Thread: Monika

I use these, great service, takes about 10 days from 1st contact to goods, not cheap, about $4.50 per unit in lots of 20 for the 1".
I use a forstner bit to set them in (not the oval obviously).
www.makers-marks.co.uk
I should add that the pictures do not do them justice.

Hi Ian,
Thanks for the link I have been looking for just these for a while.
les

I was thinking along the lines of those plaques Iain... then I thought mmm maybe something simple? So now I tend to insert a gem an opal citrine whatever depending on the timber and write my name date and timbers used under the banner of Dingos Woodart in indian ink... seems to hold on well enough so far

Id like to eventually go that brass plaque route one day but just cant pursuade her to let that happen just yet

Well, I still feel a bit embarassed about it, myself, but after a number of people told me I ought to sign work, for various, but not altogether convincing reasons, I started putting my name and the date the piece was finished somewhere out of sight, & also if it's "number 3 of a set of 4" or whatever might help keep track of sets of chairs, etc.

Then after seeing a few people 'signing' with a small carving (like the "mouse man"), I decided to use a couple of gum leaves as my 'signature'. I either incorporate them in the design, like the chair rail , or if it seems approriate, stick em in a clear spot like the trim in front of the extractor in this kitchen. I used them on the knee of the tripod table instead of the traditional northern hemisphere plants. On something like the coffee table, it doesn't seem right to put it anywhere visible, so I tuck a little carving up high on a rail...

Bit of a wank, I know, but it's fun to do & only takes a few minutes now I'm practised.

Ianw I like those, neat and unobtrusive. Hope you make a name for yourself. Other wise years down the antique track some boofhead going to come along not realise what a gum leaf is and sand them out thinking a blemish in the wood or putting a post on this forum asking what disease is this thats way down the track though.,

Tonto - I like the thought of that - 'some boofhead' sanding my 'signatures' out - hope he/she gets RSI!

I'm not really trying to make any names at this stage of my life, but who knows, maybe ther is a second career waiting for me when I finish the day job in just a few more years....

You're unfortunately likely to prove correct in that gum leaves might be uncommon & unrecognised down the track, though - the drought and Phytophthera have done a real number on the trees round my place. Sprawling suburbia and increasing pollution may well do the rest in!

Cheers,

Not a wank at all. Applying your "maker's mark" is a time-honoured tradition among artisans. It shows that you're not ashamed to admit you made the work, at least. And when you become world-famous, your earlier work will be even more valuable.

I've been using an ultrafine Sharpie on the bottom of my turnings; but I recently saw a show on the tube featuring Sam Maloof, among others. He signs his furniture with a wood-burning pen. That's probably the most permanent way I can think of. Just need to find such a tool with a fine enough point and enough juice.

Custom-made branding irons are another possibility for timber, although somewhat dear.

Joe

IanW, I think your motif is fantastic, understated and distinctive. Well done.
I lived in Yorkshire for a while and collected a few 'mouseman' pieces but I wish I was able to buy one of their dining settings ... 30 thousand pounds at my last look!
Fletty

next step up from a letter punch is :
http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com...t=35699&page=2
at the bottom of the page. Not the same statement as inlays or that fantastic carving, but it does me for my small stuff...

Chris

I ordered a branding iron with my signature form thse folks.

http://www.brandnew.net/