LOL, afater I read through more posts and found out that Andrew E. Miller had been banned I realized that it was in fact the afore mention tool. Sorry to bring this post back up.

I think that if I could make realistic gaffs then I could make realistic coins. If I could make realistic coins then good-bye magic, good-bye work. I'd be off to the South of France and living in luxury (and I certainly wouldn't let on to anyone).

Most of the time it's not worth the money or effort to make the special gaffs. The only exception I would say would be when you can't get what you need anywhere. I made some gaffed coins a long time ago. I broke a lot of jeweler's saw blades. But I had a f****** quarter that would fit where no other one would.

If you get your kicks from making stuff, go for it, even if you never make a dime on it. I found instructions for making hoo coins and keys while searching some old Genii's the other day. I've already got some, but as soon as I can make a trip to Home Depot, I will be making some more, for the sheer joy of it. If you never come up with some "breakthrough idea," or never use them in performance, I think that making your own gaffs will give you an appreciation of the ones you do use, as well as for the inventors thereof.
Aaron

If you get lucky enough to actually be good at it - let us all know. It is easier to buy what you need - and a lot cheaper.

JCPENNY
Simply Magic

I tried to find a machinist that could help me make some canadian coins and they are not thrilled with the idea of playing with money. Unless you have your own machinery it will cost you an arm and leg.

I have made gimlets (Karate coins) out of the nickel clad as well as silver halfs and dollars with some success. I had a friend make the hole and used my wifes tools (she makes jewelry) to clean up the edges. I'm sure it doesn't compare to quality of professional gaffers but I haven't had any problems with presentation to laymen. I don't think I could pull off any other gaffs though. Drilling a hole and filing the edges does not require much craftmanship.

Good luck and keep remembering..I'm doing this for fun and not profit! BTW..If you want a great karate coin..shoot a liberty with a 7mm from 100 yds.