Large Cross Metal Stamp Needed

[silvermagpie]

I've been searching high & low for a Large Cross stamp, but the only one that's suitable is this one on Etsy (which works out to be £22 with postage). http://www.etsy.com/listing/158307271/cross-7-mm-advantage-series-metal-stamp?ref=col_view

All the cheaper one's i've seen are the small 3mm-5mm size, but i need larger.

Does anyone know of anywhere that i can buy a similar one (preferably for less than 22 quid ;))?

[Truffle & Podge]

http://www.artbeads.com/mstamp17.html
It's not much bigger & a US site but might help :)
it's 6.5mm

[mizgeorge]

I do a DIY version with a couple of cheap flat head screwdrivers (shorter for the crossbar) filed to make a nice clean impression. Costs about £1 with poundland tools :) If you wanted to put a bit more work in with a file, you could also make one in a single piece with a phillips screwdriver, but it is harder to get into the middle to tidy up.

[silvermagpie]

http://www.artbeads.com/mstamp17.html
It's not much bigger & a US site but might help :)
it's 6.5mm

Thank you, but not sure if the 6.5mm is the actual stamp width or the size of the stamped image.......plus UK shipping is $20. :/

[silvermagpie]

I do a DIY version with a couple of cheap flat head screwdrivers (shorter for the crossbar) filed to make a nice clean impression. Costs about £1 with poundland tools :) If you wanted to put a bit more work in with a file, you could also make one in a single piece with a phillips screwdriver, but it is harder to get into the middle to tidy up.

Was actually thinking of doing this, but i'm not great at stamping at the best of times....so don't think that's a good idea for me. Lol
I'll keep searching.
Also looking for one of these striking hammers http://img46.imageshack.us/img46/8843/a062569a2af45080afbaa9a.jpg (preferably within the UK).

[ps_bond]

While that's quite a cute hammer, is there any reason one of the Thor insert hammers wouldn't do what you need?
http://www.thorhammer.com/Hammers/Rawhide/

Lopping the tip off a Phillips screwdriver to make a cross stamp is a doddle with a separating disc, BTW.

[silvermagpie]

While that's quite a cute hammer, is there any reason one of the Thor insert hammers wouldn't do what you need?
http://www.thorhammer.com/Hammers/Rawhide/


I like the idea of the very short handle & wider face, which would make stamping (for me anyway) a lot easier. Those Thor Hammers do look good though!
And i'm gonna try the two screwdrivers trick and see how i get on. (Hopefully i'll have saved myself £22:D).
Thanks Guys.


*Just spotted this hammer, which looks quite good actually. http://www.cjbeaders.co.uk/11735/Metal-Stamping/ImpressArt-Brass-Metal-Stamping-Hammer

[mizgeorge]

The impressart ones are fine if you're just after a short brass stamping hammer. They're not pretty, but the balance is good.

[caroleallen]

The trouble with economising on tools in my experience is that usually you end up wishing you'd bought the expensive one in the first place. If its a piece that you'll make again and again, you'll soon make your money back.

[Goldsmith]

Check out chasing hammers or repousse hammers, they have been used for hitting punches for centuries. A good addition to your toolkit.
see; http://www.cooksongold.com/category_select.jsp?query=repousse+hammer

James

[silvermagpie]

The trouble with economising on tools in my experience is that usually you end up wishing you'd bought the expensive one in the first place. If its a piece that you'll make again and again, you'll soon make your money back.

That's exactly what my other half just said to me. ;)
Well, i've definitely got my eye on that little wooden handled Brass Hammer. (Cheapest i've found it in the UK is £33).

[Goldsmith]

I am a little confused as to why you would want a brass hammer. These are meant to be used on striking wooden handled chisels, I thought this thread was about using steel punches. I have been in this trade as a goldsmith for 52 years now and have a vast collection of hammers and mallets but I have never owned or even considered owning a brass headed hammer.

James

[silvermagpie]

I am a little confused as to why you would want a brass hammer. These are meant to be used on striking wooden handled chisels, I thought this thread was about using steel punches. I have been in this trade as a goldsmith for 52 years now and have a vast collection of hammers and mallets but I have never owned or even considered owning a brass headed hammer.

James

From what i've been reading, Brass hammers (being softer than Steel) tend not to dull/damage your metal stamps and they tend not to let the metal bounce/or make the hammer slip whilst stamping on - like a lot of regular Steel stamping hammers do (usually resulting in double impressions).
I intend to do a lot of stamping, so just want the best tools for the job!
Yes, this thread started out about me wanting a Cross Steel punch, but i went off on a tangent i guess.
Being in the business 52 years is very impressive,...but we can all learn something new every day. :D

[ps_bond]

You are, of course, correct James - I'm afraid I saw "expensive brass mallet" and suggested a cheaper alternative without considering what is was actually needed for.

My Thor mallet is a bit big for jewellery work, but is excellent for persuading seized bits of machinery (such as a Land Rover) to behave themselves with more decorum.