What kind of files are used to mod or make stamps?

[LakeOtter]

Hello!

This is only one example but, for example, I can see how I can take a modern, cheap F918 stamp (a figure-carving stamp like a camouflage) and modify it to be more like a vintage one if I had a very thin file (and maybe my slow speed grinder, too). I could sharpen the ends of the little metal lines (and maybe round the end over a bit more with the grinder).

What kind of files do you/they use to tweak thin lines on stamps? I heard that even Barry King "used his coarsest checkering file" to customize a special order, vertical lined thumbprint for a guy. I wonder what a checkering file is like... like if it's made for the purpose(?).

At first I kicked myself for giving away my banjo nut files, but then realized they only were abrasive on the edges whereas I could use something like that with abrasive also on the flats, as well. Those files came as thin as .010" thick, but you one use the thin edges.

I do see a file .020" thick for sale, but, before I order, do any stamp makers or serious DIY stampers have go-to files for getting in tight spaces and making, or at least fine-tuning lines on a stamp?

Thanks!

P.S. I know some cheaper stamps are chrome plated. While I prefer tool steel or stainless stamps, I have found I can modify a chrome-plated stamp, removing chrome, and  and still get along okay as long as I clean it with test stamps first so I don't get oxidized pot metal on my leather if it sat around for ages or something. I just don't have any thin files to get deep into grooves.

Edited June 3 by LakeOtter

[chuck123wapati]

checkering files would be a last resort, imo, they are short and hard to manage on iron.

jewelers files, also called needle files. They work great and can be found in most hardware stores or Walmart, etc. I purchase stainless bolts to make stamps with iron will darken or stain the leather sometimes, that's why most stamps are chromed. I use them on my knives as well as making stamps and various tools.

[Dwight]

Harbor Freight has a plastic pouch with like 10 different files . . . they're all little guys . . . perfect for this kind of work. 

Sign up on line . . . . you may hit their 50% off deal.

May God bless,

Dwight

[SUP]

2 hours ago, Dwight said:

Harbor Freight has a plastic pouch with like 10 different files

Would that be the needle file set or the precision needle file set?

[DieselTech]

Look up jewelers files. 

[SUP]

Thank you @DieselTech I'll do that.

[MarshalWill]

I use Jeweler's files along with what ever else will give the desired result.

 

Here's a thread on how I made one stamp.

[chuck123wapati]

 

Here's some more info on stanp making

 

[LakeOtter]

Thanks very much for all the replies. I got the .020" thick file and love it for some stuff... but yes, indeed, I'd forgotten how some of the needle files even at HF, while not super thin like this $23 file, do come with triangular ones and stuff to help get in tight spaces, thanks! I actually have some, somewhere, for fine-tuning Native American-style flute parts and stuff I was doing before I moved to a smaller space with no machine shop. I know I saved them, somewhere...