MarshalWill Report post Posted February 27 Over the years I've made many of my own tools. A while back on another forum I moderate, I posted on how I made a basket weave stamp. I ran across that thread and decided to share the process here. This is applicable to making just about any decorative stamp. Nothing is set in stone but this is what I did with this one. All these photos make it look like I did a lot, but the whole thing from bolt to stamp was only about two hours, and that included the time to set up and take the photos. Let me say that if I can buy a good quality stamp, I will do so. I only do this when I can't find what I want from one of the stamp makers. I started with a stainless bolt. Shape the end. If you don't have power tools, files will do just fine. When you have the shape you want, add the details. I use the drill chuck as a handle for the Swiss files. As you file the details, keep checking until it looks right. If you don't like the way it's looking, file it flat and start again with the detail work. Cut to the length you like and add texturing. I used a thread file to roughen the shank. Sandpaper works, too. You can also just make a bunch of dimples with a drill or center punch. I like the end a little tapered. Done. I hope this helps and inspires some of you to get going on some of your own. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DieselTech Report post Posted February 27 10 minutes ago, MarshalWill said: Over the years I've made many of my own tools. A while back on another forum I moderate, I posted on how I made a basket weave stamp. I ran across that thread and decided to share the process here. This is applicable to making just about any decorative stamp. Nothing is set in stone but this is what I did with this one. All these photos make it look like I did a lot, but the whole thing from bolt to stamp was only about two hours, and that included the time to set up and take the photos. Let me say that if I can buy a good quality stamp, I will do so. I only do this when I can't find what I want from one of the stamp makers. I started with a stainless bolt. Shape the end. If you don't have power tools, files will do just fine. When you have the shape you want, add the details. I use the drill chuck as a handle for the Swiss files. As you file the details, keep checking until it looks right. If you don't like the way it's looking, file it flat and start again with the detail work. Cut to the length you like and add texturing. I used a thread file to roughen the shank. Sandpaper works, too. You can also just make a bunch of dimples with a drill or center punch. I like the end a little tapered. Done. I hope this helps and inspires some of you to get going on some of your own. Yes I'm not the only 1. I got a BW stamp I made, it's not as nice as yours. I was in a hurry. Pear shaders is the other tool I make from time to time. Nice work on the handmade stamp. It looks Good! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MarshalWill Report post Posted February 27 18 minutes ago, DieselTech said: Yes I'm not the only 1. I got a BW stamp I made, it's not as nice as yours. I was in a hurry. Pear shaders is the other tool I make from time to time. Nice work on the handmade stamp. It looks Good! Thanks. LOL, remember that I mentioned that you could re-do the detail if it wasn't coming out to your liking? After I finished it I realized it was too close to another BW I had made. So I reshaped the end a little and made a different BW out of it. Whatever it takes to get a good result, eh? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DieselTech Report post Posted February 27 1 hour ago, MarshalWill said: Thanks. LOL, remember that I mentioned that you could re-do the detail if it wasn't coming out to your liking? After I finished it I realized it was too close to another BW I had made. So I reshaped the end a little and made a different BW out of it. Whatever it takes to get a good result, eh? Looks good! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MarshalWill Report post Posted February 27 1 hour ago, DieselTech said: Looks good! Thank you. It's one of my favorites, now. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bladegrinder Report post Posted February 27 That looks great, very nice tutorial. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BigBore Report post Posted February 28 Well now that’s just slicker’n hog snot. I must try this. Well done and thank you for the step by step instructions! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MarshalWill Report post Posted February 28 6 hours ago, bladegrinder said: That looks great, very nice tutorial. 3 hours ago, BigBore said: Well now that’s just slicker’n hog snot. I must try this. Well done and thank you for the step by step instructions! Thank you both. If you make any new stamps, post a photo for us to enjoy. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mulesaw Report post Posted February 29 @MarshalWill Thanks for a great and clear set of instructions. I have never thought about the possibility of making a basketweave stamp from scratch. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MarshalWill Report post Posted February 29 (edited) 2 hours ago, Mulesaw said: @MarshalWill Thanks for a great and clear set of instructions. I have never thought about the possibility of making a basketweave stamp from scratch. Thanks. I wanted to show how easy they are to make. The nice thing is you can make them any size and with many variations. Edited February 29 by MarshalWill Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
