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I wonder what method PCGS uses to crack a slab?

mrpaseomrpaseo Posts: 4,753 ✭✭✭
in U.S. Coin Forum
Enquiring minds want to know.

image

Comments

  • GATGAT Posts: 3,146 ✭
    Probably Russ's big hammer. image
    USAF vet 1951-59
  • DennisHDennisH Posts: 14,040 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I believe they use a bandsaw.
    When in doubt, don't.
  • MrLeeMrLee Posts: 1,853 ✭✭✭
    image
  • LucyBopLucyBop Posts: 14,001 ✭✭✭


    << <i>Probably Russ's big hammer. image >>




    exactly what I was going to say...
    imageBe Bop A Lula!!
    "Senorita HepKitty"
    "I want a real cool Kitty from Hepcat City, to stay in step with me" - Bill Carter
  • BarryBarry Posts: 10,100 ✭✭✭


    << <i>I believe they use a bandsaw. >>


    This is correct. Somewhere on the web site or in a video, it is shown.
  • foodudefoodude Posts: 3,591 ✭✭✭
    They use a high speed saw.
    Greg Allen Coins, LLC Show Schedule: https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/573044/our-show-schedule-updated-10-2-16 Authorized dealer for NGC, PCGS, CAC, and QA. Member of PNG, RTT (Founding Platinum Member), FUN, MSNS, and NCBA (formerly ICTA); Life Member of ANA and CSNS. NCBA Board member. "GA3" on CCE.
  • RodiusRodius Posts: 857 ✭
    I wish I knew, just tried to crack out a NGC Coin and it took a screwdriver and pliers and brute strenght to get the damn thing out. A band would have been great.

    imagePCUSAimage
  • puritan9puritan9 Posts: 1,028
    You guys are making me VERY nervous. PCGS is cracking open a set of platinum w's of mine because they were suppose to give me first strike and didn't. Hope they don't ruin my 1/4 MS70 and the other MS69.

    image
  • WTCGWTCG Posts: 8,940 ✭✭✭
    According to the guy that used to do the actual work...a bandsaw. They say it's the best way to open a slab without damaging the coin.
    Follow me on Twitter @wtcgroup
    Authorized dealer for PCGS, PCGS Currency, NGC, NCS, PMG, CAC. Member of the PNG, ANA. Member dealer of CoinPlex and CCE/FACTS as "CH5"
  • BAJJERFANBAJJERFAN Posts: 31,616 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>I wish I knew, just tried to crack out a NGC Coin and it took a screwdriver and pliers and brute strenght to get the damn thing out. A band would have been great. >>



    Put the slab in a vise with the two long edges on each jaw of the vise. Slowly apply pressure with the vise until you hear plastic crack. WEAR EYE PROTECTION IN CASE OF FLYING PLASTIC; otherwise you may end up being a one-eyed grader. Remove the coin from the vise and try to pry the slab apart. You may need to put it back into the vise a second or even a third time. Be patient. IT WILL WORK. Works great on NGC, ANACS or ICG slabs. I have no experience with cracking SEGS or PCGS slabs.
    theknowitalltroll;
  • BigAlBigAl Posts: 1,235 ✭✭✭
    Probably Russ's big hammer

    how do you know Russ has a big hammer?
  • NewbNewb Posts: 1,401
    Ya know, I've never cracked one out, but I don't see why anyone that wanted to wouldn't spend the time to locate themselves at LEAST a hacksaw to do the job with. Jigsaw, all the better. This hammer crap seems a ridiculous risk.
  • BAJJERFANBAJJERFAN Posts: 31,616 ✭✭✭✭✭
    HRH says their bandsaw cost $30K or at least thats what it said in the video IIRC.

    BTW anyone know how to get bloodstains off of coins? image
    theknowitalltroll;
  • robertprrobertpr Posts: 6,862 ✭✭✭
    I believe HRH stated that in addition to the high speed saw, they have a custom vacuuming system that sucks the dust and small fragments away.
  • messydeskmessydesk Posts: 20,736 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>HRH says their bandsaw cost $30K or at least thats what it said in the video IIRC. >>


    30 large for a band saw? Heck there was a place in Florida a few years ago that would sell you everything you needed to start your own damn grading service for only $25K. image
    John
    Keeper of the VAM Catalog • Professional Coin Imaging • Prime Number Set • World Coins in Early America • British Trade Dollars • Variety Attribution
  • ShamikaShamika Posts: 18,785 ✭✭✭✭
    A hand held jig saw works about as well as a band saw.

    Buyer and seller of vintage coin boards!
  • BAJJERFANBAJJERFAN Posts: 31,616 ✭✭✭✭✭
    As I recall from the video the saw was quite pricey.
    theknowitalltroll;
  • GooberGoober Posts: 980 ✭✭✭


    << <i>HRH says their bandsaw cost $30K or at least thats what it said in the video IIRC.

    BTW anyone know how to get bloodstains off of coins? image >>



    When you fire at the guy stealing your coins aim lower.
    Prost!

    Why step over the dollar to get to the cent? Because it's a 55DDO.
  • PrivateCoinCollectorPrivateCoinCollector Posts: 2,415 ✭
    Depends on who slabbed it.
    Morgan HerdTO Gold Mine
  • PQpeacePQpeace Posts: 4,802 ✭✭✭
    I saw the band saw..
    It was a Sears Craftsman unit..with a fence installed so it only cuts at the exact point every time..

    I have never seen a 30k saw at sears image
    Larry
    Larry Shapiro Rare Coins - LSRC
    POB 854
    Temecula CA 92593
    310-710-2869 cell
    www.LSRarecoins.com
    Larry@LSRarecoins.com

  • notwilightnotwilight Posts: 12,864 ✭✭✭


    << <i>I saw the band saw.. It was a Sears Craftsman unit..with a fence installed so it only cuts at the exact point every time.. I have never seen a 30k saw at sears image Larry >>



    Yep, a sears 14" bandsaw is less than a grand. A dust collection system is less than a grand. That leaves $28k to put the noisey equipment in a special room with the dust collector emptying outside. Sounds about right.
  • GoldbullyGoldbully Posts: 18,500 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>I saw the band saw.. It was a Sears Craftsman unit..with a fence installed so it only cuts at the exact point every time.. I have never seen a 30k saw at sears image Larry >>



    Yep, a sears 14" bandsaw is less than a grand. A dust collection system is less than a grand. That leaves $28k to put the noisey equipment in a special room with the dust collector emptying outside. Sounds about right. >>




    I wish my 14" bandsaws sold for $30K!!!!!!image


    Powermatic 14"....$899.99
  • BAJJERFANBAJJERFAN Posts: 31,616 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Is that video still available? Not sure if it was in the video or from the Q&A board, but when HRH mentioned how much it cost I thought the price was outrageous for a band saw.
    theknowitalltroll;
  • foodudefoodude Posts: 3,591 ✭✭✭
    I have never seen a 30k saw at sears

    That one is in the "premium" catalogimage
    Greg Allen Coins, LLC Show Schedule: https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/573044/our-show-schedule-updated-10-2-16 Authorized dealer for NGC, PCGS, CAC, and QA. Member of PNG, RTT (Founding Platinum Member), FUN, MSNS, and NCBA (formerly ICTA); Life Member of ANA and CSNS. NCBA Board member. "GA3" on CCE.
  • rickoricko Posts: 98,724 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Obviously they have not had professionals look at the process... there are so many other, safer, cleaner options available. They may be professional graders, but they need a couple of engineers to perfect their processes. Cheers, RickO
  • PreussenPreussen Posts: 2,307 ✭✭✭
    Like others here, I've cracked out many coins successfully using either a hammer or a vise. Both methods have worked fine for me on PCGS, NGC, old ANACS & PCI slabs. It's no big deal, as long as you're careful (and protect your eyes) image - Preussen
    "Illegitimis non carborundum" -General Joseph Stilwell. See my auctions
  • seateddimeseateddime Posts: 6,180 ✭✭✭
    I heard freezing the slab helps
    I seldom check PM's but do check emails often jason@seated.org

    Buying top quality Seated Dimes in Gem BU and Proof.

    Buying great coins - monster eye appeal only.
  • BRdudeBRdude Posts: 1,079 ✭✭✭
    I have used all the methods mentioned here, but the best is the bandsaw,, zip, zip, zip, zip and it's done. I don't personally own one, but we got one a workimage
    AKA kokimoki
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  • BiddlesBankBiddlesBank Posts: 721 ✭
    .
    .
    I asked a national dealer the same question. If I remember right he thought they had some kind of built in knives in a vise but not sure on that.

    However the dealer used a pair of large wire cutters. I have used them and they work fine and seldom do you have to worry about flying plastic. But it is still a nerve wracking proposition.

    AC
  • BAJJERFANBAJJERFAN Posts: 31,616 ✭✭✭✭✭
    You would think that with a band saw they could salvage the old inserts esp for green labels.
    theknowitalltroll;

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