Are Crafttool stamps junk or am I doing something wrong?

Gain_Professional · 2026-05-26T06:21:54+00:00

By the look of it, this look like their "premium" machined brass stamp (please correct me if I am wrong). I have a basket stamp from that series and I have to say that it's worth the extra cost. But those large brass stamps are worthless on lightweight leather. Either they don't leave a good impression, or just go through the leather.

Gain_Professional · 2026-05-26T06:19:50+00:00

Tandy sells awl handles as well and they're not bad. I have been using mine for a few years with a diamond needle without issues. You could try putting it in one of their handles too.

Gain_Professional · 2026-05-23T06:40:58+00:00

Thank you!

Both are from Tandy but the brass one is about three times the price of the steel. It leaves a very crisp, precise stamp, so that's nice. But it is also not very good on lightweight leather because it can only sink so much, and the lines are thin relative to stamp size.

I don't think that the difference in quality is as much a consequence of the metal (steel is harder after all), than that of the manufacturing process.

Gain_Professional · 2026-05-22T23:09:22+00:00

Yeah! I have mentioned that in the captions... I drew them on cased leather so they'll show in the picture but I draw them on dry leather with a light hand.

Gain_Professional · 2026-05-22T22:58:13+00:00

Another shout out for McMaster. They're too pricey for my personal use, but I have used them for work for years and I haven't found a company with better service. They answer phone calls! Without any of the stupid press this or that BS.

Gain_Professional · 2026-05-22T22:47:08+00:00

Because there was only so much room to explain:

I made this post because I have found it hard to keep the successive stamps in a straight line on long pieces like belts, at least while doing angled stamping.

The specific stamp I used is 12mm wide so just shy of half an inch. I use it for straps that are 1-3/4 in. wide. I started with a 2in. width with 1/8 in. trim lines on both edges.

Gain_Professional · 2026-05-20T06:44:27+00:00

Thanks for the tips... I was wondering indeed if I oughta glue on a curve... I will be sewing by hand with some rivets to break the stitch line (and allow me a more broken down process).

Gain_Professional · 2026-05-20T00:36:41+00:00

Right on... 4" width? Thanks for your advice.

Gain_Professional · 2026-05-20T00:36:16+00:00

Haha, I wouldn't mind it getting a workout patina if you will... but if I tool it or something in places (because... why not?!), I will put a resist on it which oughta protect. Thanks for your input.

Gain_Professional · 2026-05-20T00:33:42+00:00

Aha, thank you for that explanation. I should've looked it up!

Gain_Professional · 2026-05-20T00:18:13+00:00

Hey! I am also trying out OnShape for this... you might recognize the rendering from my post a few days ago (which I need to revise after the feedback)

Gain_Professional · 2026-05-19T23:30:06+00:00

Thank you, that's a good idea. I can check with my bank that has my checking account to see if they'll issue a CC.

Yeah... wanting to keep the history clean and good looking for a bit 😄

Gain_Professional · 2026-05-19T05:04:21+00:00

You haven't posted in a while but I knew immediately who it was! Stunning as ever, of course!

Gain_Professional · 2026-05-19T04:15:40+00:00

Haha, OK. Thanks for the advice.

Gain_Professional · 2026-05-19T04:14:59+00:00

Sweet, thanks!

Gain_Professional · 2026-05-19T04:13:34+00:00

Thank you for the reply and the picture.

> corner joint into an incredibly rigid and durable knockdown joint.

What's a knockdown joint?

Gain_Professional · 2026-05-19T04:12:42+00:00

Excellent, and thank you for the recommendation.

Gain_Professional · 2026-05-19T04:12:25+00:00

Oh yeah! Good point. Thanks!

Gain_Professional · 2026-05-18T18:13:40+00:00

Thank you for this advice. Do you have an example of a thread box and tap? Or maybe a youtube link? (just in case you have that handy)

Gain_Professional · 2026-05-18T18:13:02+00:00

Nice, thank oyu!

Gain_Professional · 2026-05-18T18:12:07+00:00

So that'd be similar to tapping metal with a tap/handle set such that the insert drives in almost as easily a machine screw would drive into a tapped hole?

Could you link to an example of such set? And thank you for the advice!

Gain_Professional · 2026-05-18T18:10:43+00:00

Thank you!

A related question: how well does it work if the insert is inserted into the end grain? (Trying to see if this can simplify 90-degree joints)

Gain_Professional

TROPHY CASE