07-27-2005, 07:28 PM
Ave David,
Actually, that's another Matt who posted the stamped plates you're referring to- and they are indeed nice! I can't speak for him about the exact method he uses, however what you suggest is the way I'd do it. Either that or I wouldn't bother with making a negative and just stamp directly on a block of lead. And yes, a press would be rather more efficient and easier than hammering.
You can use whatever you have that is of appropriate dimensions Jef- again as I said, it really depends on exactly what you want to stamp. A large scene like those Matt Amt has done would require a rather larger piece of metal (brass or as Sean suggests, aluminum), whereas small things like geometric shapes that can be stamped one at a time by hand only need something small. It may also depend on whether you plan to use a press or a hammer- you'd be better off with something longer that you can hold securely if you're planning to hammer, but a press only needs a relatively thin stamp. I actually use shaped concrete nails for punches.
The backing material can vary depending on what you're stamping too- simple rings can be done on a block of wood or leather, as can simple shapes- anything with details that are small and close together would likely require something a little more rigid like a lead block to come out cleanly.
So, again, if you can give us some specifics about what you have in mind, I'm sure we can be rather more helpful.
Vale
Matt
Actually, that's another Matt who posted the stamped plates you're referring to- and they are indeed nice! I can't speak for him about the exact method he uses, however what you suggest is the way I'd do it. Either that or I wouldn't bother with making a negative and just stamp directly on a block of lead. And yes, a press would be rather more efficient and easier than hammering.
You can use whatever you have that is of appropriate dimensions Jef- again as I said, it really depends on exactly what you want to stamp. A large scene like those Matt Amt has done would require a rather larger piece of metal (brass or as Sean suggests, aluminum), whereas small things like geometric shapes that can be stamped one at a time by hand only need something small. It may also depend on whether you plan to use a press or a hammer- you'd be better off with something longer that you can hold securely if you're planning to hammer, but a press only needs a relatively thin stamp. I actually use shaped concrete nails for punches.
The backing material can vary depending on what you're stamping too- simple rings can be done on a block of wood or leather, as can simple shapes- anything with details that are small and close together would likely require something a little more rigid like a lead block to come out cleanly.
So, again, if you can give us some specifics about what you have in mind, I'm sure we can be rather more helpful.
Vale
Matt
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