embossing machine

[spiriteyes]

i'm possibly looking for a belt embossing machine. used, but decent shape, fair price.

but what is the going rate for embossed belts (i'm in maine), and do they sell? don't want to put out a few $100 and have another "toy" i don't use.

new here, hope you can help. i do mainly native american crafts (i'm penobscot), this is a new area for me (using machines).

thanks.

[Jordan]

I have the older style handcrank model and 3 wheels. I don't use it a whole lot and the wheels are pretty expensive. Embossed Belts don't sell for more than 25 30 dollars around here. I am happy with it and it is one of those things that when you need it, it's nice to have it on hand. The newer one is more versatile as the end is open which means you can use it to do borders and as a strap cutter and not limited to strap and belt embossing.

[UKRay]

I am fortunate enough to have one of the older Tandy machines like the one Jordan described and also a new Tippman Embosser. The older machine works okay now I have worked out how to use it properly, but I think the Tippmann is a lot more versatile and is much easier to set up and operate. Speed of set up is important - the Tandy machine needs to be fairly well disassembled to change the embossing wheel whilst the Tippmann just needs a couple of bits unscrewed and screwed back on again.

I really like the way you can use the Tippman embossing machine to produce belts with a fancy raised centre section - Having the two machines set up and ready to 'roll' allows me to keep the old Tandy one for basketweave and use the Tippmann for fancier stuff. The Tippmann can also be rigged as a leather cutter but, to be honest, I don't use this facility.

I think the trick with belt embossing is to use the embossed section in conjunction with hand embossed work. Okay, that might not sound particularly sensible if you fancy getting into mass production, but it does mean that stuff that is very time consuming like basket weave can be rolled down the middle of a belt blank and then 'tidied up' with hand tools to give a much higher value product.

Sure, the rolled basket weave won't be anywhere near as good as the best 'hand done' work but it is quick and relatively easy to make a number of belts this way. It is especially handy if you need to increase your inventory in a hurry for a show or special event.

I find rolled belts sell pretty well providing you are sensible about the price - I also get around £15 / $25 to $30 for a rolled belt here in the UK - but it is worth remembering that the customer could possibly be tempted to spend the extra money on handwork if the cheaper alternative isn't there...