press, and using a bottom cleaning dado router bit. If you don't have a drill press, maybe you could find a used one cheap on craigslist or some similar listing. I was able to get a setup together for under $100. There should be some good threads in here with pics of how others have set up their equipment. Good luck!

What size bit and what depth?

 

[Jambine]

Gentlemen,

I humbly admit I don't have the funds to do what I would like, so I have a considered a project that would require some chip milling and relabeling. I would love to just be able to send them to Gear and have the work done, but I don't think I have the funds for that. Have any of you veterans done this yourself? If so, any tips you might offer? Any tips/advice would be much appreciated.

I've been working on some here:
https://www.pokerchipforum.com/threads/diy-milling-with-router.20918/
however, I recently moved so everything is on hold for now

 

[Steve5k]

I used a bit similar to this one:
https://www.amazon.com/Yonico-14973...56&sr=8-8&keywords=bottom+cleaning+router+bit
As for the depth, I did it manually. After a few are done it's easy to get a feel for how deep to go with the drill press. If you're ordering the labels from Gear great choice! Get samples first - he has some different options available. When you have decided on the lamination/finish you want, use the sample label as a guide for the depth required.

 

[duffman]

I used a bit similar to this one:
https://www.amazon.com/Yonico-14973...56&sr=8-8&keywords=bottom+cleaning+router+bit
As for the depth, I did it manually. After a few are done it's easy to get a feel for how deep to go with the drill press. If you're ordering the labels from Gear great choice! Get samples first - he has some different options available. When you have decided on the lamination/finish you want, use the sample label as a guide for the depth required.

Steve,

Do you use that exact bit you linked? I tried the Yonico branded bits, but returned them due to the cutting edge not being square enough for my liking. It left the milled recess domed or too convex. I tried another type listed on Amazon branded "magnate" and was very pleased with the results. The cutting edge was much more square, leaving the milled recess much more level. They are a bit more expensive, but worth it IMO. I own both the 7/8" & 1" bits.

 

[ejot]

+1 on the Magnate bits, they are fantastic for this use. Leaves a very flat recess with only a tiny bump right in the middle that is easily scratched off with your fingernail. I've milled about 350 chips (so 700 cuts) with no visible decrease in performance, so it seems to be staying quite sharp.

Ugh that makes me realize how much work I have queued up. At least 1300 more chips.

There is another thread around where someone asked for examples of milling jigs people had devised, and there were some really clever designs posted.
[edit: Here is the thread I was thinking of.]

For depth control, I would definitely recommend using or devising some sort of "hard stop" for consistency.

 

[Steve5k]

I don't remember which brand I bought, but you got the idea. If there's better ones out there go for it!