Milling size? (1 Viewer)

[MemphisFats]

I have some THC hot stamps I’m think of milling to either have as set for myself or sell milled ready for someone else to label.
What is the most common label size used and what size hole should be milled?
From what I’ve read a 7/8 label is most common, do you mill a 7/8 hole or 1” hole?
Any input is appreciated.
Thanks
Memphis

 

[Gear]

What is the most common label size used

Labels should always be cut to fit the milled size, not the other way around.

 

[allforcharity]

I recommend the 7/8" for THC milling. Trying to go for 1" may have you cutting beyond the inner ring because it is almost impossible to get exact centering. 15"/16" inch is really pushing it (though I have done it).

 

[Just1Better]

How far down do you have to mill to "remove" a HotStamp on a THC and what does that do to the weight and feel of the chip?
Also, can you "re-apply" a HotStamp on a milled chip? (re-apply is probably not the correct term but hopefully you understand what I'm asking)

 

[Josh Kifer]

Also, can you "re-apply" a HotStamp on a milled chip? (re-apply is probably not the correct term but hopefully you understand what I'm asking)

No.

 

[louBdub]

Stop….


Wait……….

Pic of chips about to be milled!?!?

 

[Just1Better]

Are you asking me or the OP? Sorry, I didn't mean to high jack the post. I was just curious.

But, in case you're asking me here's a pic of one kind I was thinking of milling. But I have a few that I'm thinking of doing so I'm really more just curious about what all can be done after milling. For instance with these you can barely feel the Hot Stamp when you run your fingers over it. But others are a little deeper, unfortunately I don't have those right here.

Maybe a better question is, how is a Hot Stamp applied? It seems that if I applied a new Hot Stamp that only went down as far as these -- just below the surface -- it would be possible. Sorry, this whole conversation is probably better left for a different post. Hearing the OPs question just made me think of questions I've had about the process.

 

[Josh Kifer]

Are you asking me or the OP? Sorry, I didn't mean to high jack the post. I was just curious.

But, in case you're asking me here's a pic of one kind I was thinking of milling. But I have a few that I'm thinking of doing so I'm really more just curious about what all can be done after milling. For instance with these you can barely feel the Hot Stamp when you run your fingers over it. But others are a little deeper, unfortunately I don't have those right here.

Maybe a better question is, how is a Hot Stamp applied? It seems that if I applied a new Hot Stamp that only went down as far as these -- just below the surface -- it would be possible. Sorry, this whole conversation is probably better left for a different post. Hearing the OPs question just made me think of questions I've had about the process.

View attachment 1126813

It's not possible and just ruins the chip. Tried multiple methods. I only found one way to make it work. And you can't mill, sand, do anything to the chip. You need that clay.

 

[Just1Better]

Okay, thank you @Josh Kifer . I was fairly certain that was probably the case but thought I'd ask. Thanks again

And, sorry for high jacking your post @MemphisFats

Returning you to your regularly scheduled programming, already in progress

 

[MemphisFats]

No problem @Just1Better, I found what you asked and the responses interesting.

 

[MemphisFats]

@louBdub
Nothing right now. I saw a drill press for sale on a local buy and sell site and it just got me thinking! Lol
I have some casino used THC and Roulette molds I currently have no use for. If I could mill them myself I would be much more likely to do something with them. Maybe make a set for myself or sell them cleaned, milled and ready to go!
Memphis

 

[allforcharity]

You won't have to remove very much at all (in most cases) to get the hotstamp off the chip. You're just trying to create a flat surface, so even if there is a small but of residual foil left over, it's not the end of the world. The overall weight of the chip will only be fractionally reduced, would hardly register on most simple scales.

 

[Colquhoun]

When milling for a label, shallow is key. It’s way too easy to remove more than necessary, and the final product will look and feel better with a very shallow milling job.
Not sure if you can see how shallow in this photo, but this depth is best for a vinyl label:

 

[louBdub]

Just making sure you weren’t milling something special, and didn’t know it.

Initials and monogram chips, send it! Murder Death Kill.

 

[LeGold]

Also, 7/8" is not 7/8" is not 7/8". Each drill setup gives a slightly different diameter, so one should have the chips ready before labels are being printed, in order to have exact measurements for as snug a fit as possible. Even Paulson inlays do not have same dimensions across different batches.

 

[Colquhoun]

Also, 7/8" is not 7/8" is not 7/8".

Not sure what you mean.
7/8” IS 7/8”.
If you buy a 7/8” bit and the milled hole is not exactly 7/8”, thats a manufacturing error or just an inaccurate bit. Stick with the Magnate brand (or any reputable tool company) and 7/8” will indeed be 7/8”.

 

[Josh Kifer]

Not sure what you mean.
7/8” IS 7/8”.
If you buy a 7/8” bit and the milled hole is not exactly 7/8”, thats a manufacturing error or just an inaccurate bit. Stick with the Magnate brand (or any reputable tool company) and 7/8” will indeed be 7/8”.

Nope.

Have 3 different 7/8 bits downstairs from 3 different brands. All are different sized by tiny fractions. @Gear can confirm the drama that occured.

 

[LeGold]

Not sure what you mean.
7/8” IS 7/8”.
If you buy a 7/8” bit and the milled hole is not exactly 7/8”, thats a manufacturing error or just an inaccurate bit. Stick with the Magnate brand (or any reputable tool company) and 7/8” will indeed be 7/8”.

Of course 7/8" IS 7/8", in theory. However due to several factors in play, not least the drill itself which has a certain amount of wobble, it will never be exact. So if you just order blindly 7/8", you might not get a snug fit. If you don't care about that, sure, then you're fine.

 

[allforcharity]

I use a bottom mount router with a simple ring jig, and there's even more variables there. You think your calculations are exact, but they really aren't. Do all your milling first, at one go if possible, in order to keep as consistent as possible.

 

[Johnblue]

The wobble is real.

There’s so many tiny variables that slightly change how the bit spins and the chip sits.

Buy a 7/8 magnate bit, set it as true as possible in the press, get a good chip-holding jig figured out and then leave it set up until you are finished with the set. You should get relatively consistent results.

I personally don’t mind if the sticker is a teeny tiny bit smaller than the label hole, but some do, and if you want them perfectly flush, and are working with @Gear, you can get more precise measurements after the milling work, and he can cut them perfect for you.

 

[TheBigTater]

7/8" mill/label > 1" mill./label

There are variances in bits by manufacturer.
@Gear / @Wifey will always ask you what chip the label is going on and who did the milling. They are that good.

 

[allforcharity]

7/8" mill/label > 1" mill./label

Absolutely, for THC. With 1" diameter you are almost always cutting in to the inner ring, which ruins the look of the chip face, IMHO. Keep it classy at 7/8" or 15/16".

For RHC, you can try to maximize at 1" or 1 1/16". Not sure if anyone has tried 1 1/8", or if it's practical.

Practice on old disposable clay or plastic chips first to get your measurements right!

 

[maxim_666666]

No.

Why can't hot stamping be reused? What are the obstacles?

 

[Josh Kifer]

Why can't hot stamping be reused? What are the obstacles?

Hot stamped chips can be restamped.

Milled chips cannot, as the chip is way too thin, and the ring left from milling or murder will get crushed by the new stamp. You need all that clay for the new stamp to succeed.

 

[maxim_666666]

Hot stamped chips can be restamped.

Milled chips cannot, as the chip is way too thin, and the ring left from milling or murder will get crushed by the new stamp. You need all that clay for the new stamp to succeed.

I was hoping that I could do it... Although, I must admit that the surface is not very flat. However, I planned to experiment with them.
(I use sandpaper)

 

[Josh Kifer]

I was hoping that I could do it... Although, I must admit that the surface is not very flat. However, I planned to experiment with them.
(I use sandpaper)

I tried the sandpaper method. It didn't work. The only method I found that worked is my current, and it just takes forever to prep and work.

 

[maxim_666666]

The problem is that the dimple is between 7/8" and 1". And I'll have to invent a new cutter or reduce the size of the inch.
And the chips are crooked like bananas.... I need a lot of patience.

 

[maxim_666666]

I tried the sandpaper method. It didn't work. The only method I found that worked is my current, and it just takes forever to prep and work.

I completely agree. Sandpaper gives hope and a seemingly good result, but something else is needed. I have seen your work! This is great!!!

 

[Josh Kifer]

The problem is that the dimple is between 7/8" and 1". And I'll have to invent a new cutter or reduce the size of the inch.
And the chips are crooked like bananas.... I need a lot of patience.

You also gotta remember, all chip work is in factions of millimeters. Removing even 1-2 is going to take that from the task your doing. Stamps are only 1-2 mms thick (on the printing side). This will lead to the actual base of the stamp being pressed into the mold. You'll get a stamp, but a huge square pressed into the chip as well.

 

[maxim_666666]

You also gotta remember, all chip work is in factions of millimeters. Removing even 1-2 is going to take that from the task your doing. Stamps are only 1-2 mms thick (on the printing side). This will lead to the actual base of the stamp being pressed into the mold. You'll get a stamp, but a huge square pressed into the chip as well.

I understand. I think to use a special form that supports the chip only at the place of stamping and along the diameter so that it does not spread.