Contributing Member UKRay Posted February 28, 2009 Author Contributing Member Report Posted February 28, 2009 Ray, thanks for the press on the press I wish I could sell it, because it's honestly a shame just sitting here. I even have a UPS packing/shipping outlet nearby I could use for it. There was a little interest after I put it in the Marketplace section, but it drizzled out. Ah well, the right time will come. I'm really surprised you have still got it, Holly. They are quite expensive if you buy them new from TLF and having had one for a while now I wouldn't want to be without it. Okay, because it takes a few minutes to set up each time I mostly tend to use it for short 'production' work when I have say ten or more items to produce - keyrings are a great example. I have made a template that sits on the bottom plate and I just drop the keyfob blank into place and pull down the lever - simple as that. The reason it works better than a simple mallet or maul is becuse you can set up the depth you want to emboss to. This means you don't get the square impressions from the corners of the 3D stamp or letters. For anyone who is considering buying one take a tip and invest an extra couple of dollars in a set of adapters so you can use all the different sizes of Tandy stamps. It makes the press a lot more versatile. The downsides are worth considering too (before anyone thinks I'm on a retainer for TLF or Holly is paying me for marketing copy): 1) Weight - this is a heavy chunk of metal and shipping isn't cheap 2) Safety - The handle isn't supported/locked whilst in the upright position and can fall on your head if you aren't careful. It is worth mentioning that you won't let this happen twice unless you are completely stupid like me... eventually you will invest in a small length of leather strap fitted with a snap to keep it in place. Doh! 3) Set up - This isn't even slightly difficult but it has to be done each time you change the weight of the leather you are using. 4) Space - You will need to fix the press to a chunk of wood or preferably to your workbench and it takes up some space (not much but if you only have a very small area in which to work it may be an issue. I think that is it! I am a total convert and if anyone has any questions about setting up or using one of these I'm happy to help out. Ray Quote "Some mornings, it's just not worth chewing through the leather straps" Ray Hatley www.barefootleather.co.uk
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