What's the safest way to crack out a...

Broadstruck · May 27, 2012 11:16AM

An entombed thingy in a ICG holder

Thanks in advance!

DIMEMAN · May 27, 2012 11:23AM

I use a table saw. Because I don't have a band saw.

TexasNationals · May 27, 2012 11:32AM

Send it to me brother, I got it for ya!

Send it to me

Broadstruck · May 27, 2012 11:32AM

<< I use a table saw. >>

Is this a joke or are you serious

jesbroken · May 27, 2012 11:34AM

I use a band saw and still have all my fingers.
Jim

DIMEMAN · May 27, 2012 11:36AM

No joke......I use a table saw. I don't want to chance breaking with plyers and a splinter of plastic damaging the coin. I saw off all four sides and lift the plastic safely away from the coin. No mess no fuss. Absoultly no risk to coin.

kaz · May 27, 2012 11:36AM

I've used a good sized pair of end nippers to bite into the slab from both sides. It popped open with no problems.

DIMEMAN · May 27, 2012 11:40AM

The term "popped open" scares me. To me you are not in control when popping and snipping are involved.

ldhair · May 27, 2012 11:51AM

<< I've used a good sized pair of end nippers to bite into the slab from both sides. It popped open with no problems. >>

I use end nippers as well. Nothing goes flying around. No risk to the coin.

DIMEMAN · May 27, 2012 11:57AM

I just like being in "TOTAL" control.......and the table saw does that for me!

ambro51 · May 27, 2012 11:59AM

Band saw. Just cut all the way around and lift the top off

Buzzybest · May 27, 2012 12:15PM

If it's a big 5oz ATB slab,I have used a chain saw!

mingot · May 27, 2012 12:18PM

laser works best

Justlooking · May 27, 2012 12:25PM

They have table saws that stop automatically if they sense something soft, like a finger or a hot dog. Saw it on This Old House.

Broadstruck · May 27, 2012 12:27PM

<< They have table saws that stop automatically if they sense something soft, like a finger or a hot dog. Saw it on This Old House. >>

I have a sub $200 Craftsman that I wouldn't trust even cutting a block of wood as small as a slab

DIMEMAN · May 27, 2012 12:55PM

I guess I should have stated that you have to know how to use a table saw.

And I do!!

WTCG · May 27, 2012 4:25PM

Same way you do an NGC holder.

Spooly · May 27, 2012 5:48PM

Just hammer around the edges. The slab will fall apart.

ColonelJessup · May 28, 2012 3:25AM

<< I've used a good sized pair of end nippers to bite into the slab from both sides. It popped open with no problems. >>

What he said, and it works for PCGS holders too. Start the crack at the part of the slab where the coin's diameter brings its edges closest to the edge of the slab. Both sides necessary. Only very rarely do any splinters result. In other words, you'd be tempting fate by not wearing something to protect your eyes.

A fellow crackout artist and I once attempted to build a jetty of cracked stabs off the Jersey Shore. EPA stopped us before we were even half through.

I call my nippers "The Jaws of Life"

OldEastside · May 28, 2012 3:33AM

Not everyone has a bandsaw but they zip right through em

Steve

19Lyds · May 28, 2012 5:24AM

<< 

<< I use a table saw. >>

Is this a joke or are you serious

>>

I'm hoping he's joking since working with something that small could cost you a finger or two!

Use a hammer on a solid surgac and simply work your way around the slab. Medium force hits on a solid surface such as concrete will eventually cause the seems to give up their bond at which point splitting the slab will be easy peasy! Anything other than a solid surface will make you work twice as hard for the same results.

keets · May 28, 2012 5:28AM

i use those big bolt cutters.

LindeDad · May 28, 2012 6:01AM

Anyone that even remotely thinks the use of a table saw is in any way safe needs to go back to basic shop class.

This from a Professional Sawer running industrial saws for a long time now retired.

AUandAG · May 28, 2012 6:02AM

I just mail mine to PCGS and let them figure it out and let them put it in a new tomb.

bob

DIMEMAN · May 28, 2012 6:34AM

Hate to bust your bubble LindeDad - But if you think using a table saw on a slab is dangerous.........you are the one that needs classes.

I have been using a table saw and all other woodworker tools for the better part of 50 years.........injury free!!!

If you can't cut the four sides off of a slab with a table saw........you had better give it up!

dogwood · May 28, 2012 7:47AM

Yay!
I love it when shop dudes have a cat fight

Band saw=Vote!

LanLord · May 28, 2012 7:51AM

I've always used this method, and it works for all type tombs

http://forums.collectors.com/messageview.cfm?catid=26&threadid=220662&highlight_key=y&keyword1=crack&keyword2=slab

grip · May 28, 2012 8:13AM

<< i use those big bolt cutters. >>

Same,with a towel over the slab.There was a video on this ,but i cannot locate it.

thisnamztaken · May 28, 2012 8:13AM

Wrap the holder (completely) in a soft face cloth, place the towel-wrapped holder on its long side on a hard surface, and give the long edge a couple of fairly hard whacks with a hammer. You will hear it give.

You can also do a You Tube search for "how to open a coin slab", etc. There are a few videos there that show how easy this method is to use.

DIMEMAN · May 28, 2012 8:20AM

You guys can hammer and snip all you want, but I guarantee you will damage a coin sometime. It's bound to happen.

My way (table saw) will NEVER harm a coin. Just saw around the edges and lift off the top. No muss no fuss and NO shattered plastic scratching the coin.

mbogoman · May 28, 2012 8:46AM

I wrap the slab in a towel and secure it in my vise. Then I use my hacksaw with a PVC pipe blade and saw off the top. Then I carefully insert the end of a flat head screwdriver on one side and twist. The slab pops. Repeat for the other side. No muss, no fuss, no problems ever.

ldhair · May 28, 2012 9:09AM

I would have to stop drinking to use a table saw for this. Too many ways that are much safer.

pakasmom · May 28, 2012 9:15AM

You probably don't have one of these either, but a diamond blade on a wet saw works well.
If it's a 'continuous rim' blade, you'd have to work pretty hard to hurt yourself...

goodmoney4badmoney · May 28, 2012 9:16AM

I use a very small flathead screwdriver and a hammer. I hammer the screwdriver a little bit into the seam all around the edge of the slab, until it can break apart easily in two pieces.

LanLord · May 28, 2012 9:18AM

Copy and pasted:

Over the course of about 16 months or so, I can recall many requests for information about how to crack slabs.

I saw someone do this in a very elegant manner at a coin store a few months ago, and thought I might be able to
drop a little science on for posterity.

Just a little care is required so as not to injure the intended coin to be freed.

The pictures below show the process:

Using a pair of $14.00 bolt cutters and nothing else (except the coin of course)

I'm not really sure which one is the tool, the bolt cutters or the
jamoach holding them.

This is a bit of a close-up of the cutters

The cutters, jaws agape

This was the coin I chose to sacrifice for this educational post

This is the intended victim, in the jaws of ... (well, you get the picture)

Just make sure that the jaws of the cutters are well short of the coin
to be emancipated, otherwise, this will be a disaster.

Ever closer to the end

Done

Here is the results of the operation

Here is the remains to be disposed of as you wish.

TwoSides2aCoin · May 28, 2012 9:43AM

You may want to contact your local OSHA office for instructions. Do not try this at home.

DIMEMAN · May 28, 2012 9:57AM

That crack going across the top of the Texas is a scratch looking for a place to happen. My way the coin never sees a crack go over the top.

Just saw off all 4 sides and lift the slab away from the coin. The coin never touches anything and never has the chance to touch anything.

PS: Why would you ever crack a coin out of a PCGS slab????????????

Bochiman · May 28, 2012 10:04AM

I use the bolt cutters as well. Never a problem if one is careful and knows what they are doing.
I do use a rag across, just in case the plastic decides to be finicky and splinter out and fly.

I wouldn't be one of those using a table saw....or even a band saw. One slight jerk and bye bye coin.

If a person has a way they like, then more power to them. If bolt cutters work, then they work. If you don't like it, then don't do it.

As to why crack out even a PCGS coin? Why not? I've disagreed with grades and upon resubmittal, PCGS has agreed with me on them.

dogwood · May 28, 2012 10:08AM

<< That crack going across the top of the Texas is a scratch looking for a place to happen. My way the coin never sees a crack go over the top.

Just saw off all 4 sides and lift the slab away from the coin. The coin never touches anything and never has the chance to touch anything.

PS: Why would you ever crack a coin out of a PCGS slab????????????

>>

Execution is everything with this method.
I'm cringing at the thought of kickback upon pinching against the rip fence.
Even a little.

My Band saw and table saw are side by side. I always go for the band saw.

DIMEMAN · May 28, 2012 11:18AM

dogwood - this will make you cringe more..............I don't use a rip fence when doing a slag. Strickly fee hand(s). More control.

LindeDad · May 28, 2012 1:37PM

<< dogwood - this will make you cringe more..............I don't use a rip fence when doing a slag. Strickly fee hand(s). More control. >>

OK be sure to let use know when to start calling you stubby. BTW one of Leads at work tried that way on a piece of trim.

He didn't really care to be called that.

LanceNewmanOCC · May 28, 2012 1:51PM

.
there is actually a hand-held saw you can use 100% safe and only takes a few seconds

tried to find the youtube video but alas not this time

trust me when you see, it will blow your mind
.

coinman23885 · May 28, 2012 2:23PM

<< An entombed thingy in a ICG holder

Thanks in advance!

>>

Is the AU58FH SLQ going to PCGS? You could just sell it to me and save yourself the trouble.

ambro51 · May 28, 2012 9:03PM

PS I have made quite a nice "career" for myself based on 98.7% of society being totally unable to use any type of power tool. The FEAR some of you guys express over the thought of a dreaded TABLE SAW...... Is comical....

TwoSides2aCoin · May 28, 2012 9:30PM

The idea is to leave it in there, have your child put a sticker on it and then create a thread on the BST with silent bidding by those in the "circle of trust".

Broadstruck · May 28, 2012 9:41PM

<< PS I have made quite a nice "career" for myself based on 98.7% of society being totally unable to use any type of power tool. The FEAR some of you guys express over the thought of a dreaded TABLE SAW...... Is comical....

>>

I once arrived on a job site just as the contractor was rushed to the hospital before the homeowners child and Irish setter discovered his index finger in the lawn.

I also stay away from Bungee Cords after seeing another contractor who's one eye is an inch or more lower since the hook disintegrated his cheekbone.

Broadstruck · May 28, 2012 9:45PM

<< Is the AU58FH SLQ going to PCGS? You could just sell it to me and save yourself the trouble. >>

No it's a token with a large reverse rim cud which didn't fit the opening and they forced it in.

So the holder is bulged and I can't see the cud.

fivecents · May 28, 2012 9:46PM

<< I've used a good sized pair of end nippers to bite into the slab from both sides. >>

LanceNewmanOCC · May 29, 2012 4:02AM

<< .there is actually a hand-held saw you can use 100% safe and only takes a few seconds
tried to find the youtube video but alas not this time
trust me when you see, it will blow your mind. >>

here is a video of the saw I mentioned. NOT the video I originally watched. It is very dark but sufficient to show you what I was talking about

crazyhounddog · May 29, 2012 4:48AM

Hammer....

Cameonut · May 29, 2012 8:13AM

Count me in the end nippers crowd.
But I cover the slab with a towel just in case a piece of plastic goes flying. (or I wear my safety glasses).

What's the safest way to crack out a...

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