How to go about "signing" your work?

[OCtoolguy]

I would like to put some sort of a signature on the things I'm making and I was wondering if any of you are doing it and how you are going about it. I don't have a wood burner but I have a pretty good soldering iron that I might be able to use. I also have seen somewhere that you can order a "branding iron" type of device. Any suggestions would be appreciated. I hope I worded this correctly.

 

[don in brooklin on]

I sometimes use a medallion.  The type you can get from Steve Good.  It is too expensive to ship to Canada so a guy with a laser does them.  (With Steve's blessing).

Other things I just use a fine sharpie.  Sign name and date.  

Most things like ornaments go unsigned.

 

[Bill WIlson]

I use a combination of my initials and the year for just about everything I make, from Christmas ornaments to furniture.  I usually use a fine point Sharpie, but have used paint pens before.  Nothing fancy, but it's the same for everything.

[OCtoolguy]

29 minutes ago, don in brooklin on said:

I sometimes use a medallion.  The type you can get from Steve Good.  It is too expensive to ship to Canada so a guy with a laser does them.  (With Steve's blessing).

Other things I just use a fine sharpie.  Sign name and date.  

Most things like ornaments go unsigned.

 

Thanks Don, I take it you use the Sharpee prior to finishing?

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

I use an iron

[lawson56]

I use to use a stamp,but my add,changed,so I will have to get an updated stamp.

[OCtoolguy]

1 hour ago, JTTHECLOCKMAN said:

I use an iron

That's what I'm talking about. Where'd ya get it?

 

[fredfret]

Woodcraft carries them.

[flarud]

I have a branding iron that I ordered thru Rockler's website.  You have to heat it up with a torch.  They also have an electric one that probably works better, but it was more money.  With the one I have there is a lot of trial an error.  You have to heat it up just right.  

https://www.rockler.com/search/go?ts=custom&w=branding

Edited December 19, 2018 by flarud

[meflick]

@octoolguy Ray, they are called branding irons. You can get some with basic designs to choose from at a Rockler here: https://www.rockler.com/project-supplies/wood-branding-irons I got my husband one several years ago from there. He got me one last year or two ago. Problem is, the project needs to be fairly large for the ones we have.  On small things like ornaments, I use a pen and my initials and a date. Other things I will sign my full name and date. When I took my Intarsia classes, she told us what pen she uses and I got it. Will have to look to see what it is.

There are places you can order a more specific unique custom design of your own from. A google search will give you different places to look at. 

None of the branding irons are inexpensive thst I have found. There are two basic kinds. One you you plug in to heat up. Another you heat the design up with a heat source, it does not plug in.

[OCtoolguy]

Thanks everybody, That's the info I needed. I have done some searching and I think I can come up with something. I may just try signing with my soldering iron. It's really good one with adjustable heat.

 

[neal560sl]

I use my computer to write what I want on an item, flip the writing horizontally in the program, then print with a laser printer the use my wood burned that has a little nickel sized attachment to iron my name and address on the backs of my items.   Works great as you can change the size to fit most anything you want.  I just do it prior to spraying my ornaments with clear finish.  I've even used this process this year to make some simple worded ornaments.

[Scrappile]

I have an branding iron that is heated by torch.  Like it, but it can be to big of a signature for some things.  Like Flarud stated, it can be hit and miss, so what I did is when I had it heated just right, I branded a piece of veneer several times.  Then I cut the veneer when I need a signature and glue it in place.  It even looks nice, especially it the back of the project is painted.  When I don't have enough room for the branding iron signature I use a sharpie, or it have a signature I can print off the computer, onto decal paper.  Ply it where I want it and spray finish over it. 

Then I have a set of Steve Good's medallions that I really like.  I haven't had a reason to use them yet, but I will.

Then there are lots of time I forget all about a signature.......

[don in brooklin on]

4 hours ago, octoolguy said:

Thanks Don, I take it you use the Sharpee prior to finishing?

I do after and it does not run.  Did it for years on the bottom of bowls I turned.

 

 

[OCtoolguy]

Just now, don in brooklin on said:

I do after and it does not run.  Did it for years on the bottom of bowls I turned.

 

 

Thanks Don.

 

[WayneMahler]

I use a fine tip sharpie then apply finish over it. I sign my name and the year it was created. 

[Rockytime]

I don't sign my work. I don't want anyone to know who in the heck made that thing. :>)

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

5 hours ago, octoolguy said:

That's what I'm talking about. Where'd ya get it?

 

Boy Ray I do not remember. I do know I got the ad through a woodworking magazine. You were able to pick from templates and then send in your signature on a piece of paper as clearly as you could. It is a heating torch and I have had it for many years and use it when I remember. Have forgotten a few times. The key to them is let them get hot and then count to 10 when applying or more as you do more than let reheat. It is a system you learn after a few. Each wood is different too. I mainly use on oak. 

[Scrappile]

Ray( @octoolguy) this where I purchased mine.  I have the torch heated one. 

$10 off right now.

https://www.brandnew.net/

[kmmcrafts]

I use two methods, LOL... I write with a Sharpe fine point pen.. I use to use my woodburning pen but got annoying getting it out and setting it up.. waiting for it to heat up so the Sharpe works well and instantly.. almost looks as though it was woodburned in.. Last time I ordered business cards they had a deal on return shipping stickers.. I custom made those to be like a business card with my website and contact info.. They work good on before or after a finish.. I still hand sign it then put the sticker over the hand signed piece in case someone tries to peel off the sticker or it falls off over time.. stickers look more professional than my handwriting, LOL.. Stickers work great on my gift boxes to seal the ornaments in too... so it's been a win win with those.. 

[Larry B]

I glue my business card (which I sign, date and include the item's serial number)  on bottom.  I also take a picture of it and rename to jpg file to the serial number so if I get a call back or question I can look up what I made and any notes about that project.

 

Larry

 

[kmmcrafts]

That's a great idea that Larry does for those that don't do online sales.. I've had many times where I had to look up what a customer has purchased.. but I have access to all my online sales and invoices from the very first sale.. on the websites I sell at.. Every year I download the data too. just in case the websites disappear LOL..

[jerry1939]

I used Microsoft Word for the words;

From the Workshop of
       Jerry Herold

Put a border around it.  Glue it on.

[crupiea]

I use a rubber stamp of a crow on the back. All my pieces are flat in the back so plenty if room. Write my name and the date under it.  The crow is sort of my thing. 

[OCtoolguy]

Great idea Larry. Thanks.