Jump to content

Recommended Posts

  • Members
Posted

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.

post-16724-0-84028400-1372167761_thumb.j

post-16724-0-87973800-1372167783_thumb.j

Please visit my shop at: www.etsy.com/shop/EmbossingDieCompany
or contact me at: EmbossingDieCompany@gmail.com

Posted

You can still do that with a hole in the ram for makers stamps but he wants something for letters and number stamps.

post-19342-0-40238400-1372174478_thumb.j

post-19342-0-93644200-1372174491_thumb.j

  • Members
Posted

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...

Posted

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

  • Members
Posted (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 by lwm803
Posted

They have two ends, you can always drill one and leave one.

  • Members
Posted (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 by Harley Corns

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...