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Thread: Leaving your mark?

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Apr 2004
    Location
    East TN
    Posts
    385

    Leaving your mark?

    Good morning all. I have been thinking a long time about different ways to mark my projects with my name, date, etc. Usually what it comes down to for me is a Sharpie pen. I have really considered buying one of those wood branding irons, but am not sure. Does anyone have any experience using one of those. I am also open to any other ways to "leave my mark." Thanks for sharing.
    Keel McDonald ><>

  2. #2
    I wanted the same thing Keel, but I wasn't willing to pay the money for a custom made branding iron so I took a piece of brass and a grinder and made my own. It's just a heart (to go with my name) that fits on my wood burner. Some day, I'm going to try a more complex signature.
    ~john
    "There's nothing wrong with Quiet" ` Jeremiah Johnson

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Feb 2003
    Location
    Huntsville, AL (The Sun and Fun Capital of The South)
    Posts
    3,203
    I have a branding iron which I use to use (no longer). I use a Sharpie on some things, but mostly I use:
    http://www.sawmillcreek.org/attachme...tid=3112&stc=1

    http://www.sawmillcreek.org/attachme...tid=3113&stc=1

    I am also experimenting on casting my own medallions
    "If you believe in yourself and have dedication and pride - and never quit, you'll be a winner. The price of victory is high - but so are the rewards" - - Coach Paul "Bear" Bryant
    Ken Salisbury Passed away on May 1st, 2008 and will forever be in our hearts.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jul 2004
    Location
    Vernon, Connecticut
    Posts
    510
    The people I build for (family) want to see my actual signature and any personal comments I care to add. Because of that, I use a Sharpie, but always epoxy a coin with the correct year next to the message. I often use a "special" coin such as buffalo nickel or dollar coin. For me, it's one way to add instant value .

    Bob

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    Cashiers NC
    Posts
    603
    I use a branding iron and sign and date.
    Charlie Jones

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    Ontario, Canada
    Posts
    115
    My darling kids bought me the Lee Valley branding iron for Christmas this past year. http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.a...=1,43456,43462 I heat it up with the propane plumbing torch and it takes about 2 - 3 minutes. It takes a little practice on some scrap to get the right balance between too long and not-long-enough to leave a nice clean impression. I really like the branding iron myself.

    Bob, I like the idea of the coin. I think I'll start adding that for future projects. Do you recess the coin with a Forstner bit, or just epoxy it on the surface?

    STeve

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Feb 2004
    Location
    Clermont County, OH
    Posts
    1,272
    As cocky as this may sound, I sign every thing with a sharpie and date it. You never no what the future will hold...maybe I will be famous one day for "something" and the items I have made will be more valueable to the loved ones they were built for.

    You just never no.....

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Feb 2003
    Location
    Round Rock, TX (near Austin)
    Posts
    166
    On a recent project I used a fine Sharpie to sign my name, date and the name/brand of the finish.

    - Kevin

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Dec 2004
    Location
    Alabama
    Posts
    223
    I carve my initials into glue squeeze out.

  10. #10
    Keel, if you do a search for "branding iron" you'll find quite a bit of information from previous posts.

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Sep 2004
    Location
    Los Angeles, CA
    Posts
    919
    As an old history teacher, I believe that all our work should be signed, dated, and, if possible, commented on. I think it's exciting to look at furniture or cabinets and find a maker's mark and a date. I try to remember to use a Sharpie before finishing, but usually forget. I think I may have to invest in a branding iron. After all, that's what Sam Maloof uses!

  12. #12

    Branding iron

    I use an electric branding iron with date attached
    Boy 5's and 2's sure are different when reading upside down and backwards.
    Daniel
    "Howdy" from Southwestern PA

  13. #13
    Join Date
    May 2005
    Location
    Lake Co. California
    Posts
    117
    I use a electric engraver the kind that are used for marking tools and such, there under $20.00 you can get them at amazon or most hardware stores with a little practice you can use them just like a pen.


    Frank

  14. #14
    Join Date
    Feb 2003
    Location
    Hayes, Virginia
    Posts
    14,799
    Building on Franks electric engraver idea you can use a round blank made from aluminum or copper. Engrave the blanks and insert them using a forsner bit. You can add your signature, comments, date and any other information you prefer and it will last through the ages.

    Another option is to use low stress metal stamps on the metal blanks. Of couse you can contact any of the SMC members who own laser engravers and have custom medalions made with your signature and custom logo, if the piece is valuable the price of a custom medalion is not significant.

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Feb 2003
    Location
    McKean, PA
    Posts
    15,701
    Blog Entries
    1

    Branding iron

    My Mom purchased my branding iron for me as a Christmas gift. I've used it ever since. I also embed a penny from the current year next tothe brand. A penny isn't likely to be removed by anyone in the future for the value of the coin itself.
    Lee Schierer
    USNA '71
    Go Navy!

    My advice, comments and suggestions are free, but it costs money to run the site. If you found something of value here please give a little something back by becoming a contributor! Please Contribute

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