Making a Challenge Coin!

[@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

[@ShopGoblin_]

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

[@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!

[@rogueshadow5280]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@YepImThatGuy66]

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

[@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!

[@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. ^^

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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?

[@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])

[@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

[@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.

[@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. 😂❤

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@salohcin0083]

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

[@devildog17013]

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

[@MostlyMajestic]

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

[@italianbookworm]

#challenge this is so cool! I've never had much interest in engraving but watching the process on this was so interesting. Great hanging with you guys at the Muckoning!

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@Amelec1]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@Timri3681]

#Challenge I'm so excited for where you're going next! You've been an inspiration for me to stop *thinking* about projects and start *doing* them! I'm currently working on a desktop Mimic chest largely inspired by an older video of yours (along with a couple other creators, but yours is the one I'm most closely following!)

[@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.

[@davidwiest5697]

#challenge. It’s amazing with new technology what can be accomplished. Keep exploring, but keep tradition arts alive.

[@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!

[@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.

[@izephire768]

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

[@ClanMcC79]

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

[@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

[@goliathku]

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

[@GlystTheBold]

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

[@mothnamedjoe]

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

[@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!

[@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

[@SWATDRUMMUH]

could it mimic a pressed finish for more organic shapes?

[@JoeSkates28]

#challenge I've been slowly going through your new videos and rewatching your old leather videos as I've started doing tarp and want to level up my style. I've made a bunch of leather rings and if my next lap event goes well with giving them out then I'll feel confident to start a small business. Thank you formal the hard work you put in as I'm learning so much!

[@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!

[@reedmccullough7137]

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

[@Wdcrftr95]

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

[@dragonslyer74]

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

[@MrJake892]

Super jealous of the laser like no joke. Especially being a D&D nerd as well as a LARPer, all the fancy dice and coins and cups would be mine 😅😅😄😅

[@C.Montgomery]

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

[@telos7537]

#challenge I've been looking at some of the other Omtech models, but this is my first time hearing of this particular model. Very cool!

[@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.

[@bear788]

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

[@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!

[@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?)

[@NinjaThorn]

This was incredible.

[@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!

[@FlorianMergener]

#Challenge 11:31 What has it got in its Pocketses?

[@chocolatemonk]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@rexsilvae6066]

#challenge Laser engravers/cutters are a lot of fun and very fulfilling to use, just be careful with what materials you use with it Plexiglass and lexan produce chlorine gas when used, but I've heard optix is fine. Best practice is to have a decent exhaust system. I'm a huge fan of the channel and fellow maker. Keep leveling up you ^_^

[@linkwii4424]

#challenge That coin looks realy awesome. I think this is a great movitation for me to start my new projeckt. Just got the linen i ordert last weak and will now begin to make a simpel medieval shirt out of it. I allready have the sewing pattern and anything else ready. The only thing left to see is, how much im going to regreat the fact that I decided to make it whiteout a sewingmachine. Wish me luck.

[@heatherholland1051]

#Challenge The coin looks amazing. Think of all the new piece you can make. I for one am looking forward to it. Thought I just had. Try to make an intricate name tag or plaque for your dog of war😉

[@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.

[@gonnabehannahsdad]

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

[@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.

[@jamesblount3143]

Love the joy you have when you create! #challenge

[@tjmueller2592]

#challenge makes me wonder about doing layered metal for bracers. If it will cut through the metal with that precision, and different metals, could use some copper and brass and layer images that way.

[@fardareismaigrandma6825]

#Challenge I love to watch when you are really stoked about a project! I am mostly a leatherworker and I really want a laser to enhance my projects.

[@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!

[@stephaniecarbno]

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

[@martincole8810]

#challenge This is great. I'd love to be able to make this stuff. And glad to see you made it through the Muckoning.

[@johnnyblaiz6578]

#challenge I freaking love your channel! you always inspire me to keep going and learning new skills. I cant wait to see you fully attempt forging!

[@sharoncrimm]

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

[@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!

[@jeremygeis3884]

#Challenge Keep on keeping on Clever. Always enjoy your videos and your projects.

[@jeffandthings77]

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

[@legomanatworkmain7809]

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

[@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

[@michaeledwards525]

#challenge that would definitely be cool to use for D&D markers. I love your show I've learned so much y'all are awesome

[@NicolasMaggio-gy3oe]

#challenge I never would have thought I’d find literally the perfect channel for me everything you ever done has been incredibly entertaining and can’t wait to see you get better and better

[@syrus1430]

#challenge I love your channel so much! My father traveled a lot when I was a kid for work and he always brought me home coins from the different countries he traveled to which started my deep love of coins. I was obsessed with the first vid you made and even tried some of the methods. This is soooooo dope. Now I gotta save for a laser 😂

[@tonyblade83]

#Challenge love the content and overall energy you bring to your viewing base. Keep leveling up you.