VO-BB - 19 YEARS OLD!

Mike Harrison

Roughly 50 years ago, while I was still living at home, the township recommended residents engrave their valuables with their social security number to enable identification should they ever be stolen and recovered. As a young geek, enthralled with the technology of tape cartridges (the lifeblood of Top 40 radio broadcasting), I'd bought a used machine and dutifully engraved it as suggested.

Now, no longer having a use for the machine (it still plays and recues) and tired of it taking up space, I've found someone interested in taking it off my hands. Obviously, I want to obliterate my social security number.

But HOW? Any ideas?

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Mike
Male Voice Over Talent
I have taken leave of my sensors.

todd ellis · Posted: Tue Jul 21, 2020 2:40 pm Post subject:

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"i know philip banks": todd ellis
who's/on/1st?

George · Posted: Tue Jul 21, 2020 2:43 pm Post subject:

a metal file would probably work too. the grinder is way more fun though.

todd ellis · Posted: Tue Jul 21, 2020 2:45 pm Post subject:

use a dremel and subtly change 2 or 3 of the numbers.

Ninja

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"i know philip banks": todd ellis
who's/on/1st?

Mike Harrison · Posted: Tue Jul 21, 2020 2:50 pm Post subject:

Uhhh yes, that would certainly do it! cool

Although, what needs obliterating measures no more than 1/4" x 1.5" I was hoping I wouldn't have to rent such a big piece of equipment. But you've put me on what might be a good track: if I were to buy a small grinder wheel (is that what they're called?), might that work if I attach it to my power drill?

Thanks, Todd.
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Mike
Male Voice Over Talent
I have taken leave of my sensors.

todd ellis · Posted: Tue Jul 21, 2020 4:13 pm Post subject:

yes. you should be able to get something at lowes or home depot for a few bucks that will do the job.
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"i know philip banks": todd ellis
who's/on/1st?

Mike Harrison · Posted: Tue Jul 21, 2020 4:20 pm Post subject:

Great. And I don't EXPECT you to know, although you do seem very knowledgeable in this stuff: The surface engraved is stainless steel, and I don't want to butcher it too badly. What do you think I should look for in the way of coarseness/fineness?
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Mike
Male Voice Over Talent
I have taken leave of my sensors.

todd ellis · Posted: Tue Jul 21, 2020 4:53 pm Post subject:

i don't imagine the metal is more than thin sheet metal - so the engraving can't be that deep. you might be able to get a set of wheels of varying grit. you might even get it with a wire wheel. you're going to want as high speed as you can get.

good luck.
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"i know philip banks": todd ellis
who's/on/1st?

Mike Harrison · Posted: Tue Jul 21, 2020 4:58 pm Post subject:

It's close to 1/8-inch stainless steel, but the engraving doesn't appear to be very deep.

Thanks much, Todd.
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Mike
Male Voice Over Talent
I have taken leave of my sensors.

Bruce · Posted: Tue Jul 21, 2020 5:27 pm Post subject:

Just engrave other numbers over the old ones. Turn 5s and 6s into 8s, and 1s and 7s into 4s. Then play the resulting numbers in the next lottery. Just remember you heard that here first from your old pal.

B
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VO-BB Member #31 Enlisted June, 2005

I'm not a Zoo, but over the years I've played one on radio/TV. .

Lee Gordon · Posted: Wed Jul 22, 2020 12:46 am Post subject:

If you still have access to the engraving tool you used originally, just use that. If you don't, some 60 or 80 grit sandpaper should do the trick. Use a sanding block or buy a sanding sponge (Home Depot carries one that has 60 grit on one side and 150 grit on the other). Mask the area around the number with tape to confine your sanding to just the number. If you do get a multiple grit sponge, use the coarser grit first and then switch to the finer grit.
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Lee Gordon, O.A.V.
Voice President of the United States
www.leegordonproductions.com
Twitter: @LeeGordonVoice

Mike Harrison · Posted: Wed Jul 22, 2020 7:35 am Post subject:

Thanks, Bruce. My original idea was to rent an electric engraver to do exactly what you suggested but, apparently, hand-held electric engravers are either extinct or no one rents them anymore. Plenty of places are eager to sell me a laser engraver, though.

Lee, I think I'm going to try your suggestion first. While I don't want to mar the surface too badly, the machine IS over 50 years old and I'm sure the new owner will understand. Thanks for the suggestion... AND the instructions!
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Mike
Male Voice Over Talent
I have taken leave of my sensors.

Bruce · Posted: Wed Jul 22, 2020 8:14 am Post subject:

Engraver pens run $8.00 and up on the web. Police and fire stations used to loan them for free. Still today?

B
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VO-BB Member #31 Enlisted June, 2005

I'm not a Zoo, but over the years I've played one on radio/TV. .

Mike Harrison · Posted: Wed Jul 22, 2020 8:35 am Post subject:

Engraving pens! Who knew?

HUZZAH! (found just now on Amazon)

Thanks, Bruce!
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Mike
Male Voice Over Talent
I have taken leave of my sensors.

Mike Harrison · Posted: Wed Jul 22, 2020 8:38 am Post subject:

Apologies to George and Todd for not seeing until just now a couple of posts that were made yesterday within minutes of one or two of mine.

Thanks, though!
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Mike
Male Voice Over Talent
I have taken leave of my sensors.