HiddenSanDiego.com

Yes, one coin has the back removed, so that removes the tracking number. I've been thinking about that, but I'm not sure that I can really do much with the unused number. Any suggestions? Of course, I could also make a coin with two backs, and two tracking numbers... Dave

I've thought of using small magnets. They make very very small rare earth magnets that are quite strong. One way would be to hold it on securely with magnets and still be able to pop the 'lid' up. Another idea is to not bevel the lid so it won't pop up. You would have to use a stronger magnet against the front of the coin to "push" the back off with magnetism. Dave

Here are the pictures I took while making this coin. I usually work on the inset piece first. The coin is in the chuck and ready to go: I remove a small amount of metal to make the surface flat, then mount it onto a piece of aluminum rod. Once mounted on the rod, I can remove metal from the outside of the coin. The coin is then removed from the rod, flipped over, and material is removed, thinning it down to .025-.019 inches. Note the strips of paper between the coin and the chuck jaws to keep from scratching the coin. Machining of the outer coin is next and is much easier. Metal is removed out to the rim and the inset piece is test fit. This is done over and over, removing .0005 inches at a time, until the fit is right. Received my 2008 Compass Rose geocoins today and am looking forward to torturing a few of those! Dave

You're right, the coins slip together. When done right, they stay together very well and it takes a firm press in the right spot to pop it up. I'm sure having the coins screw together would be possible, but I don't have that ability right now. That would require even more work than it does now! The lathe tools can be used to machine plastic and I'm sure resin would be included. I'm not sure how it would go if a geocoin had plastic and metal sections. I'd have to experiment. You can't machine non circular things with a lathe, but you could take an octagonal geocoin and machine a circular area in it, I suppose. Dave

I'd like to show everyone a coin that I made. I took a 2005 San Diego Geocoin and modified it on a lathe so that it opens up from the back. I'm waiting for my order of 2008 Compass Rose coins, so I thought I would practice on this one. Actually, it takes two coins to make one of these. My intention is to make several of these from Compass Rose geocoins, and sell one or two. Because geocoins are rather thick, you can actually hide useful stuff in them including notes, flash memory chips, etc. I just listed this one on ebay starting at 99 cents, click here. I also have a link to a video that shows this exact coin in action here. I'm selling this one mainly to see how much interest there is in something like this. Even though I'm using a lathe, it's still a slow process. This coin took about 3-4 hours to make. You have to go slow and careful or you damage it. Is this something geocachers would be interested in? Dave

Thank you for taking the time to share the process of making these coins! I think people get a lot more inspired to do something artistic when they can actually see how it's done. Great effort! Dave

I don't know of any groups specific to geocaching in San Diego. But I would recommend saving money by finding a used GPS on ebay. I have the least expensive GPS you can get (eTrex) and it works great for me. This way, if you don't like geocaching you can sell it back and you're not out much. I can't imagine you wouldn't like it. Getting out into San Diego's backcountry. Looking for hidden treasures. What's not to love? As you mentioned, there are a lot in San Diego to find. You can also have fun hiding your own and watching the logs as others find it. Really, endless fun... Good luck.