Coin Pusher made from artist easel/case 1st build.

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bezzy
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Coin Pusher made from artist easel/case 1st build.

Post by bezzy »

Hi all.

After watching the popular UK game show titled Tipping Point, I decided I wanted to have my own machine whilst having no previous interest or knowledge of constructing such a device. With the knowledge I have the required tools, and most of the hardware, along with a bit of ingenuity, I set about the task. The machine would have to be a portable version - not too big. I searched the house and came across an old wooden artist/easel box that could be an ideal base for the project. I decided it would be a 5p machine.
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As you can see it was just a case of pulling out the 2 drawers, cutting to size, and moving the various pieces around to look like the typical coin pusher, all the wood required was already present within the artist case. Note the two side panels mounted to accept a glass panel. Corners cut at 45 degrees and wooden supports installed ready for the Lexan Polycarbonate front panel.
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Next I drilled out the peg holes and fitted bolts fastened with nylock nuts, a little oversize perhaps but they work as intended.
One thing I did have a little trouble with was the top tray sticking back and forth. I had to be careful of taking too much material off the tray which would allow the coins to feed under the drop tray.
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I did not wish to have a plain backdrop for the coindrop so went with an Elvis photo. I'm a big fan - please forgive me!
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Glass panel installed cut from an old photo frame. Glue hidden simply by red insulation tape.
The finish is quick drying mahogany varnish.
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Next was the Lexan panel I had spare. Luck was on my side, a perfect fit no cutting required.
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What do I do with the holes left either side? Service access hatches!!! Eureka.
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I had to install runners as the pusher was not a perfect fit - 3mm either side caused a sideways wobble.
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For the pushing mechanism I had a spare steering servo from my RC stuff along with some linkages that would do the trick. The servo is an Alturn Ultra high torque model with 16.1kg/cm @6.0v of force which is plenty of pushing power. I would have had to buy a continuous rotation servo if it wasn't for the fact I discovered that with a servo tester I could make the servo go back and forth automatically.
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The servo tester.
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Switch and grommet recycled from an old PC power supply. Purchased a 1500ma multi voltage adaptor set at 6.0v wired to a switch and the controller.
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A neat stow away plug holder drilled.
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And finally a neat plaque with voltage details and the proud maker's name.
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The pusher mechanism working as it should.


There you have it. I just need some coins to put in it. It worked out approx £35 worth of 5p's to fill the trays properly. I spend £45.00 on parts. The recycled items I already owned would have cost about £94.00, so in total
to build it would have cost around £140. I don't know if that is a good or bad figure - perhaps someone could tell me. What would a hand built coin pusher like this cost if you could buy one like this? With the labour I have put in I calculate my pusher to be worth a couple of hundred pounds at least, though I would never think of selling it. Anyway, now I have stuck an Elvis photo in it. It would be difficult to sell if not illegal for copyright purposes. Once I have the coins I will post a working video.

Thanks and hope you enjoy studying my build.
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moonriver
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Re: Coin Pusher made from artist easel/case 1st build.

Post by moonriver »

Wonderful! You should work with vintagearcades.co.uk
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badpenny
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Re: Coin Pusher made from artist easel/case 1st build.

Post by badpenny »

Well done Paul, you have a great problem solving mind.
Isn't it so satisfying to do it yourself?

BP
ps Welcome to the forum by the way.
bezzy
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Re: Coin Pusher made from artist easel/case 1st build.

Post by bezzy »

Hey thanks for the kind words, they mean a lot, i have my dad to thank for the problem solving. Anyone have any feedback on how much such a machine would be worth im only curious not intending to sell it.
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badpenny
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Re: Coin Pusher made from artist easel/case 1st build.

Post by badpenny »

The slot world is a curiosity when it comes to values.
The most accurate answer is .......
"It's worth what anyone is prepared to pay"

Not helpful I know, sorry.
In 1992 I paid £450 for a Jennings Governor, that in 1996 I sold for £685. In 2002 I paid £950 for a similar machine that I sold two years later for £1150.
Today I reckon you'd pay £700 -£800.

BP
bezzy
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Here's a video of it working full of coins.

Post by bezzy »

Must admit I'm very pleased how well it's working. I filled it with £35 worth of 5p's and put a pound coin in along with a fiver in an envelope - makes it more fun.

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