Members EmbossingDieCompany Posted June 25, 2013 Members Report Posted June 25, 2013 I don't recommend drilling a hole in the ram at all. I work with a lot of large and odd shaped stamps (up to 10-12" wide sometimes) and IMHO you are better off not attaching the die to the ram. I use a 1/2" thick piece of acrylic as my "base", then I simply lay the leather on top of the acrylic, then I position the stamp exactly where I want it on the leather, then "press" multiple times, if necessary. As an example, I've attached a drawing of an oval die with eight ram impressions. I simply slide the acrylic (without touching the leather or the die) to position the die under the ram. With this technique, the die is perfectly placed on the leather, and you get a deep and even impression for the entire image. And even when the die is 4" wide or bigger, it still takes less than one minute to press it 8-10 times. Quote Please visit my shop at: www.etsy.com/shop/EmbossingDieCompanyor contact me at: EmbossingDieCompany@gmail.com
Tree Reaper Posted June 25, 2013 Report Posted June 25, 2013 You can still do that with a hole in the ram for makers stamps but he wants something for letters and number stamps. Quote
Members kevturbo Posted June 25, 2013 Author Members Report Posted June 25, 2013 Thanks for all the advice. In short then, no hole is needed of printing a 2 1/2 " long logo, as per 'EmbossingDieCompany's post, just an acrylic base. I could drill a 1/2" hole and tap and die it for number stamping, but first I must find a machine shop which is not as easy as it sounds in the UK. I'm sure I will eventually track one down, but we're all about being a 'service industry' now, rather than a manufacturing industry today. Pretty sad really, but it's not like the states where everyone has a drill press and lathe facilities. I live in London with 10 million compacted people, but that's my choice I suppose. I'm sure I will find one eventually. About 'BiggunDoctors' suggestion for milling to a v-block - well, I would not know where to start, or how to use it, so I'm stick with finding someone with a drill press for now. i think a posted pic of this would help as I can't envisage how this would work to be honest. 'Silverwingit's suggestion of a hydraulic shop press is pretty cool too, as I'd never seen one before - only clicker presses and arbors. And yes, they are very reasonable, even for a 6 ton, so thanks for that. i've found I can get hole punch dies to fit my standard hand rivet press, from green grizzly too, so I've ordered that for the moment as it's easy and a cheap solution. At least for hole punching. However, i can see no way but to hand stamp an oblong punch, as the top is too wide to fit into even a bored arbor. Any tips on this would be welcome, and thanks for all the comments so far. I feel far better informed now, and more confident with which purchases to make too. Oh, the Palmgren 61101 One Ton Arbor press comes pre-drilled for letter/number stamps, but it seems no one is impressed with the magnet holder as it reportedly breaks quite quickly. Still worth a mention though. Hope this thread helps others out there as much as me... Quote
Northmount Posted June 25, 2013 Report Posted June 25, 2013 I chucked mine in a 4 jaw chuck on a wood lathe. Lined it up and drilled the 1/2" hole running the lathe at a slow speed and adding a little cutting oil. (It was too big for my mini metal lathe). Worked out quite well. So if you know someone with a wood lathe, he might be willing to help. I laid out a couple old towels to catch the oil drips and cutting so there's no oil on my lathe. Tom Quote
Members lwm803 Posted June 25, 2013 Members Report Posted June 25, 2013 (edited) I don't recommend drilling a hole in the ram at all. I work with a lot of large and odd shaped stamps (up to 10-12" wide sometimes) and IMHO you are better off not attaching the die to the ram. I use a 1/2" thick piece of acrylic as my "base", then I simply lay the leather on top of the acrylic, then I position the stamp exactly where I want it on the leather, then "press" multiple times, if necessary. As an example, I've attached a drawing of an oval die with eight ram impressions. I simply slide the acrylic (without touching the leather or the die) to position the die under the ram. With this technique, the die is perfectly placed on the leather, and you get a deep and even impression for the entire image. And even when the die is 4" wide or bigger, it still takes less than one minute to press it 8-10 times. Good point, I agree that the hole is not necessary for that type of stamping. I have a 3/8" thick aluminum base attached to mine and often use a 3/4 in think aluminum bar on top of that, just because it is handy (or otherwise in the way). I do not attach the 3D stamps that I use to the ram but the hole in the end has never presented a problem. Without the hole in ram I would have to shorten the handle of any setting tools that I use with the press. But I do have a similar arbor press in my garage which I have not modified and a 20 ton hydraulic press as well if I need a press with a solid ram. The modified press is in my woodworking shop which is where what little leather work I do gets done. I have considered modifying the 20 ton as others have done but so far I still need it to function as designed for pressing mechanical parts together/apart and straightening bent stuff/bending straight stuff. Edited June 25, 2013 by lwm803 Quote
Tree Reaper Posted June 25, 2013 Report Posted June 25, 2013 They have two ends, you can always drill one and leave one. Quote
Members Harley Corns Posted June 25, 2013 Members Report Posted June 25, 2013 (edited) I just saw this thread ...and thought I'd share a Youtube video I found on the subject. DIY - Modified Arbor Press for Rivets (eyelets) - kenpoist7.mp4 I'm in the process of modifying my 1 ton from Harbor Freight...for use much like lwm803 described( rivets,snaps and 3D and letter stamps) I drilled the ram...and turned a shaft with the appropriate diameter(with an O ring slot) on the end to receive the 3D stamps. The O ring holds the stamp in place during the process. Next my plan is to make adaptors that will work for each of the different size of rivets, and snaps...and probably a hole punch as well. When all is finished.... i predict my total out of pocket will be less than $100. Edited June 25, 2013 by Harley Corns Quote
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