Thread: Marking bottom of bowls

I use a fine sharpie, although now I have a stamp. But I find I will need another one of a smaller design as often make smallish stuff.

Originally Posted by TTIT

Oddly enough . . . not yet I'm going to be taking some any day now of an unusual bowl I just finished that has the honor of being the first bowl to get 'stamped' - just got to get around to it - will post again when done

thanks ttit,
i would be interested to see your ''first stamped bowl''
cheers smiife

Originally Posted by Sturdee

I know it seems the common thing to do to mark/sign your turnings but why do you do it.

I understand it if a professional turner does it, but a hobby turner ?


Peter.

hi peter,
i think it makes it more personal and a reminder when it was made
and also what type of timber,i guess it depends also on how many
pieces you turn, i have always done it right from my first piece i
made,i don't do it for any other reason than my own personal
preference
cheers smiife

Originally Posted by Sturdee

I know it seems the common thing to do to mark/sign your turnings but why do you do it.

I understand it if a professional turner does it, but a hobby turner ?


Peter.

Damn good question Peter - hadn't had to stop and actually think about it before For me I guess it's just a pride thing - when I finish something I think looks special it's a "I made this! " time - but then there are the items I don't sign too - don't think I have to explain that any further

Thanks guys for the reasons why you sign your work. I can relate to having pride in your work and thus sign or when you sell it.

I don't sell my stuff as I turn for my own pleasure or for family presents, hence I don't sign my work. In any case I couldn't sign my Corian turnings even if I wanted to.

But I proudly display my turning in our home. Built a special display unit in our home office just for that.


Peter.

As I mainly turn only pens at present I do up a certificate (3 per A4 page) which has a bit of a blurb about the pen. Not all pens get this as sometimes they are sold before I get to do the cert. I put this in an envelope that has a serial number on it to help track who and when it was made/sold
Have been told it is a nice touch.

One thing I am looking at is a way to mark the to identify it as I offer a conditional warranty with them.

I sign, date, and include wood type on my bowls. Who knows, I may be collectable after my birth certificate expires. I quit using the Sharpies some years back, the oils would make the signature bleed. I switched to Staedtler Lumocolor permanent pens. I found them in the 'art' pen sections at a local big box store. Some times called 'archival' pens, and acid free ink. I do sign when the bottom is sanded, and before any finish goes on the bowl. They can write through some finishes, but any finish on the pen tip can ruin them. Done that more than once.

robo hippy

Since I do pyrography as a hobby as well, I use a wood burning pen for marking the bottom of my pieces. I sign my name and include the date and wood species.

Seeing as how everybody seems to be signing their pieces, I'll make like the black sheep and claim "unsigned bottoms" as my signature.

Consider this advance warning that I should be around shortly to pick up any items I may have inadvertently left lying around in your workshops...

Ed: It is strongly suggested that you also sign your tools, chucks and other asstd. sundries.

Originally Posted by Skew ChiDAMN!!

Seeing as how everybody seems to be signing their pieces, I'll make like the black sheep and claim "unsigned bottoms" as my signature.

You and me both Skew.


Peter.

PS I wonder if signs all his work.

Nope. Used to sign bowls early on but a signature on most of my stuff would have to be fairly large to be seen.

I do brand any furniture I make though. Haven't made much in the last few years and I don't know where the brand is.

This is the first bowl I've hit with my new brand. As the wood is the equivalent of Balsa, Bats-wing Coral Tree, I didn't think it would need as much heat but . . . . . . getting the temperature right for different timbers will take some practice Still looks a damn sight better than my shaky scrawl and it won't wash out with the finish

Wouldn't you know it - forgot to take pics of the actual brand

hi ttit,
i saw this bowl in another thread looks good but a lot of work to get it right!!
thanks for showing the ''brand'' looks very stylish i think ,finishes your bottom off
cheers smiife

Anyone tried a paint pen?


love
nick

Originally Posted by TreeClimberNick

Anyone tried a paint pen?


love
nick

I use them to number the eggs in my collection but it can be rubbed off so I suspect any finish over it would dissolve/soften/smear it all over the place. Spraying over it with a lacquer might work but I can't see myself ever going down that path