Glossary

[BillinTR]

I was wondering if there is a descriptive tool glossary somewhere for stamping tools? I ask this because when I browse through the stamping tool listings on the various web sites I see a lot of confusing tool names and depictions. As an example lets just take bevelers. I see stuff listed as bevelers that have a very varied number of shapes and apparent impressions shown that are hugely different, especially from my experienced perspective. Some of the depicted impressions are relatively flat and square with fairly light surface textures. And others show an impression that is deep on one side and shallow on the other. I can understand some subtle differences in size and shape but it seems that some of these "bevelers" are intended for widely different uses.

Some other stamping tools show similar variations. And also the names of these stamps is very confusing at times when the impressions they make don't seem to be related to the names assigned.

If someone knows of some place, preferably on line, to read up about the use of various stamping tools I would appreciate hearing about it.

 

[Ferg]

I am going to assume that you do not have any of the old "How To" books from Tandy. Al Stohlman done carving and stamping when there weren't any tools available commercially. His books are "Encyclopedias " of Leather crafting as far as I am concerned. Visit a Tandy store or go On-Line to their site, you will find many of the books I speak of.

 

Ferg

[BillinTR]

I would have thought one or more of the on line leather supply houses would have done something along the lines of a glossary of some sort. But I guess their assumption is that if you are shopping for these tools then you know what you are doing and what you want.  I already have a couple of the Stohlman books and I guess if there is something out there specifically about tools I could see about ordering it. But In this day and age where you can get answers to almost any question on line I was hoping not to spend any more money right now. I have already spent a lot trying to get leather and supplies for a first project.

 

[billybopp]

This might help a little ... Somebody posted it on here awhile ago.  Not by any means complete, but it'll give you an idea.

- Bill

Craftool Conversion Chart.pdf

[sheathmaker]

Bill, there is one book you should get if you don't already have it.  "Leathercraft Tools" how to use them, how to sharpen them by Al Stohlman.  I believe theTandy stock number is 61960.

The book deals with tools, not stamps. I don't know if I've ever seen a complete, all in one place, glossary of stamps, but there has been over the years a wealth of information concerning stamps and their individual differences and uses in the "DoodlePages" which are no longer produced, but Tandy has them for download for a price. (they used to be free and came out once a week  or so and could be picked up a the Tandy stores). Stohlman's  "Figure Carving" book Also has a wealth to stamps and their individual use.

With regard to different bevelers, there are plain, lined  and checkered.  Within each of those there are deep (steep),rounded, pointed, undercut, and within those there are many different sizes from small to very large.  Each has a use or it wouldn't exist, your experience level and the type work you want to do dictates whether or not you either need or want a certain type.

This general theme repeats itself throughout the various categories of stamps.  First you have general categories, Bevelers, Seeders, Crowners, Border, etc, etc, etc. then within that you have the plain, checkered, lined, etc., then within even that you have various sizes, yet all are called bevelers, or seeders and so on.

If you decide to do figure carving. you need to "specialize" your tools to accomplish that best.  Sheridan style carving also requires some specialized tools but they also fall within the general categories of Bevelers, Pear shaders,  Background etc.

Don't try to get them all at once.  One to two here and there as the need arises when you spot one you need or one that will do the job with more precision and in 50 years or so you'll have over 400 (like me)

Good Luck

Paul

 

Edited February 13, 2018 by sheathmaker

[BillinTR]

Thanks for the additional comments. That PDF file had a lot of useful information although still missing a lot of info on the primary uses of various categories of stamps. I will look into the books that were suggested. At this point I don't anticipate getting into serious figure carving. I mainly expect to do some decorative work on relatively small projects. Maybe a picture of a bird, flower, leaves, some decorative trim.

I am still in research/study/learn about stuff mode as I have gathered some supplies and tools. A lot of lurking here has taught me a lot.