How to get a stamp to show nicely

[CitizenKate]

I have a hefty handle, and it does help. I set mine down on the concrete floor in my shop, then pound the crap out of it with a 6lb maul. Perfect impressions every time!

Kate

[UKRay]

I have recently modified an old foot press to fit 3D stamps and I have to say this is the best solution I've found to date. It allows me to use both hands to put the work in the perfect position under the stamp and use exactly the right amount of pressure on the stamp.

Ray

[carr52]

I found that a dead blow hammer works great. The lead shot inside the head helps prevent the ounce.

Tom

[Jordan]

While I have not looked closely at the tandy press due to ridiculously high price, I believe it is simply an arbor press that has been modified for leather stamping. I think a press is the best way to get good impressions every time and a generic press mostly used in the automotive trades could be reworked for leather stamping. I think the only area to be modified would be how the stamps are attached to the press. Until I get one, I have found that using a heavy handle and heavy mallet works ok but double bounce and unwanted corners are still a problem if the leather is to dry, to wet, angle of attack is off or your bench is not real solid. But by far a pressed stamping looks better and is a lot easier to do as smooth, even leverage pressure allows for consistent results.

[DaveT]

The TLF press isn't an arbor press. It uses a camming action to "break over" and provide a LOT of force to the stamp. I have one and love it, but yes, they are expensive. Fortunately I bought mine at a garage sale for $50.

As to hand stamping, use a hefty handle! As was stated earlier, a good heavy stamping bench/block is necessary. Best I ever used as a bench was at a school demo. We had a half wall made of brick and concrete. That was a SOLID stamping surface and worked great. If you use a table, make sure you are stamping directly over a table leg. Then tap one time to "set" the stamp. Now rock it up onto each corner as you beat on it with a large hammer. A 3lb maul or dead blow hammer works well. Some stamps also have more depth than can be stamped into thin leather. Try it on thicker leather and you may get a better impression.

Dave T.

[yankeefan]

I have ended up with a fair number of 3D stamps, and have really been struggling with getting them to imprint on leather.

I have tried several different things - dry leather, cased leather, wet leather. Hammering it to death, hand-pressure, different hammers and different surfaces. Nothing seems to do it. I know I'm missing something!

If anyone can point me to a decent 3D stamp instruction or help me along, I would REALLY appreciate it.

This guy on eBay sells a homemade machine. I bought one 2-3 years ago,and it works great. http://cgi.ebay.com/Leather-Imprinting-setting-punching-Machine_W0QQitemZ320424514894QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item4a9aca154e&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

This one just sold, but I bet he'll have another soon. His eBay name is br54922

I don't know him. Not advertising for him. Just a cheaper solution to the tandy imprinting machine.

[Patrice]

I've just bought a set of zodiac leather stamps by Baron and they are very difficult to stamp well in the leather. For your information, all 12 stamps are held just like any craftool. They are 3D, but not like the one sold by Tandy.

I'm using a yellow head small mallet, but i think i should use a maul. Also, is the Tandy Impriting Machin as an hollow tube that can accomodate craftool?

[CADBURYS]

sent for the Tandy press this morning so i suppose i will be waiting in anticipation like a kid waits for Christmas

[Luke Hatley]

I've just bought a set of zodiac leather stamps by Baron and they are very difficult to stamp well in the leather. For your information, all 12 stamps are held just like any craftool. They are 3D, but not like the one sold by Tandy.

I'm using a yellow head small mallet, but i think i should use a maul. Also, is the Tandy Impriting Machin as an hollow tube that can accomodate craftool?

THE YELLOW HEAD MALLET IS NOT HEAVY ENOUGH, IS THE LEATHER CASED JUST RIGHT?,

HAVE A FIRM GRIP ON THE HANDLE AND THEN GIVE IT A WHACK...........

[Penden]

I use the hefty handle and a rubber mallet! Haha