Cheaper Alternatives for High Quality Metal Stamps

[wedgespoke]

Young Bros obviously makes the best stamps that result in Anthony Taranto level quality stamping, but I can't pay $300 for a set of metal stamps (until my friends start paying me to stamp their clubs). I've bought some stamps off Amazon, but they are all poor quality compared to the finished product of a Young Bros stamp.

 

Anyone have good suggestions for high quality stamps that won't break the bank? Also, I've used 1/8 inch stamps, but they seem too tiny? What's the ideal size?

[toophewbirdies]

If you're on PT, you might be able to reach out to LaMont or Kari or even Byron.

 

I know LaMont is on here as well ( golfuvzme) and might chime in or some more knowledgable members here.

 

Good luck anyways.

 

PS Welcome to WRX!

[A.Princey]

I've been scouring the internet for a mid level set as well, because my harbor freight ones aren't cutting it. Anyway, I've come across a good company that has expensive sets and also offers a low cost set. Pryor. They have 2 sizes, 1/16" and 1/8" that are cheap on amazon, PP27015 and PP27030, respectfully. Hopefully, as a reputable company, even their low cost options are excellent quality. From my research, 303 stainless is roughly 19-20 HRC and these are rated up to 37 HRC. Why does Rockwell and other hardness scaling have to be so confusing?????

[The General]

https://www.amazon.com/Young-03361-Machine-Combination-Character/dp/B00472MJ0Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1517435249&sr=8-1&keywords=young+bros

 

 

Vokey uses Young Bros

[JTA10wt]

What's wrong with Harbor Freight? I've used the same set for 10+ years now with no issues. A couple that I use regularly have some wear and are slightly bent but they still work. It's all in the technique using the pad on the back of the vise & double sided tape to hold the head and hold/mark your spots.

[trapdraw]

steelstamps.com

[tobybear]

I'm not sure if they ship to the states but i would go with stamps from Lee Valley Tool.

 

http://www.leevalley.com/en/garden/page.aspx?p=32187&cat=1,43456,43461&ap=1

 

Used to used harbour freight style stamp and these are way better quality for a minimum price increase

[A.Princey]

What's wrong with Harbor Freight? I've used the same set for 10+ years now with no issues. A couple that I use regularly have some wear and are slightly bent but they still work. It's all in the technique using the pad on the back of the vise & double sided tape to hold the head and hold/mark your spots.

Some of the letters/figures have a blob of metal in the exact center so my 'S' stamps all exhibit a circular mark in middle of the letter. Also, my 'E' has lost its edge and is rounded to the point it won't seat well. They work, just not professional looking as far a shape and consistent hardness. They are definitely not single blow stamps, unless you're goal is super shallow, barely visible impressions. I really have to work the stamp at multiple angles to get even depth for the more 'detailed' E, M, N, H, R etc. Carbon steel they're fine but stainless is tougher.

[JTA10wt]

What's wrong with Harbor Freight? I've used the same set for 10+ years now with no issues. A couple that I use regularly have some wear and are slightly bent but they still work. It's all in the technique using the pad on the back of the vise & double sided tape to hold the head and hold/mark your spots.

Some of the letters/figures have a blob of metal in the exact center so my 'S' stamps all exhibit a circular mark in middle of the letter. Also, my 'E' has lost its edge and is rounded to the point it won't seat well. They work, just not professional looking as far a shape and consistent hardness. They are definitely not single blow stamps, unless you're goal is super shallow, barely visible impressions. I really have to work the stamp at multiple angles to get even depth for the more 'detailed' E, M, N, H, R etc. Carbon steel they're fine but stainless is tougher.

 

Gotcha. I have to work the stamp to get the deep, detailed look which can lead to a slight mushroom on softer heads. Never really thought much about it though.

 

Sweet Byron in your profile pic!

[ErichZF]

https://www.amazon.c...ords=young bros

 

 

Vokey uses Young Bros

Vokey uses Pryor. This is coming from Aaron Dill.

[The General]

I was going off this picture. But it AD said it, he knows if anyone does.

[bradski]

this looks like about the best deal for stamps that should be high quality then? Works for Stainless in the description.

https://www.amazon.com/PREMIUM-PP37030-Letter-Number-Character/dp/B01FY77QL4/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1542843840&sr=8-4&keywords=pryor+stamps

 

 

Has anyone used these?

[A.Princey]

I have, they work well. If you're going really deep for a strong impression I recommend lightly taking a Dremel to the circular edge, making it contour more to the perimeter of the letter, especially for the smaller sets 1/8" & 1/16". Otherwise, if you go too deep the circle base will leave a mark.

 

The Dremel comment is for anyone that's halfway tool-competent and not shaky in the hand.

[bradski]

I have, they work well. If you're going really deep for a strong impression I recommend lightly taking a Dremel to the circular edge, making it contour more to the perimeter of the letter, especially for the smaller sets 1/8" & 1/16". Otherwise, if you go too deep the circle base will leave a mark.

 

The Dremel comment is for anyone that's halfway tool-competent and not shaky in the hand.

 

 

are you grinding with your dremel or cutting it off? My I has problems with hitting the base

[A.Princey]

Grinding it carefully with a Dremel disc or fine sanding bit. Work slow, don't want to heat it too much and mess up the hardness. I usually only grind the stamps I'm using for a session, so I don't sit for an hour trying to do them all at once. Eventually, I'll get to doing them all. You don't need to go crazy, just remove the huge base around the perimeter, especially on simple letters like "I" and "T", where there's a large area of circular base out past the letter. You hit one of these letters at a slight angle and that circle is making a mark. I'll post pictures of the finished ends in a day or so.