DIY: Nickel/Quarter Coin Mechs

[jimmyjet]

FWIW:  I have been successful making coin mechs for a few of my coin doors that came without mechs.  I will try to describe how I did it.

First, I took 1/2" thick maple and cut it into 3" x 4" squares.  I needed four of these pieces to make two mechs.  I also had to cut one corner off of the squares so the mech would fit in the appropriate spot.

Second, I drew pencil lines indicating where the coin would enter the mech and also the exit point.  I routed the channel out using a laminate router with a straight cutting bit set a bit deeper than the thichness of a quarter.  You need to router two pieces.

Third, I sandwiched two pieces together (one routed, one unrouted) using 1" drywall screws.  

Fourth, Paying close attention to placement of the entrance points and exit points, I used a few carefully placed screws to firmly attach the wood "mechs" to the coin door.  Use trial and error to find the perfect placement before final attachment.

A few comments:  I have had about 5 out of 100 coins get stuck with these mechs.  To unstick a coin you need to hit the coin door firmly (these mechs render the coin return button inoperable).  I can activate a credit with pennies, nickels, and quarters.

I thought a few people would like to try this.  It saves a few dollars and you can play your mame machine using pennies.

jimmyjet

[jimmyjet]

There was supposed to be pictures attached.

[jimmyjet]

Next picture:

[jimmyjet]

Last picture:  they're installed:

[Jabba]

Very clever. I just bought an empty cabinet with no mechs. I think I'll give your idea a whirl.

[GamingGreg]

For my coin door I just cut some poster board and folded it into a thin rectangular tube, and then I ducktaped that to the entry and exit points on my coin door.  Works like a charm, and I've never had a jam (but then of course I rarely use the coin door).

This is an interesting idea.  I imagine it's possible to make one that only accepts quarters, and rejects others.  It would be quite a bit more work though.

[Ken Layton]

Actually it would be easier (IMO) to just get on the phone and call either Happ Controls, Mazzco, Competitive Products, Coin Mech, Asahi Seiko, or Imonex and order some coin chutes.

[GamingGreg]

Actually it would be easier (IMO) to just get on the phone and call either Happ Controls, Mazzco, Competitive Products, Coin Mech, Asahi Seiko, or Imonex and order some coin chutes.

I'll agree with you on that one.  The monetary savings isn't that great by doing it yourself.   However, some might want to do this just for the "challenge" of building your own.

[Brad Lee]

Actually it would be easier (IMO) to just get on the phone and call either Happ Controls, Mazzco, Competitive Products, Coin Mech, Asahi Seiko, or Imonex and order some coin chutes.

I interpreted the point as that these can work with any/all coins, and not only quarters, or only nickels, or only dollars.. Closest Ive seen to that is adjustable ones that can be set for one type of coin at a time, but if youve ogt mixed coins youre SOL

[alphasqorner]

For my coin door I just cut some poster board and folded it into a thin rectangular tube, and then I ducktaped that to the entry and exit points on my coin door.  Works like a charm, and I've never had a jam (but then of course I rarely use the coin door).

This is an interesting idea.  I imagine it's possible to make one that only accepts quarters, and rejects others.  It would be quite a bit more work though.

Yep, I the same.  My coin door didn't come with mechs and so I just folded some paper to to guide the coins straight into the coin box.  works like a charm for any coin, although sometimes a penny or dime does miss the switch lever....... but only about 5% of the time.

[Stingray]

Before I bought real mechs I made something similar out of sheet metal. Like alphasqorner said, sometimes dimes & pennies miss the coin switch, but they work with any kind of coin... even those wacky Canadian quarters!    

-S