Thread: Marking your work

I prefer to work anonymously. I feel it it better to let somebody else take the blame.

Originally Posted by chook

I prefer to work anonymously. I feel it it better to let somebody else take the blame.

I am sooo using that line

Actually - my mum had a very thick, oval jarrah table (and chairs) made maybe 15 years ago.
The timber came, from memory, from a bridge or a wharf in Fremantle. Or maybe down south.
That is written, plaqued or carved under the table-top - the maker and some info on the timber.
First time I have thought about it for a long time as it is mostly only used at christmas these days.
I'll have to get some photos up.

I've seen some info - maybe just year of making - let into the stretcher of trestle/refectory-style tables.
And at the wood shows etc, some people put a small plaque onto the (visible) edge of a table ... I suppose that isn't just for the sake of the show.
Not sure I'm super keen on that - guess it would depend on my relationship with the maker.

Cheers,
Paul

Get yourself a dog; one of my terriers is pretty good at marking my work.

Originally Posted by chook

I prefer to work anonymously. I feel it it better to let somebody else take the blame.

I will use it also, but selectively

The branding irons that you see with Lee Valley and other places look good but for some reason they dont want customers outside the USA

One of the guys in the CNC forum might be interested in making some out brass, it isnt hard if you have the machinery and software
I have some brass that would be suitable, add a handle and a gas flame and you have custom marking

I have several name stamps and a branding iron which I use selectively. My brand is cut into a lump of steel which I welded onto a Ø1/4" round bar with a ring formed on the end for a handle.

If you just want a brand comprising two or three initials, you could easily file and/or chisel them into a piece of mild steel bar.

Originally Posted by ClintO

I will use it also, but selectively

The branding irons that you see with Lee Valley and other places look good but for some reason they dont want customers outside the USA

One of the guys in the CNC forum might be interested in making some out brass, it isnt hard if you have the machinery and software
I have some brass that would be suitable, add a handle and a gas flame and you have custom marking

Rockler will supply here. They have logos. initials, one off logos to order and optional date brand with enough numbers to take you to 2040 that fit to them. They supply 110 volt electric ones or torch heated ones.
I have a three initial + date one.
Regards

Originally Posted by Woodwould

If you just want a brand comprising two or three initials, you could easily file and/or chisel them into a piece of mild steel bar.

I hadn't thought about branding. That's a great idea. I'd rather make my own than buy one but I don't have much idea about how to work metal. Still learning how to get wood to do what I want. Oh, well. Always something new to learn.

Originally Posted by cardboardbird

I hadn't thought about branding. That's a great idea. I'd rather make my own than buy one but I don't have much idea about how to work metal. Still learning how to get wood to do what I want. Oh, well. Always something new to learn.

Place a piece of flat bar in the vice, file the end square and smooth, draw your initials/logo on the end and drill/chisel/file away what's not required. You'll need several small chisels which you can make from old tools or hardened steel.

Cheap & cheerful a little chip carved initial can work. All you need is a sharp chisel!

Originally Posted by Old-Biker-UK

Cheap & cheerful a little chip carved initial can work. All you need is a sharp chisel!

And some talent

Or if you're terribly possessive over your Tbones as well....
BBQ Branding Iron with Changeable Letters | Buy BBQs, Picnic Sets & Accessories Online - oo.com.au

If you carved into an appropriate material you could take steps to create a casting mold, I am guessing, to create your own stamp or brand.

Paul

Hi,
When i was working as a cabinetmaker we always put the companies stamp, our name and a date.
Whilst the companies name is unimportant for most of us (including me these days) i think the date is very important. This way when someone comes to inherit your bespoke piece of furniture than know just how old it is. Another thing is where it was made, and i don't mean "in the shed" Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney, Whoop whoop, etc, so that the owners to be know where it was made too.

I have made several pieces of furniture for family and have written on the back or the bottom of a drawer with year,my name,stain and how many coats and the top finish,this allowed me to make other pieces that may go in the same room to be as close to matching.
The only thing to mess you up is when a product like a stain (Cabots water based) is no longer made as happened recently The gloss level on poly between brands varies considerably also so when making several pieces over a couple of years you need to keep this in mind.
Think I will get a branding iron.