Wanted: Custom metal stamp...

[Lomotil]

In my quest to personalize not only my tools, but other items, I've designed a custom "logo" that I would like to apply to a one-piece metal stamp for use on multiple surfaces. I just need to see if anyone on this forum has the machinery to produce such a die.

I have a hand-drawn image that I would like to convert into a stamp-able die, something that I could use to mark my tools with, as well as being able to stamp the side of a revolver, or the slide on a pistol.

I've seen some rather impressive work posted on this site, created with equipment I will likely never have access to (for example, the amazing custom AR-15 wrench socket that someone on this forum replicated.)

I can create an SVG file of my designed logo, but I lack the ability to convert it to an actual fabricated piece.

Is there anyone on here that can give me an estimate on how much it would cost to create a custom die?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Lomotil]

I don't think I'd mentioned it, but ideally, the stamp would need to be between 3-4 cm.

 

[Kevin54]

Give these guys a call and talk to them. We deal with them at work all the time and their prices are very reasonable. You give them the design that you need and the size of the stamp that you want and they will machine it up and harden it for you. Most if the stamps that we ordered took a week or less turnaround time. Very good people to deal with. http://www.thomasnet.com/profile/125010/dayton-stencil-works-co-the.html

Or here http://daytonstencil.com/

 

[charle10]

We use a company called Cadillac Marking up here in Michigan for all our stamp needs. I think any stamp/marking company would be able to do what you need. I would ask their opinion about materials, we have found High speed (M-2) lasts the longest with the high temperature, and hard steel we deal with at work.

 

[Lomotil]

Awesome... Just the kinda info I need! Thanks!

 

[wiz56]

Not trying to put a damper on your desire to make a stamp.......but, keep in mind the bigger you make the stamp the harder it is to make a good impression on the object you are trying to mark. We used to mark alot of machine parts and as anyone who has used them will tell you, striking a stamp with a hammer usually gives you very often uneven and sometimes double strikes. The manner that you chose to make the impression is very important.

 

[yhprum]

How about a chemical etch?
http://www.martronics-corporation.com/eom.htm

 

[Lomotil]

Not trying to put a damper on your desire to make a stamp.......but, keep in mind the bigger you make the stamp the harder it is to make a good impression on the object you are trying to mark. We used to mark alot of machine parts and as anyone who has used them will tell you, striking a stamp with a hammer usually gives you very often uneven and sometimes double strikes. The manner that you chose to make the impression is very important.

**** - I just re-read my post - it should have read "3-4 mm" and not cm.

When striking, could one get better results with a dead-blow hammer with a metal face attached?

 

[Lomotil]

How about a chemical etch?
http://www.martronics-corporation.com/eom.htm

That's interesting - I've never seen a home kit designed for that before. Might have to look into that, too. Thanks for the link!

 

[wiz56]

**** - I just re-read my post - it should have read "3-4 mm" and not cm.

When striking, could one get better results with a dead-blow hammer with a metal face attached?

It is better if you can do it with an arbor press or some other way besides a hammer.........the trick is holding it flat to the surface. I think what happens when you are striking it with a hammer is your fingers chicken out at the last minute..............

 

[cdent]

The Henry A Evers Co. makes a great steel stamp. They also have some alignment jigs, but those could be homemade easy enough for your application. If it's a non critical part, you can bring the spot up to dull red with a torch for a quicker cleaner mark that goes easier on the stamp.

 

[Lomotil]

It is better if you can do it with an arbor press or some other way besides a hammer.........the trick is holding it flat to the surface. I think what happens when you are striking it with a hammer is your fingers chicken out at the last minute..............

Goodie! More equipment to score!

I love any excuse to pick something new up... (or, at least, new to me...)

As for heating the surface, not sure I'd be comfortable doing that to most of what I'd want to stamp, but that's a good idea to practice with. (When I run out of pocket change to practice on...)

 

[Lomotil]

As far as the Arbor Stamp goes, would this be sufficient?

http://www.harborfreight.com/1-2-half-ton-arbor-press-3551.html

Or would the 1 ton version be better?

Likely applications would include tools, firearms, etc...

 

[wiz56]

That's a little light for my taste.........

 

[Lomotil]

Would the full ton be enough, or do I need to look elsewhere?

 

[cdent]

If you want to try something like arbor press, you might want to make sure your stamp and the different things that you'd mark can fit in the clearance under the ram. Four and a half inches is a tight squeeze and those lighter presses really flex.

You might be able to cobble up a sturdy frame with stuff on hand, and use a cheapie bottle jack to provide the push against a stamp. Lots of folks have done it.

 

[Kevin54]

Given the size it is possible that many home machinist could do it but you probably would be looking at a higher price for a home machinist vs. a stamping company to make it all due to the fact that a home machinist would have to buy a minimum piece of material to make the stamp, then it has to be hardened. And if you are going to be marking tools, then the stamp has to be harder than the material you are going to mark,
Most stamp places have the material on hand, can scan your image, and have one turned around and back to you in no time,

 

[Romey]

Here is some stamps makers I use for custom knives.
http://www.harpermfg.com/
Grey Ghost IMO is one of the very best
http://www.greyghostgraphics.com/stamps.html
Also Buckeye is very good.
http://www.steelhandstamps.com/
Go simple if you can and try to stamp evenly and flat as you can or youll jack up your stamp. I stamp ANNEALED steel with 16 ton jack I made into a press,one ton most likely isnt going to cut it for you but I so do simple stampings with heavy hammer if its mild steel on blacksmithing projects.
Hope this helps.