How To: Mill chips (1 Viewer)

[liftapint]

So, if I wanted to label some TRKs, I'm going to need to figure out what it means to "mill" chips.
Anyone care to describe this for me? Or point me to a resource about what this means?

What equipment is required? Is it tough? Is the end result pretty good?

Thanks!

 

[slisk250]

Two required pieces of equipment needed and some other little stuff to make a jig.

You need a drill press and the correct sized router bit to do the job. I think I made a post a long time ago with pics of my setup

 

[Psypher1000]

What equipment is required? Is it tough? Is the end result pretty good?

The type of router bit many people use is a bottom-cleaning bit, & the size I use for standard Paulson THC chips is 7/8". For these bits you usually either need to go to woodworker's shop or mail order them - I just Amazon'd them.

The drill press you can get at any hardware store. I'd recommend against the entry level Ryobi model at Home Depot, though. A lot of people love the 6amp motor for the pricepoint, but you don't need 6 amps to scrape clay/plastic - the more standard 3 amp motor will do just fine for you. You do *not* need a standing drill press - a table/bench model should work just fine.

There's some pictures in this link that show the press/bit. It also has a good picture of the jig he's created to help center the chips. Additionally, you'll need another piece of wood - scrap or otherwise - to hold the chip in place while the press is in action (which can also be seen in the pictures).

http://www.chiptalk.net/forum/threa...otstamps-starbursts.76688/page-5#post-1238909

To judge the results, here's the results of some milled chips pre-labeling...

http://www.chiptalk.net/forum/attachments/dscn0788-jpg.37863/

And here's some after labeling...

http://www.chiptalk.net/forum/threa...otstamps-starbursts.76688/page-4#post-1177987

 

[Mesnik44]

I think you may be interested in talking to @Gear about this. He has done a bit of work on this.

 

[ovo]

Another thing that makes me cringe is milling out good chips. You can't undo a milled chip. The original is lost forever

 

[liftapint]

Another thing that makes me cringe is milling out good chips. You can't undo a milled chip. The original is lost forever

Don't worry, no casino chips will be harmed in this experiment.

 

[liftapint]

The type of router bit many people use is a bottom-cleaning bit, & the size I use for standard Paulson THC chips is 7/8". For these bits you usually either need to go to woodworker's shop or mail order them - I just Amazon'd them.

The drill press you can get at any hardware store. I'd recommend against the entry level Ryobi model at Home Depot, though. A lot of people love the 6amp motor for the pricepoint, but you don't need 6 amps to scrape clay/plastic - the more standard 3 amp motor will do just fine for you. You do *not* need a standing drill press - a table/bench model should work just fine.

There's some pictures in this link that show the press/bit. It also has a good picture of the jig he's created to help center the chips. Additionally, you'll need another piece of wood - scrap or otherwise - to hold the chip in place while the press is in action (which can also be seen in the pictures).

http://www.chiptalk.net/forum/threa...otstamps-starbursts.76688/page-5#post-1238909

To judge the results, here's the results of some milled chips pre-labeling...

http://www.chiptalk.net/forum/attachments/dscn0788-jpg.37863/

And here's some after labeling...

http://www.chiptalk.net/forum/threa...otstamps-starbursts.76688/page-4#post-1177987

Thanks! Great info. I'm inheriting a bench drill press next weekend, and the only reason I'm taking it is for the potential to mill chips in the future -- not likely to use it for any other reason.

 

[David O]

I have some nice Pink Roulette on LCV Mold. There is no casino name on them and I am still having a hard time bringing myself to milling them. I almost feel bad to change the original chip. Someone help me. I want to but I guess I need that final push off the ledge.

 

[AfterTheFact]

 

[David O]

Thanks!!! I am pretty close to it. I have a drillpress set up in my room and even tested a few old Roulette Mold chips. It was pretty easy. Then.......

I look at the beautiful very good condition Pink LCV Roulette chips and I get second thoughts. It took me a while to find the chips and had every intention of milling and applying a label. One foot on off the cliff thanks to @AfterTheFact

 

[Blaster]

..

I look at the beautiful very good condition Pink LCV Roulette chips and I get second thoughts. It took me a while to find the chips and had every intention of milling and applying a label. One foot on off the cliff thanks to @AfterTheFact

There's just "something" about grinding off a factory applied hotstamp or inlay, to apply a "sticker" in the newly created hole ... I can see your hesitation ...

 

[Psypher1000]

I have some nice Pink Roulette on LCV Mold. There is no casino name on them and I am still having a hard time bringing myself to milling them. I almost feel bad to change the original chip. Someone help me. I want to but I guess I need that final push off the ledge.

Depending on how many/what condition, I might help you by taking them off your hands.

 

[David O]

I have a full rack with sharp edges. I would need something as a replacement though. Either yellow or pink and worn hot stamps would make them much easier to mill.

 

[David O]

It took a while to find these so it might be hard for me to part with them. If I get more worn replacements it would be much easier!

 

[Seeking Alpha Social Club]

I've been contemplating milling some monogrammed chips. Probably going to pay to have em done if I do.

Here's what Gear quotes for a price:

Hotstamp removal (milling) ... $0.20 per chip

 

[David O]

I have the set up and the test went well. Not too hard but Gear is experienced. I probably would not have a problem with monograms but I never know until they are in my hands. [emoji3]

 

[Seeking Alpha Social Club]

The initials on my TRKs are D.O. and I just don't know what I'd do with these initials...just kidding.

 

[Psypher1000]

I've been contemplating milling some monogrammed chips. Probably going to pay to have em done if I do.

Here's what Gear quotes for a price:

Hotstamp removal (milling) ... $0.20 per chip

When considering paying for milling, it's important to also keep in mind the cost of the labels. Typically if you're milling then you'll get enough depth for laminated labels, which means about $.30 extra per chip.

Milling + laminated labels = $50/rack, or $500 for a set of 1000 chips - and that's assuming there were no artwork fees. I'm an advocate for milling & custom labels, but just want people to be aware that the costs can add up quickly for a fully milled/labeld set when not doing any of it yourself.

 

[Seeking Alpha Social Club]

When considering paying for milling, it's important to also keep in mind the cost of the labels. Typically if you're milling then you'll get enough depth for laminated labels, which means about $.30 extra per chip.

Milling + laminated labels = $50/rack, or $500 for a set of 1000 chips - and that's assuming there were no artwork fees. I'm an advocate for milling & custom labels, but just want people to be aware that the costs can add up quickly for a fully milled/labeld set when not doing any of it yourself.

VERY good point!!!

 

[RagsPoker]

My avatar is a pic of milled roulettes that I relabeled. I used a drill press with a 1" bottom cleaning router bit. They were used roulettes from Jim's Chiproom sale this summer.
The worst of it was getting everything setup, ie getting the chip centered on the jig I made and getting the proper cut depth. Some of my chips had some difference in thickness, thus adjustments in the depth of the mill was needed. Also, allow a few extra chips for setting up and practicing and also a few could get damaged if it isn't held in place firmly.
It took me quite a while to mill but I did a set of 800 chips. Time consuming process when you add on the labeling, but it was well worth it to me.
Cost-wise, the chips were 20 cents each and the labels (textured laminated from Gear) were 15 cents each, so 50 cents/chip plus cost of drill bit (about $20) and my labor.

EDIT: I just noticed post from Psypher about cost. It does get pricey to have them done elsewhere, plus shipping can add up too. That's why I did it myself.

I have a couple pictures of my drill press setup on PCF.....search my thread "My labeled cash set" in the Chip Labeling forum (one of the last posts). I cant figure out how to post the link here using my little tablet.

 

[Quicksilver-75]

Two important things:
1) set the drill press to its slowest speed possible. If you are handy, or know someone who is you can also try wiring up a box with a receptacle and rotary dimmer switch to further reduce the speed. Although if you are using a beast of a drill you will most certainly put stress on the motor. If it's a black and decker jobby you'll be fine.

Make sure it has a very balanced chuck/shaft/drive. Minimal wobble is key.

Heat is your enemy. Use a small amount of pressure. Slow speed is also key in minimzing heat.

 

[mooremo]

I have the set up and the test went well. Not too hard but Gear is experienced. I probably would not have a problem with monograms but I never know until they are in my hands. [emoji3]

David I live in Boerne and have 700 very good TH&C I would like to mill out, if you want to do a good test. I would love to participate.

 

[David O]

@mooremo Sounds great! You want to attend a $1/$1 NLHE game tomorrow night? I am hosting a new game with some friends if you want to attend. I know I have an extra seat available. Let me know and I can send you a PM.

David

 

[luckbox]

where is gear ????????...years back this was kicked around and he did a few that i got, they came out fine, i think was one of his first attempts, its a tedious process and make sure you can waste a few extra chips...i would pay the price as i have no patience..i tried everything else before to get rid of hot stamps on paulsons and i think the concensus is the only way to do it properly is milling.....all other attempts usually sucked and end product looked like crap, my opinion....... gear must be under some snow

 

[Mesnik44]

@Gear has been sick for a few days. He'll be back.

 

[kmccormick100]

I've been contemplating milling some monogrammed chips. Probably going to pay to have em done if I do.

Here's what Gear quotes for a price:

Hotstamp removal (milling) ... $0.20 per chip

Last I checked on his site cleaning was $.20/ chip, milling was $1/chip...

 

[Seeking Alpha Social Club]

Last I checked on his site cleaning was $.20/ chip, milling was $1/chip...

I'd definitely have double check and confirm. At that price I'd have to reconsider.

 

[BiGGyT]

When considering your total cost to own your own custom chip set, you also have to consider how much you would spend to have CPC chips made. At that cost, milling is much less per chip.

 

[Psypher1000]

Last I checked on his site cleaning was $.20/ chip, milling was $1/chip...

I'd definitely have double check and confirm. At that price I'd have to reconsider.

If memory serves, the $1/chip cost includes milling, cleaning, relabeling, AND a light oiling (because the area around the milling gets a bit dry from heat). That's not a bad deal, all things considered.

 

[slisk250]

I did a bit of milling to some cheap chips in Denver last summer. I already had a drill press and bought a couple of bits. In the end, I scrapped the project after seeing the samples that @Gear makes. Sure I could save some bucks by doing it myself, but the quality would most likely not compare. To me, the most challenging thing is getting the depth perfect....I ain't no CNC machine. If Tony and Chris make the drive again this summer, He'll be taking about 1000 chips with him to mill.