Chrome-tan logo stamping: hot stamping machine or arbor press?

[Matas]

Hello,

Just a short notice that it is a pleasure to be here! Last week I finally have received my custom made brass logo stamp. I am working with chrome-tanned leather quite a lot (wallets, bags, other kinds of small things) and thus wanted to know, what would you recommend me to buy:

1) 1-ton Arbor Press + Heatgun = approx. 112$

2) Hot stamping machine (for example, ebay Item link) = approx. 200$

If anybody had any luck with these kind of hot stamping machines - please share! Would love to know whether these are able to give pressure high enough.

[Nuttish]

1. Arbor presses will work fine depending on the mark. They'll all lose their crispness, though won't necessarily disappear completely. Be very very careful not to apply too much pressure or fine lines/typesetting will go through the grain.

2. The Chinese hot stamping machine I bought was a clear and present fire hazard. That one's a different style, but I would make sure you can return it no questions asked. Have a look at my post on the machine I purchased. 

I have no idea where the photos went.

3. Any used Kingsley or similar machine in decent shape will be fine. A machine that doesn't heat up is still cheap to get up to better than factory specs with a PID, strip heater, and replacement power cord. This way, you can even get an American machine (120v) cheaply converted to 230V. The conversion is easy. Check it out: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Kingsley-Hot-Foil-Stamping-Machine-M-101-Digital-USED-PRISTINE-CONDITION-/131678339718?hash=item1ea8a40286:g:thIAAOSwo3pWceHI This is a 275W manual machine with a PID controller for $1000 used, but it would cost less than $60 to upgrade a much cheaper 75W machine to 300W with a PID controller.