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Metal letter stamps are used to emboss letters into metal or other materials. They are typically metal rods that have either a negative image on one end or a positive image on one end. The negative image is the letter written backwards, the positive image in the letter written forward.

The use of metal stamps has been in use since the early 1500's and was a common way for artisans to be able to mark their work. This has been utilized in jewelry making since the early 1700's to be able to mark the weight and value of fine metals. This traditional method of marking metals and other materials is still in practice today.

How Do They Work?

Metal letter stamps can also be referred to as letter punches. The end with the letter is placed on the item to be stamped and then a small hammer is utilized to tap the letter into the item. Typically there is a tapping block that is placed underneath the item to be stamped. The hammer is used to bang the die into the item that is to be able to be stamped.

These types of punches or metal stamps are utilized in a variety of applications. There are also metal letter stamps that are mechanical that are utilized in factories or assembly lines, the idea is the same except that is done by machines.

There are quite a few industries that use these stamps. The jewelry industry employs metal letter stamps to be able to mark carat weight and other information on jewelry, like designer information. They are also utilized by jewelers to be able to personalize jewelry. Automotive industry uses these to be able to mark parts that are utilized to be able to manufacture cars. The parts are inventoried according to the numbers and letters that they are marked with.

The construction industry uses these to mark construction items. These items are also inventoried according to what letters and numbers have been stamped on them. Many small craftsman will use them to mark their products and to be able to identify these as their own.

Metal stamps are also utilized for embossing leather products, in this application they are normally heated up so that they can sear the letter into the leather. Home crafters use these to be able to create one of a kind jewelry at home.

How To's

There is plenty of how to information available online and in the bookstore on how to be able to use these types of stamping tools, there are projects that are geared toward the novice and toward the more advanced users. A simple web search will deliver plenty of ideas.

Kits are available in hobby stores and through online retailers that can get the do it yourselfer on their way to creating all kinds of one of a kind products. Using metal letter stamps is relatively easy and can be learned by virtually anyone. The kits come complete with everything that is needed to get started.

Metal stamps are a great way to personalize gifts, mark crafts and to decorate jewelry.