Silver stamps

[hulagrub]

Do any of you enterprising young ladies or gents, make your own design stamps? Have googled but there is not alot out there. Help would be appreciated. By the way this is either my inquisitive side or cheap side, hard to say.

[thewrightthings]

Have made kind of freeform stamps, but nothing fancy.  Use some tool steel or a thick nail as the basis.  Also carved up more than one cheap hammer face for texturing. 
              Paula

[bobby1]

I have made  a few simple ones from broken punches. I'll post some pictures when we get back home from vacation  (Monday).
Bob

[Jeweller]

I have made a couple..... There was a great article and tutorial in the May 2008 ArtJewelry magazine  on how to make them from allen-keys (hex-keys).
Basically, you cut the bent end off and allen-key, then anneal an end by heating to cherry red and letting it air cool.
The design can then be cut into the annealed end using files, burrs etc.
Once that's done, you have to harden the metal again. This time, heat to a 'straw' or dark yellow colour, and quench in motor oil.
You can purchase the tutorial here http://www.artjewelrymag.com/art/default.aspx?c=a&id=1054  or I'd be happy to scan and email it to you.

They work really well   I made a flower, a leaf and a starburst shape. I'm guessing you could use a large nail or old steel punch the same way, but I bought the allen-keys in a $2 shop and got 8 in the pack. Could only use four of them (the largest ones) but still what a bargain!!

If you look at my blog  http://jewellersfile.blogspot.com/  and scroll down to the Lego ring post, you'll see I used the starburst shape stamp on the side of the bezel.

I'll dig out the photo of the three stamps and post shortly.

Tracy

[Jeweller]

Here's the pic of my stamps   

[hulagrub]

Thanks Tracy! Have bought some cheap punches from Harbor freight, but the allen wrenches are even cheaper, good idea!

[Bluesssman]

Very cool, Tracy!! I have used old punches and 20 penny nails and now I am experimenting using 1/2 steel rod and hardening it when finished.


Gary

[akansan]

Very nice!  I remember that article, but at the time I was still afraid of my torch.  I'll have to dig it up again.

[Jeweller]

  Be one with the torch !      lol

I did these with my mini-torch and they heated up in no time. You only have to heat the end, so it's not too scary   I must admit, I got my boyfriend to cut the bent ends off with the angle grinder though....I have a real thing about sparks (don't ask me why, I have no idea, I just hate sparks!!!) The article said to cut partway through with a diamond disc, then snap off by holfing in a vice and hitting with a hammer.... I didn't want to use my expensive diamond disc for that, and Phil just lopped the ends off in a few seconds with the grinder. I don't neccessarily endorse his 'safety procedure' though. Held the key in his hand and used the 5" disc in the angle grinder.....(while I was hiding around the corner!) :