Making a Challenge Coin!

Check out OmTech lasers over at omtechlaser.co...
Today we learn how to use a new toy in our unending quest to make our own coins!
Thank you to OmTech for letting us try out their laser. We are using the 80w MOPA Fiber laser, but they have ALL different kinds of lasers to suit your needs!
⭐ Coin Blanks: amzn.to/3KnQALd
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All sounds and stock footage are from Epidemicsound.com & Envato Elements

[@evanbrand8810]

Please Please make sure you have a good exhaust system for this. The metal dust it produces is no joke for your lungs.

[@jeffreyharville1918]

I was thinking the same thing when he started to polish the coin with a wire wheel NEXT TO his drink!! It would add an additional flavor to his scotch! (or bourbon, or rum or ????) LOL

[@AflacMan13]

#Challenge (RECOMMENDATION): Use the laser on harder metal, like Titanium or Inconel maybe, and make Coin Stamping Dyes. Then use a hammer drop forge to hammer stamp coins... by the HUNDREDS. Use the laser directly? 20 minutes per coin, per side? 1 coin in 40 minutes. Use the laser to make stamping dyes: 50-250 coins per hour of stamping... and depnding on how you build the dyes, you could possibly pump out THOUSANDS of Challenge Coins per hour (theoretically of course, not necessarily practically). Practically speaking, it'd be probably more realistic that, at a good rythym, you'd be punching out 50-75 per hour on a good day.

[@DonsArtnGames]

That's assuming you have the heavy equipment to do all this... I would stick to the laser. It's great for small or short productions and you don't need to dedicate limited space for heavy equipment. A more accessible option would to use a cadmium free Bismuth ingot and cast coins from an HT silicone mold. It's inexpensive and since the melting temperature is relatively low, anyone can heat up the ingot on a stove top and pour it into the mold. A couple of minutes later, it's hardened enough to extract the coin and get going on another one... The only equipment needed to be dedicated is the melting pan.

[@ShopGoblin_]

The amount of like cursed amulets and other such jewelry things you can make for LARPs is gonna be dope.

[@gloryunderfoot700]

#challenge I’m going to have to double down on my request for a studio tour or a studio upgrade video (where you create an aesthetic but functional space for you to film/work in). You’ve done some great larp/camping furniture videos, and I’d love to see that creativity and skill applied to a space you use regularly.

[@jscroggs]

#challenge - Haven't had a chance to watch this one yet, but my son said I had to comment on this as he just got done watching it and doesn't have an account. We've been watching all of your stuff, Cl3ver, and working on several leather projects together. Thank you for putting these videos out here. It's been a tremendous blessing for me to be able to work with him on these projects. Great bonding time and a chance for me to learn some skills with him while we build stuff together!

[@DonsArtnGames]

#CHALLENGE LOL! I used to collect challenge coins when I was in the Navy. My highest ranking coin was the US Secretary of Defense. Now I use my laser to make my own Panda Coins and tokens for various SCA (Society of Creative Anachronism) Events. My most interesting "coin" was a leather coin that was placed in a clamp after cutting/burning to boil and harden it. Worked great!

[@DonsArtnGames]

5:00 You created a swatch. The settings change for each alloy of stainless steel, so make sure you also mark what kind of stainless steel it is. Some of those settings can be really far from another setting for similar but not the same steel.

[@dasbutsch6531]

The highest coin I got was from the Presidential Helicopter Squad lol. I was part of the crew that commissioned the the USS Georg H W Bush CVN 77 and I was on the flight deck team that landed the presidents helicopter when they flew on for the commissioning.

[@DonsArtnGames]

@@dasbutsch6531 Nice, but the drink is still on you.

[@danieltaylor5231]

Would a case tumbler or rock polisher be useful in polishing a bunch of coins at one time?

[@DonsArtnGames]

@@danieltaylor5231 A tumbler with fine grit COULD work, but be aware that it could also polish away finer details. For the sake of "authentic" looks, I would just polish out the larger and high areas. Some "patina" provides depth and richness to the look. If you are also looking at restoring old coins, DON'T! Coins that are cleaned up actually lose value.

[@Taurusus]

Holy cow. The colours! Legit had no idea that was even possible with just a lazer. Sorry Kit, gonna have to pause you for a spell and find out what the heck the science is behind that!

[@VelaiciaCreator]

Steel changes colour based on the temp it is brought up to. You can also do this chemically, so blacksmiths use a mix of these in their work. They even use the colour to know when the metal is hot enough for something.

[@jakubdrabent8158]

It's heat bloom. You can check it easily by taking a lighter to a box cutter blade. If you do it correctly you can take the blade from straw orange through purples into blue, then it gets a bit harder to control and turns black. Very fun thing to do if you are the psychopath that burns stuff while sitting in front of a computer

[@VTRAddict]

It's the formation of different thicknesses of oxides causing interference patterns in the light hitting the surface.

[@MartinAhlman]

"Gyllene Hjorten" was the first LARP society in Sweden, we stamped coins. Copper, silver, and gold. And that was copper, silver, and gold. A bit expensive, but not many gold coins were made ;-) They were made in two sizes: Proper coin, and half a coin. You could also cleave them if you wanted a small copper coin (I'm still a fiddler/minstrel/musician, so I never get in contact with gold coins...), but a friend of mine, also a fiddler, got half a gold for a song by a lord! Guess what? He lost it... There's half a gold piece near that Inn... I prefer stamped coins, they feel better, and they look a bit wonky when you do it by hand :-)

[@meganr9102]

I agree, the imperfection of stamped coins has a more "medieval" feel, but I just love all metal coin props!

[@GlenInDallas]

#challenge This was awesome- and for those wondering, the laser is about $8k for the 80 watt, or $3k for the 30 he talked about. I guess the sponsorship worked for me, thinking about the 30 watt version. I'll have to get on the laser forums!

[@demonicbunny3po]

So… $1k/10 watts? Pricey, but understandable. That is a lot of power and is creeping into industrial equipment range.

[@littlekong7685]

@@demonicbunny3po You do need that power and precision to really get anything done with a laser, otherwise it takes forever and because of the slow burn, your resolution cannot be as high. 80 Watt is pretty high though.

[@demonicbunny3po]

@@littlekong7685 a good tool for $3k, that is fine if pricey. Once you go past $5k for a tool, to me, that is hitting professional/industrial/institution grade of tools and out of hobby range.

[@rogueshadow5280]

for polishing, dish soap with water, a brass wire brush and a bit of elbow grease works really well for polishing

[@robertsimpson1526]

#Challenge your approach to projects has inspired so many, including myself. I recently jumped into a kuksa cup, a cloak, a fur mantle and a foam shield. “Keep leveling up YOU” has been a big help and support mantra. Thanks for the confidence to be ok with failing in order to succeed!

[@perrywmoore9346]

That looks amazing. I think it's better polished than it would be having the laser clean it up, because there is still burnt color in the corners, like automatic shading.

[@alexgould2934]

Every time a video is posted by this channel the more I have to remind myself that I don’t currently have the time or space to start another hobby, lol #challenge

[@HakuginSan]

I love how you are always up to #challenge yourself and try new things. Can't wait to see what else you do with the laser... will you use it to engrave fine details into leather armor, blades or even to cut out the designs?

[@michaelhathorus4859]

#Challenge - That was SO unbelievably cool. What a amazing thing to see it form on the coin. I'd love to see color in your next challenge coin.

[@balduinvontrier128]

You could use it to make the dies to strike a bunch of coins in the classic way. At least I think that would be a pretty interesting video. After all, the main use for coins in larp is money and you need large quantities for that.

[@TheMorganator5000]

I love how much like a kid in a candy store Clev3r is when he gets a new toy! I'm so glad I found his videos! #Challenge

[@salohcin0083]

Science !! So many projects unlocked. Maybe engrave a blade or ring.

[@fuzzyartemisofficial]

#Challenge Glad you had so much fun with this project, and thanks to Maddie for her passion of the coin to let this happen. ^^

[@theconsummatenerd]

Galvo fiber lasers are absolutely amazing! Enjoy this new toy/tool! It'll help with a LOT of crafts once you get used to it!

[@FlamingGiant575]

#challenge Always dig the SkillTree videos. As a person who likes making things and making things work, I never feel like I'm wasting time watching Clever.

[@jamesfugee-zv1iw]

#Challenge I'm endlessly inspired, but this time a smidge jealous of the laser. Looks like I'll be using the etching method from your other video in the meantime. Thank you guys for all the cool diy and more videos!

[@RubensBudgetCreations]

Just watched your video about making larp arrows, I'm putting "old" heads on new shafts, and was somehow directed to this one. I follow your channel for a few years now and I must say that I like your maker style. And offcourse for the coin #challenge

[@christianboehlefeld5168]

#challenge Very nice how Omtech worked to make the laser user friendly to the point that playing around could get you near to your desired results.

[@Tainu]

#challenge This is super cool. My favorite thing about Larps and dnd is making custom props and items to help bring a bit of tangible fantasy into our world. Coins like this could be really cool to use as a story hook of some sort

[@tankizard]

For the coins, I personally like the weathered look of lower amounts of cleaning the lower the surface, and getting a little bit better polish the higher the surface. Personally

[@probablycringe7316]

this is an awsome step for the channel! i'm really exited to see more! (video idea maybe somthing to do with rust removal (mini project maybe?) (skill tree metal badge merch? [like the belt marker one])

[@devildog17013]

#challenge - that's a nice piece of equipment to have for crafting. I hope you enjoy it as much as you seem to.

[@richardgrimes9150]

#challenge - I get such a kick out of your videos and I'm seriously considering one of these engravers! Thank you for being persistent and obsessed, Maddie!

[@paca_bill4863]

#challenge - I'm assuming you can use something like a ultrasonic cleaner with a cleaning solution to clean the coins after burning; then plate with different plating solutions to change the color (and value) of the coins (from the base stainless color, to copper, bronze, black, or gold plating). Definitely leveling up!

[@C3DPropShop]

I literally JUST finished making my first #challenge coin on the CNC. Bits, workholding, CAD/CAM, HOURS of work with those exact coins you have. You made the same thing in less time, less effort, with more detail and a better product. Well... color me impressed (and jealous😅)! Edit: finished video and added hashtag. Comments talking coin collections, my highest rank coin is a 2 star General.

[@michaellocke3327]

We just recently had a good friend do exactly this for our own Ren Faire. Pretty amazing and we have something none of us will ever forget.

[@Arcain1991]

Just throwing it out there. If you use a brass wire wheel and heat the coin up with some kind of torch, you can bronze the coin

[@kitdubhran2968]

#challenge I love that Maddie got you a sponsorship with them. Whenever I get around to buying a laser engraver I’ll go with them. Gotta get my smithy up and running first. More blacksmithing videos would be appreciated. 😂❤

[@YepImThatGuy66]

Grand Moff Tarkin "You may fire when ready.." Skill Tree.. Makes a awesome vid on using a laser!!

[@Wdcrftr95]

#Challenge #Challenge #Challenge!!! This is so cool, and I know we'd love to see you at Weekend Warrior in October!!! ❤

[@FrankDerHauptmannZienert]

Now I want a laser myself. 😁 Our LARP Club just hat stamped 10.000 copper-coins with our own layout. But this would be so awesome for very individual batches. And also your coin would be a nice fit for my special larp-coin collection 😉 #challenge

[@sharoncrimm]

That laser is crazy! The details are🔥🔥🔥 The coin is so beautiful! #challenge

[@jeffandthings77]

It is amazing to see how little #challenge there was to making that coin!!

[@edwarddavis7858]

Fun history fact about coins, almost all coins throughout medieval europe was silver, and they were ab the size of a US quarter down to about a US nickel, though a bit thinner

[@akumabito2008]

#Challenge - this laser is going to open up so many new possibilities! I am super stoked about the direction of your channel. The quality is just getting better and better. Keep leveling up, you!

[@TygerKaye]

#Challenge I’m really impressed with how they turned out. You’re not gonna have to hammer those out anymore. You could potentially make an unlimited amount so that you’ll have enough for the LARPs.

[@kitsunehoruri]

#challenge that came out really nice. Much better than the glow forge we were using at the annex. A silver polishing cloth will add even more shine to the coin as well.

[@littlekong7685]

#challenge The coin looks so cool. Would love to see the colour gradient version when it comes through.

[@peteryedica6510]

#Challenge . That is awesome, I got a laser as a gift a year ago, but still don’t have a space that I can dedicate to having it set up. I really hope to get it up and running soon!

[@zeddoverkill]

#Challenge Okay, that is really freaking cool. Didn't know that consumer grade lasers could do THAT level of engraving, with that much detail. Really cool!

[@dragonslyer74]

CHALLENGE ACCEPTED!!! LOL, that's an epic printer I also, yes, you need an exhaust setup

[@danieljeria8699]

Hello friend of Skill Tree, my name is Daniel, I am from Mendoza Argentina, and I love your channel and what you do on it. I like working with leather and wood. I send you a big hug.

[@CoreyWaldusky]

#Challenge - This is really cool. I wish I had the space to get all these fun tools I see creators and makers use. I can't wait to see you start making plates over some of your armor pieces and etching it with the laser to make really cool designs. Like gauntlets with extremely detailed animals.

[@sonictundra1909]

So many cool tools I'd love to play with. Wish I had a maker space near me but even without these fancy toys your work inspires me #Challenge

[@markfergerson2145]

#challenge Who knew that home gamer laser etching had come this far? We desperately need a followup on how to get colors. Also, how durable the color is, what ranges of colors can be done on what metals. Try brass, bronze, aluminum bronze, anything you can get your hands on. I know the instructions say only stainless but hey, you won’t know until you try. Also, there are different grades of stainless. I’m thinking etched knives, cutlery and dare I say armor pieces or decorative pieces added to leather armor or other projects. Steampunkers can engrave patterns on monoggle lenses for instance. This is probably going to be as big a revolution in what people can do at home as those brought about by paper printers and 3D printing. We expect you to help lead the way by trying it on EVERYTHING.

[@chocolatemonk]

Congrats. I got a 60w 2 weeks ago. You are going to fly through coins

[@dcsdrive]

For 8k it better be easy to use and CRISP!!! ❤ I was actually blown away by the price but if you go into business you'd need a workhorse!! I'm going to look into budget friendly models, lol.

[@kennpeters1973]

#challenge That is a damn cool piece of equipment. Now you have basically a small scale metal CNC that can cut, engrave and color your projects. Imagine what it could do for armor and weapon building!

[@goliathku]

I'd look into seeing if you could just spray it with break cleaner to get them clean.

[@demonicbunny3po]

#challenge Next thing is obviously to make something that combines the laser and leather. Maybe engraving a complex design into a leather piece. Or maybe using the color aspect of the laser on metal to make a blue and yellow metallic detailing on… Let’s say button closures on a leather waistcoat?

[@erjediik]

#Challenge Coins in different metals would be fun!! I could seriously use them to motivate some of my crew at work🤔

[@Findnyou]

#challenge That looks like entirely too much fun. I've a small collection of coins from various podcasts, sporting events, and whatnot. As a tinkerer, this would definitely hold a place of honor

[@mothnamedjoe]

#challenge - love how the laser engraving is so beginner friendly. I thought it would take some time but you did an amazing job.

[@bonapartedavinci]

while i really enjoy your videos about doing things on the cheap, i also know the best way to make uniform, beautiful coins is to use a fiber laser. and this one seems to be one of the more affordable fiber lasers i've seen. nice work on the #challenge coin. keep the great content coming!

[@ClanMcC79]

Awesome new toy, great video and the #Challenge coin looks crazy good👍🏼 can't wait to see the reckoning/muckening vid next week💥💥

[@jamesh975]

Awesome video. Now my wife is rolling her eyes at the new thing I NEED to get for my crafting. 😂

[@jamesblount3143]

Love the joy you have when you create! #challenge

[@kris99596]

That coin is super sweet! The possibilities are indeed literally endless. Man, I need to figure out what I could make with something like that. #challenge

[@jim7217]

#challenge - love your enthusiasm and projects - this turned out really well! Hope you enjoy and share all you create with that new lazer. (Maybe attach to a shark's head?)

[@VTRAddict]

#challenge love the coin. Can't wait to see what you come up with when you've had a bit more time to play with it!

That is really cool! I can't wait to see all the stuff you're going to stumble into making with it!!

[@PresidentCabbage]

#challenge I really like that laser just think of the possibilities you could use it for beyond just coins I love the idea of applying it to blacksmithing and other metal smithing projects and how fancy you could make stuff look!

[@nikolaihadacek7009]

#challenge This is amazing. All I can think of is how much time you would have to spend to carve those designs by hand. A beautiful piece of technology.

[@giliankleinmoedig]

#challenge That was so cool!!! I am studying to work with metal and composites with applications to industry, but this was much better than what I've seen till now for a tabletop laser.

[@reedmccullough7137]

#challenge the idea is intimidating as all get out, but you made it look easily approachable. Appreciate your stepwise chaotic and relatable videos

[@legomanatworkmain7809]

#challenge looks fantastic! i am already terrified to see what you do with it next!!

[@RedKamikaze85]

#challenge It's always great to see your excitement! Looking forward to more tutorials and LARP experience videos. One of these days I have to try one.

[@GlystTheBold]

#challenge freaking awesome laser! Was great to catch y'all at the Muckoning!

[@spyke1280]

#challenge coins are a great morale boost for different types of things. I think this is a great idea for community.

[@Amelec1]

#Challenge Nice work, always enjoy the fun little quick projects as much as the in-depth larger projects. Keep up the great work!

[@izephire768]

i love omtech i have been using one of there watt co2 lazers for about 3 years

[@stephaniecarbno]

#challenge I love how the coin turned out. I'm very excited to see future projects with this engraver. :)

[@Drakonaut]

#challenge having actually dealt with military challenge coins, this would be awesome to have. Especially during a LARP when someone has to buy drinks (the original challenge for coins)

[@MostlyMajestic]

#challenge I love your enthusiasm. I cant image a company saying no after watching how excited you get over cool tech.

[@HikuroMishiro]

I'm definitely no expert/not that knowledgeable on the subject, but I think that some sort of acid bath would be easier/better to polish the coin that dremeling it.

[@mannik_yt]

That’s super cool! I also go on random rabbit trails to figure out how to make things like coins and cards and many many more things. #challenge

[@mathiasln4231]

#challenge awesome laser and a really cool coin. Make sure you use the right eye protection and a good ventilation system when using a laser.

[@NinjaThorn]

This was incredible.

[@Largo01]

Niiiiiiiice. Imagine what you could do on like a sword blade.

[@mqrgan]

#challenge I’ve been interested in lasers for a while so it’s really cool to see one of my favorite channels finding one you like. I’ll definitely give them a look!

[@DStrormer]

So coins in the shop soon?

[@gonnabehannahsdad]

#challenge sweet! I was stoked when you hammered he pattern in the last coin video, but these are badass

[@Staren01]

I just ordered the XTool F1 Ultra because of this type of project. It is definitely not an 80watt MOPA and will take longer to do the work, but it can do this kind of engraving in a climate controlled environment. The fact that you guys get to play with a machine this powerful is wild and I love it.

[@bear788]

Very nice, the new Skill Tree looks awesome on the #Challenge coin.

[@KristinMoran]

#challenge That was really nifty! I've cast tokens using pewter and soapstone with a hand-carved design. Of course my finished products were much more rustic than your challenge coin.

[@christophermontgomery4201]

This video was awsome. I didn't even know you could laser ingrave in colour! I love challenge coins so I do hope you do end up making more as I'll probably buy a few for myself #Challenge andbest luck to everyone trying to win the coin

[@sewexcitedcosplay4109]

#challenge I’m always so amazed by the things you craft and do, I had no idea something like this existed! So naturally you use it to make the coolest coin ever! 💕

[@Taylor-mk8nf]

#Challenge really awesome build. I collect coins as hobby so to be able to make coins (with or without actual monetary value) really amazes me.

[@Edramon53]

#challenge When I saw the coin in the thumbnail I assumed it would be casted. Never thought much about lasers. It’s super cool but well out of my current budget!

[@hinatafanlover]

#Challenge-this was really cool to watch and definitely helps make getting a laser seem less daunting.

[@dillonw3200]

I can't wait to see all the cool stuff you make with the new laser! #challenge

[@matthewbowers7901]

#challenge thanks for all you do. I am working on putting my shop together and can actually start practicing some of what you've been teaching me.

[@overzealouscrusades]

#challenge I'm definitely gonna have to keep this company and their lasers in mind... can't believe it was so easy to get the gist of and use! Now my only issue is needing a spare room to use/do all this kinda stuff in

[@JRK1791]

Killer design combo! I knew Omtech made great product, but the detail! #challenge