Small stamps here we go.

[Sanch]

Ok so I'm hard headed and know what I need for my style of carving after looking around and asking here I decided to make some mini stamps these will be modeled after some that I've seen but they will suit my needs plus I made them so no one to blame but me if they don't come out right.  Here they are feel free to ask any questions. Here's some details 1. They are 3/16 inch diameter 304 SS rod. 2. The knurling was a little bit of a PITA. So I had some help. 4. The checkered backgrounders were done on a file, all me. 5. I plan on shaping all on a powered diamond hone.  The 3 with no checking will be 1 beveler possibly 2 pear shaders. They are all the same length relatively +/- 1/8 inch.

[Sanch]

Ok here's an update...bevelers are easy and so are pear shaders as long as they are not checked.... the pattern I had wasn't what I wanted so I gotta re-do the backgrounders gotta figure out how to get tiny checkered pattern....anyway here's some pix...tandy pro B2042 on left for compariso.still need to polish them. If anyone has a suggestion on the checking please chime in!

Edited March 2, 2019 by Sanch

[fredk]

Mark a set of lines across using a pointed marker pen then cut with a jewellers 3-square file. Then mark the counter lines and cut again with the 3-square

[Sanch]

20 minutes ago, fredk said:

Mark a set of lines across using a pointed marker pen then cut with a jewellers 3-square file. Then mark the counter lines and cut again with the 3-square

Yea sounds easy.....it's not there's a better way just havent found it...yet...the faces are 1/8"- 3/16" diameter...

[andymanak]

Hi, I have not done checkering yet, but have done some lined bevels by using a "checkering file" http://www.grobetusa.com/swiss-precision-6-checkering-hand-file-cut-00-item-31-035/

I also used 304 ss, so it is possible, but my technique was not the best so there was some chattering in the grooves.  The tops of the ridges came out great though, so the impression is still right.  I believe the proper use for the file is to set the marks though, then you come back with the 3-square file to dig the groove.

[andymanak]

I found pictures!

You can see the chattering on the pear-shaped backgrounder, it probably shows in an impression but I can not see it.

The only one I use is the mules foot, one day I will try again and go for checkering.

[Sanch]

1 hour ago, andymanak said:

I found pictures!

You can see the chattering on the pear-shaped backgrounder, it probably shows in an impression but I can not see it.

The only one I use is the mules foot, one day I will try again and go for checkering.

Hmmm, why didn't I know about this lol!! But 70+ smackers for a file is out of the question at this time! Thanks for the reply and tip!! Ok just did the unthinkable and tried using a thread chase file (24 thread pitch) if I had made the stamps out of a mild 1018 steel it would have worked in a pinch i need a checkering file!!

Edited March 3, 2019 by Sanch
Found out the file I want/need was more$$$

[andymanak]

Yeah, it sat in my amazon cart for a few months before I decided to just go for it.  I also got one of the Inox ones for stainless steel, wow what an impressive little file it is, made finishing the stamps go quickly and cut down on my sandpaper time since it cuts clean as well.

It looks like they are about 37 USD on amazon

[Sanch]

8 hours ago, andymanak said:

Yeah, it sat in my amazon cart for a few months before I decided to just go for it.  I also got one of the Inox ones for stainless steel, wow what an impressive little file it is, made finishing the stamps go quickly and cut down on my sandpaper time since it cuts clean as well.

It looks like they are about 37 USD on amazon

The one I want is the 50 lines per inch so of course more $$$, as far as shaping the stamps im good in that area I have 6" Diamond impregnated polishing plates on a 3/4 hp motor (100, 220, 400, 600, 1500 grit) finish with 2k sandpaper then green jewlers Rouge at 3k rpm.  

[Sanch]

Another update, backgrounders done now. Couldn't source a 50 lpi file so I used a 30 lpi.  Fairly pleased with the results, if I ever get the chance I'll do it again but with the 50 lpi file.

[noobleather]

Great work,must be really satisfying to use those tools you have made and see the results on the leather

[JazzBass]

Check Brownell's, a supplier of gunsmithing tools. They should have a 50lpi flat file for layout, and curved triangular files for pointing up the diamonds.

[Sanch]

17 minutes ago, JazzBass said:

Check Brownell's, a supplier of gunsmithing tools. They should have a 50lpi flat file for layout, and curved triangular files for pointing up the diamonds.

Ok so I need to clarify I am not looking to buy a file at this time the one I used for these was leant to me by a friend who is a hobbyist gun Smith but when i do I will definitely look at Brownells thanks for the tip!

18 minutes ago, noobleather said:

Great work,must be really satisfying to use those tools you have made and see the results on the leather

As of yet I have not used them, only tested them so I will let you know how things turn out and I probably will post some pictures of whatever I make with them thanks for the kind words.

Edited March 5, 2019 by Sanch

[YinTx]

Fantastic work, thanks for sharing the process with us.  Look forward to seeing the results!  I must say, these look as good as some of the older stamps I have.  Well done.

YinTx

[Sanch]

7 hours ago, YinTx said:

Fantastic work, thanks for sharing the process with us.  Look forward to seeing the results!  I must say, these look as good as some of the older stamps I have.  Well done.

YinTx

Thank you,  I will take that compliment and run! Older stamps seem to be better quality depending on their care and feeding lol!! I now know my next tool investment will not be a leather working tool!

[Sanch]

Okay this is the last installment of pics. They're polished and cleaned. Don't think I'll ever buy another set of tools again!  I can make them 

[JazzBass]

Wonderful!
Just out of curiosity...any plans to offer your tools commercially, or do we only get to drool at the pics? ;)

 

[Sanch]

1 hour ago, JazzBass said:

Wonderful!
Just out of curiosity...any plans to offer your tools commercially, or do we only get to drool at the pics?

 

Sorry. Just like my swivel knives, head/round knives, skiving knives and all other tools I've made they are for personal use only part of the journey for me per se.. thanks for the kind words though.

[JazzBass]

No need to apologize! I understand fully

[CNHLeather]

Now that's talent 

[Sanch]

1 hour ago, CNHLeather said:

Now that's talent 

Thank you!

[HoneycuttMachine]

I would get the end of the tool blank up to a temperature where a magnet will no longer stick to it then in one smooth motion, with a gloved hand, hold the tool over the desired patterned file. One smart blow with a ball peen hammer should form a very nice pattern in inverse on the tool. The doublecut swiss file , coarse, would be a great reproduction of a checkered backgrounder, see file examples for further ideas! Even a little can of the smallest ball bearings one could find would produce a nice pattern, let your imagination go.My main effort is to convey the idea of heating the end of a tool blank and then impressing the imprint of whatever is desired into the hot & malleable steel. Enjoy!