Yes, I know that. But it is hassle especially when mineral spirits and strong solvents have to be use to completely strip it of the oil. But in the future, without the oil, the stamps will eventually rust.
Once again, your blog has made a difference for me. Because of this post, I know have a complete set of alpha and numerical stamps. Your efforts and time is not in vain.
Thanks Donna for taking the time to tell me so! It does make the effort worthwhile!
December 5, 2014 at 11:07 PM
Some years ago, Impressart came out with their awesome metal stamp sets and rocked with their variety of fonts. Until they came along, the choices were very limited and quite frankly, boring. I received their latest release, the upper case Lollipop font metal stamp set for review. The tall and skinny font not only looks fun but was specifically designed to fit on a wide range range of blanks. Jewelry artisans need all the space they can get to squeeze in the words they want!
[Image] One big difference with the new ImpressArt Lollipop Metal Stamp Set[Image] compared to their older ones is the storage case. It is so much larger compared to that of the lower case Jeanie font I received a while ago, (see my design inspirations in this past review post). The larger case size might be an issue for those with limited space but the redesign was worth it from a functional viewpoint as I shall explain.
[Image]
The general dimensions of the stamps have not changed much.
[Image]
When I tried out the new stamps, the advantages of the new storage unit became very clear. Each stamp now has a specific location in the case. The stamps can be identified not just by the markings on the stamps themselves but also on the case itself.
[Image]
It's next to impossible to locate the back stamps easily in the old cases. Inevitably, I got the letters mixed up in the Jeanie case simply because I could not be bothered to sort them out properly.
[Image]
So in the past, I used to dump out all the stamps from the case. Then I laid the chosen ones in order to one side before I started (as shown below). But this was subject to error as the letter stamps might be put down in the wrong order or I would forget to make sure the logo was facing me and the stamped letter got flipped! Common letters like vowels meant a hunt for the right letter from the previous row of stamps. So it really did not speed things up at all.
For the stamped leather bracelet project below, I worked directly from the case, making sure I replaced each stamp correctly. Much better!
[Image]
Impressart's custom design stamp sets are not cheap - they typically cost $60-$70 but you do get what you pay for. The high quality hardened steel has been plated to a shiny finish which prevents rust. So they do not use oil in the storage case. I've not really used the cheap set I bought a long time ago for this reason - the oil has to be removed before using the stamps. The stamp I am holding below was practically dripping with oil!
[Image]
The 6 extra design stamps they included also made the stamp set great value for the money.
[Image]
The StazOn stamping ink I used to test out the font gave me an idea for the funky stamped leather bracelet tutorial using the Lollipop font.
[Image] Disclosure
I do receive a small fee for any products purchased through affiliate links. This goes towards the support of this blog and to provide resource information to readers. The opinions expressed are solely my own. They would be the same whether or not I receive any compensation.
Before You Go:
Stamped Copper Heart Earrings with a Twist
How to Make a Stamped Metal Ring with a Metal Blank
Product Review - Soft Strike Pewter Blanks by Impressart
______________________________
Original Post by THE BEADING GEM Jewelry Making Tips - Jewelry Business Tips
posted by The Beading Gem at 8:00 AM on Dec 4, 2014
"Product Review - Impressart's New Lollipop Metal Stamp Set and Storage Case"
9 Comments -
the Leather cuffs look really great. Do share a tutorial on how to make it
December 4, 2014 at 9:13 AM
That will be tomorrow, Divya! So tune in!
December 4, 2014 at 10:36 AM
You made me laugh Pearl!
I've done that so many times! Dumping out the stamps - then stamping the wrong one.
I eventually put a piece of copper beside me and stamped on it before to ensure I not only had the right stamp but the right way up!
Almost like 'Stamping for Dummies'!
And you also made go 'Ewww!' with your stamp covered with oil!!
I'm afraid to ask where you got that set here in Canada....hmm..
I also like that they've come up with the new box.
I wish they would label the sides of them as well and perhaps put arrows on them - ....
Stamping is Such Fun!
December 4, 2014 at 11:50 AM
I should have mentioned this in my last comment Pearl but it totally slipped my mind!
They put oil on metal for shipping and storage only and to prevent them from rusting in this state.
You are supposed to remove it once you receive it - this from a mechanic friend of mine.
He removed oil from dapping tools I received by using gas. He soaked the whole set in gas then took a cloth and rubbed everything down.
I think mineral spirits might work - you can give it a try.
Sorry I didn't mention this earlier - a mental gap...those space dummies at work again!
:0)
December 4, 2014 at 1:03 PM
Yes, I know that. But it is hassle especially when mineral spirits and strong solvents have to be use to completely strip it of the oil. But in the future, without the oil, the stamps will eventually rust.
December 4, 2014 at 3:42 PM
How long in the future? Any idea?
December 5, 2014 at 12:25 PM
Nope. It will depend on where you store it and how humid it is where you are.
December 5, 2014 at 3:21 PM
Once again, your blog has made a difference for me. Because of this post, I know have a complete set of alpha and numerical stamps. Your efforts and time is not in vain.
Donna J. Smith
December 5, 2014 at 3:55 PM
Thanks Donna for taking the time to tell me so! It does make the effort worthwhile!
December 5, 2014 at 11:07 PM