Show Me Your Stamp Organizer

[RidgebackCustoms]

Across the posts I've seen a ton of different organizer solutions.  Most of them are home grown.  I'm always looking for the next better mouse trap, so show me your tool organizer.

Here's my current solution, but show me yours.

Uses a 3 foot section of 2 x 4 cut in 2.  One of the boards is slimmed down to create an opening that does 2 things.  Keeps the dirt, leather plugs, etc. out of the bottom of the hole and lets me see the color marks on the back end of my stamps.

For stamps that look similar I mark the back ends with some colored electrical tape.  I've never seen anyone else do this, but it just makes sense to me.  Easy to spot the low angle beveler vs the standard angle beveler when I inevitably take both out and leave them on the stone as I tool.

Biggest shortfall I have is that the capacity is limited.  I punch columns 1" on center to allow finger space to either side, but the tool density could definitely be increased.

[bruce johnson]

2 hours ago, RidgebackCustoms said:

Across the posts I've seen a ton of different organizer solutions.  Most of them are home grown.  I'm always looking for the next better mouse trap, so show me your tool organizer.

Here's my current solution, but show me yours.

Ridgeback, I like that rack and the fact it tips!

Mine has been a work in progress for about 35 years. I have used rolls, cans or cups, and blocks over time, and now it is all three. This is the bench as it sits today after my wife took up the leather tooling. My set up was a bit different when I was building a lot. I see a few weights on the bench. Mauls to the right - easy grab for the right size maul for a particular stamp. Swivel knives in a sleeve (glad to see that!). If I laid one down, it was on a piece of scrap sheepskin so it wouldn't roll and hit an edge. I don't know what Rundi does, I just sharpen them now. The handiest thing is the little block sitting at the back of the stamping block. It holds the tools in use for that particular project. Set it up and go - then put them away when done.

   The bigger racks behind the bench are mostly sorted by maker then type of tool are grouped within those loose knit sections. Barry King, Robert Beard, Gore, Clay Miller, Brooks, Gomph-Hackbarth, Horse Shoe Brand Tools, CLT, Craftools, etc. When I was making a lot I did not have the rolls to the left, they were standing up in a drawer. I had that bench area open for longer projects. She does some belts but mostly smaller work and wants the rolls within reach. Just leather rolls with pockets. Those rolls hold the "good stuff" sorted by makers - Ray Hackbarth originals, Wayne Jueschke, Don Butler, Elton Joorisity, Walt Fay, Don King, Bill Woodruff, some of the McMillens she uses fairly often. The drawer has pill vials holding those stamps that get some use, but not often for her - mostly McMillen and Beards, some Don Kings, swivel knives from Robert Beard and Don King, and mauls from both. 

 

 

 

 

[RidgebackCustoms]

@bruce johnson That's a lot of tool density in a little area.  Love it!  I'm trying to plan ahead as my tool collection increases.  My last solution (in the background) I outgrew really quickly and it never was quite right (poor tool density, super heavy, etc.).

The rolls in a box I like!  It would be nice to not have to pack up a tool roll when I go mobile.

I've had my eye on some new Wayne Jueschke tools, but haven't pulled the trigger.  Still in the process of getting more of the basics from Barry King.  I have a Bob Beard basket weave stamp I'm on the wait list for.  Haven't heard of a lot of the other makers.  I'll have to educate myself.

[PastorBob]

I don't have a clean pic, but here is part of it.  It spans the back of my 6 foot work bench.  Apologies for the mess.  work in progress....600-800 holes drilled.  lots of them.

 

[RidgebackCustoms]

@PastorBob Good looking 1911 you got there.  Holster project I'm assuming.

What do you think of the brass stamps?  I see them there in the picture.  I just started dipping my toe in the water and picked up a set of brass backgrounders.

Also, what's your work surface and does it span the whole length of the bench?  Is it a white UHMW?

[BlackDragon]

[DieselTech]

Don't laugh. I need more space!