Which Stamping Tools Are The Best?

[WESTBOUND]

I am new to leather working and I am trying to build up my leather tools. I have been looking on Ebay, Craigs list, rummage sales, and flea markets for stamping tools.

My questions are: Which brands of stamping tools are the best, and how do I determine that brand by looking at the tool?

What it a good price for stamping tools?

Your help is greatly appreciated.

[TwinOaks]

While you can find some great deals on Ebay, craigslist, et al., I think you would do better (and perhaps cheaper in the long run) checking out our supplier's page. Not everyone is listed, but most of the major ones are. One name that comes to mind is Barry King, but be forewarned- be prepared to drop serious moola for the tools. IIRC, they start at about $25-$30 per tool; of course, they are top quality. My suggestion is to get a "basic 7" set, or some other 'beginner's set' and learn to make the most of the tools. After all, one does not need a "Snap-On Master Mechanic's Set [of tools]" to change the oil in the car. Another thing to consider is that they are just tools, and while they should be cared for, they are certainly subject to modification. One of the greats, Peter Main, openly states that he modifies just about every tool he has. That's why I say learn to use what you have to its fullest potential . Also, it's easier (to me) to put a $4 tool on the belt sander than one that cost $30.

One of the things to look for in the tools is the chrome plating, or lack thereof. I stopped getting Tandy tools a while back because nothing was consistent, and the chroming was poor at best. The corners, inside and outside, were rounded instead of crisp. They may have changed that, but I'm not sure. Most of the really top grade stamps are made from carbon steel (which can rust if neglected) or stainless steel. Lesser stamps are made from an inferior metal and plated.

As far as identifying the tools, just about every tool maker has their name either etched, printed, or stamped on the tool's shaft.

[WESTBOUND]

Thanks for the info.

I enjoy looking for tools. I try to hit Rumages and Estate sales looking for Diamonds in the rough. Here in Colorado there are a lot leather tools around if you know where to look.

I was trying to find out the names of tools, and what to look for if I come across leather tools (stamps).

I know about Tandy tools and Craft tools, but how do they rate as tools?

What are some other tool brand names besides the custom tool makers?

If I come across some stamps what do I look for? For example the steel, numbers or names on the side, and any other pertinent info to insure a quality tool.

What is a good price for a quality tool?

I just bought 27 older Craft tools with price tag still taped on each tool ($2.00 to $4.15), a set of 3/4" letter stamps, a swivel blade knife, plastic tool holder and a couple other odd things for $90.00. Did I pay too much or was that a good deal?

I really appreciate any info anyone can give me.

[BustedThumb]

I've been buying up a couple collections on Ebay to increase my stamping collection. You'll get duplicates and possibly some low quality tools, but in my opinion, when starting from nothing, quality tools aren't as high a priority as having a diverse "stamping vocabulary." As a rule, I don't bid more than $2 a stamp, so for a lot of 30 stamps, I won't bid more than $60. Any duplicates I just wait till I have a decent lot of them and put 'em back up for sale. I've only successfully won like three times so far, but it's much cheaper than buying brand spankin new.

I still buy a few brand new stamps every time I order other supplies, I can't help myself. I've only been doing leathercrafting a few months now, but I already have several dozen stamps, and need to make another leather cup to hold 'em all.

As far as brands stamped on the side, I've only come across a few - Craftools, US Stamps, Baron, and a made in Taiwan no brand. The only ones I don't like much are the Taiwan ones, they're bigger design stamps, the chrome finish is crappy and ridges aren't as crisp so the impressions they make arent' the greatest. But I bought those brand new, so go figure.

Edited April 9, 2010 by BustedThumb

[bruce johnson]

If you're looking for diamonds in the rough, pretty much most of the desirable makers mark(ed) their stamps other than some McMillens. The Craftools are far and away the most common finds in estate and yard sales for the reason they sell/sold the most. Other ones are CraftJapan and some other Asian stamps. I have some that are sure good ones. Other ones to look for are McMillens (may or may not be marked), Hackbarth, Don King, Woodruff, Russell, Fay, and a few more oldies whose names escape me. Newer makers are Gore, Barry King, Wayne Jueschke, Bob Beard, Check Smith, and some other new makers. It is sure possible to find these in estate sales from someone. Every once in a while you will hear about someone finding a big set of good old tools someplace. About any of the good ones will bring $15 and the right ones up to $150. That just comes from seeing them and getting a feel for what is desirable and what someone else will pay.

[hidepounder]

I would echo Bruce's comments and add that in my opinion all makers have some tools that they do better than others and that what is "best" is purely in the eyes of the beholder. My tool rack contains tools from all the different makers and I use them all depending on the pattern I am tooling.

Bobby

[WESTBOUND]

Thanks for your help, everyone.

I have bought about 70 stamps in the last two weeks, mostly on Ebay and Craigs list. About all of the stamps have been Craftool. I can see that Craftool is not the best stamp, but I have only been leather working for a couple weeks now so my designs are messed up more by me than a poor stamp. I will buy better tools in the future but the cheap ones get me started.

The knowledge you guys gave me will help me decide which tools are the better tools when searching odd sales.

Buying different stamps gets addicting, along with bidding on Ebay. I think I am enjoying buying the stamps more than doing the actual leather work. Is this normal? My wife says," no more stamps!" I say, "yes Dear", and think to myself, "where else can I look for stamps".

[CitizenKate]

Buying different stamps gets addicting, along with bidding on Ebay. I think I am enjoying buying the stamps more than doing the actual leather work. Is this normal? My wife says," no more stamps!" I say, "yes Dear", and think to myself, "where else can I look for stamps".

*sigh* Yes, it's normal.

Kate

[colttrainer]

The way I look at it the craft tools are the least expensive way to start. You can buy loads of tools so you can figure out what you enjoy doing the most. When you have that figured out & have figured out how to use them & what results can be obtained, then you can replace the ones you need to with upper end tool & still have all the others to either modify or do those odd projects that you normally don't. And if you decide that tooling leather isn't for you, you have a lot less tied up. Just my 2 cents for what it is worth.

Al

[WESTBOUND]

The way I look at it the craft tools are the least expensive way to start. You can buy loads of tools so you can figure out what you enjoy doing the most. When you have that figured out & have figured out how to use them & what results can be obtained, then you can replace the ones you need to with upper end tool & still have all the others to either modify or do those odd projects that you normally don't. And if you decide that tooling leather isn't for you, you have a lot less tied up. Just my 2 cents for what it is worth.

Al

That is the conclusion I have come up with over the last few days. I think I currently have everything I need to do about any leather project. I just need to gain the knowledge and experience.

Are there a certain set tools/ stamps that are considered the main tools which you really can't do without or need the most? Would it be wise to have good stamps in these tools made by a reputable tool maker?