Coin edges

[klonder]

Anybody have any tips on how to restore worn coin edges on hard rubber plates?
Thanks,Steve

[Nick in NY]

Hmmm good question.... I've never really thought about restoring them but accept them for what they are UNLESS there's a way of re rolling the plate., even then they most likely will not align.

[john elder]

You could do in on a lathe, given the right knurling tool, but as Nick said, would have to be an exact match. If not, then it will overrun in the second pass. The alternative is to leave as is or enhance with a file, using a jig to turn the plate and define depth of cut. I suspect Nick’s suggestion to walk away is good advice.

[klonder]

Thanks gents.
Went poking around and found some thin, flexable abrasive wire use by guitar guys to work on guitar nuts and bridges where the strings lay.
If its thin enough it I might give it a try.
Easier than a file but tedious just the same, like intermadiate wraps on old bamboo.

[klonder]

As mentioned above, found this stuff online and bought a spool of their thinnest at .012. It does the job however, I can see where using it for a whole plate would most definitely drive you into the "home" but at least you'd have a good "hobby" to keep you busy!!
Probably better to use it just for touch up or to cut new slots in newly repaired rims. It's not wire but more like cord and breaks if pressed too hard.

[john elder]

Neat idea, Steve! I have several rolls of thicker tape that i use on wood projects and to cut grooves in hard rubber grasps, but i think i’ll pick up some of that thinner tape, too. The nice thing about that “tape” is that it will form-fit the convex surface and keep the pattern true. If you immobilize the plate in a convenient position and use a consistent number of strokes, you should be able to make it around in short order, then brush lightly with a stiff brush to clean the grooves. If it was me, i’d do wearing magnifying glasses, but maybe you don’t need that aid.

[klonder]

I wish John! It's a 4" lighted magno glass for me!
Think I'll slap together a little "bow"/holder for short lengths of the cord. Limit waste and help guide my old hands/eyes for a straight cut.
It would be cool to construct some sort of "engine" to auto do the cuts and advance the plate one unit at a time with a hand crank.
Cheers

[Midway Tommy D]

One of those little plumber's hack saw frames would probably suffice as a bow.

[klonder]

True enough. I was thinking way simple and tiny, so I whipped this up.
The cord requires a light touch and I've yet to adjust correctly so only get 3-4 slots before it breaks.
Should be done sometime in the spring!