Making a New Stamp

[Marshal Will Wingam]

I've posted a lot about making your own tools, especially stamps. For those who have never done one, here's a quick follow-along on making one. In this case it's a basket weave but it could be any stamp. Nothing is set in stone but this is just what I did with this one. All these photos make it look like I did a lot, but the whole thing from bolt to stamp was only about two hours, and that included the time to set up and take the photos.

Start with a bolt.


Shape the end.










Add the details. I use the drill chuck as a handle for the Swiss files.








As you file the details, keep checking until it looks right.


Cut to the length you like and add texturing. I used a thread file to roughen the shank. Sandpaper works, too.




I like the end a bit tapered.




Done.


I hope this helps and inspires some of you to get going on some of your own.

[River City John]

I am not a leather worker, but that was an excellent tutorial!

RCJ

[Marshal Will Wingam]

Thanks. Glad to hear it does the job.

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[Capt Quirk]

I am not a machinist, but that was an excellent tutorial, thank you Will 😁

[Marshal Will Wingam]

Thanks for the feedback, Capt. Most of my machining stuff these days is done with simple hand tools. I do have a drill press, a grinder and a belt sander which do make some things go quicker but mostly it's files and good old hand work.

[The original bad bob]

You can’t argue with that result 
Very impressive

[Cliff Fendley]

Nice work Marshal!

[Marshal Will Wingam]

Thank you, Cliff.

[Rube Burrows]

Great job and excellent post explaining the process. Thanks for sharing.

[Marshal Will Wingam]

Thanks, Rube. I believe you were looking to buy some meander stamps. Have you considered just making them?

[Rube Burrows]

Thanks, Rube. I believe you were looking to buy some meander stamps. Have you considered just making them?

No, I had not considered making them. I can see where they would not be all that difficult of a design but I ended up buying one instead.

[Marshal Will Wingam]

No, I had not considered making them. I can see where they would not be all that difficult of a design but I ended up buying one instead.

That's right, I had forgotten you mentioned that before. Well, next time you want a different size, you may want to take a stab at it. Bolts are decent steel and last like better quality stamps you can buy.