Members LakeOtter Posted June 3 Members Report Posted June 3 (edited) 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 Quote
CFM chuck123wapati Posted June 3 CFM Report Posted June 3 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. Quote Worked in a prison for 30 years if I aint shiny every time I comment its no big deal, I just don't wave pompoms. “I won’t be wronged, I won’t be insulted, and I won’t be laid a hand on. I don’t do these things to other people, and I require the same from them.” THE DUKE!
Members Dwight Posted June 3 Members Report Posted June 3 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 Quote If you can breathe, . . . thank God. If you can read, . . . thank a teacher. If you are reading this in English, . . . thank a veteran. www.dwightsgunleather.com
Members SUP Posted June 3 Members Report Posted June 3 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? Quote Learning is a life-long journey.
Members SUP Posted June 4 Members Report Posted June 4 Thank you @DieselTech I'll do that. Quote Learning is a life-long journey.
Members MarshalWill Posted June 4 Members Report Posted June 4 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. Quote
CFM chuck123wapati Posted June 5 CFM Report Posted June 5 Here's some more info on stanp making Quote Worked in a prison for 30 years if I aint shiny every time I comment its no big deal, I just don't wave pompoms. “I won’t be wronged, I won’t be insulted, and I won’t be laid a hand on. I don’t do these things to other people, and I require the same from them.” THE DUKE!
Members LakeOtter Posted Sunday at 07:12 PM Author Members Report Posted Sunday at 07:12 PM 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... Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.