Unexpected help - learning how to stamp wedges

[sm_watts]

So I bought some new forged wedge heads recently and thought it would be fun to get a stamp kit and learn a new hobby. I've watched a bunch of youtube videos on doing it (including the WRX ones), but seeing it done in real life is always better. I was telling my wife about this journey and she says, "why don't you go talk to our neighbor, she runs a home business selling stamped jewelry?" So I trek through the snow to the neighbor's house and not only is she excited to hear that someone else has an interest in this stuff, she proceeds to grab a bunch of high-end stamps and shows me exactly how she would do it, then sends me home with them to try them out one some old heads! I guess my moral of this story is- pay attention to what sales party things your wife goes to, it might come in handy someday. Or an alternative message, check with local jewelry makers before you dive head first into stamping clubs

I'll post pics when I have a chance to mess with this more.

[Nessism]

My advice: buy quality Letter and Number punches (check McMaster Carr or similar), a heavy hammer, and practice. Be sure to support the wedge solidly before stamping. You can't get a good stamp if the item being punched moves when struck.

https://www.mcmaster.com/letter-and-number-punches

[sm_watts]

My neighbor’s advice:

-definitely buy stamps that are rated for stainless steel;

-she said she would expect the cheaper Hobby Lobby, Harbor Freight, etc., sets to last 20-40 punches before you would notice a difference in clarity.

[blink3665]

Thats pretty awesome. I had to learn the hard way. I bought a bunch of old wedges at Value Village and went to town.

Man, I hammer my hand WAY too often while stamping. But it's a fun hobby to have. As you can tell, I bought the cheap stamps. The 'w' is really funky. Oh well, it adds character, right?

[sm_watts]

I had to stop after a few trial runs this afternoon to get feeling back in my left index finger. After using her hobby lobby set, I’m ready to try the good ones and see what the difference is.

[sm_watts]

But yeah, looking at your wedge would make me want to hit it just to prove a point to everyone in my group!

[sm_watts]

And I learned that a bigger anvil would help, I just have a flat base on the back side of my vice.