Signing the finished piece

[Ralph Okonieski]

Does anyone have suggestions for methods of placing their signature, name, date, etc. on a finished piece. My pieces are for friends and family so my intent is more for history than anything. I would be interested in suggestions from the pro's also. Thanks.

[Dave Dionne]

A while back Wood Magazine had a article on making brass medallions using a photo process that you could then cut out and set in the wood. I have been meaning to try that for a while. Using clip art and or your own Logo it makes a very personal touched.

[Ken Deckelman]

I bought one of the irons from Rockler a few years ago, Says "Handcrafted By: Ken Deckelman" Then I just usually write the date in pencil before final finish.

[Ralph Okonieski]

Does the branding iron do a "good" job? Seems like it is easy to use? Do you have the electric or external heated one?

[Scott Vigder]

I bought an inexpensive branding iron from Brand New and it works extremely well.

[Charlie Plesums]

I inscribe each piece in two places, where practical, with something like

Custom made for
John and Mary Doe
by Charlie Plesums
March 2006
Austin, Texas

One of the places is generally someplace where it can be accessed if they want to show it off... like the back of a drawer. The other place is rather hidden, on a structural member, where a burglar might overlook it.

My preference is to use ink (felt tip for larger items, roller ball for smaller) on the bare wood before finishing, so it penetrates the wood. I occasionally computer print a similar inscription on paper. A light coat of lacquer over the printing "fixes" it enough so it doesn't smear or run. I then cut out the small paper "plaque" and glue it to the bare wood with a thin coat of carpenter's glue. That holds it flat until it is embedded in the finish, normally spray lacquer.

[Ken Deckelman]

Ralph, I think it does a good job, You just have to let it heat up about a 1/2 hour before use so it is really hot, and if you have multiple things to brand, you need to wait a little between each piece to let the iron get hot again. Takes a little practice to hold it vertically so as not to get the outer edges of the iron touching the wood, I have one like #70508 here:http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=699&filter=70508

Mine is the electrically heated one with my name in print. The signature ones are lotso $$$, and I see they also have date attachment now...There is also good pictures in the current catalogue on page 66

[John Timberlake]

I have been leaning toward woodburning freehand. If it is furniture with big flat surfaces, then I actually sign it.

I tried using permanent marker, but the only finish that did not make it smear was waterbased. Didn't like the color it gave. Woodburning is also more permanent.

[Mark Singer]

If the piece comes out great I sign it with my own signature,.....If it is not so great, then I select an SMC member at random and sign their name....many oy you wonderful SMC people have received credit for some of my so-so (at best) work.... Sorry:)

[Michael Disorbo]

I have the iron from Rockler that you have to heat. I use a propane torch and it takes about 5 minutes. It also has the date attachment. Been using it for 4 years now and it works very well. I usually brand the bottom or backa of my furniture so it is out of sight.

Michael

[Don Baer]

If the piece comes out great I sign it with my own signature,.....If it is not so great, then I select an SMC member at random and sign their name....many oy you wonderful SMC people have received credit for some of my so-so (at best) work.... Sorry:)

Gee thanks Mark. I'd gladly take credit for some of your "so so" work.

I use a sharpie and put down my name, the species of wood and the date.

[David Rose]

At the rate I've been going lately, your scrap box would be an improvement over my stuff. :o :confused: I can use the "boost"!

David


If the piece comes out great I sign it with my own signature,.....If it is not so great, then I select an SMC member at random and sign their name....many oy you wonderful SMC people have received credit for some of my so-so (at best) work.... Sorry:)

[Ken Salisbury]

Ralph,

Check these threads for a wealth of information:

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=8409&highlight=medallions (http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=8409&highlight=medallions)

<O:phttp://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=20394 (http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=20394)

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=19857&highlight=medallions (http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=19857&highlight=medallions)

[Dave Fifield]

An ever growing number of us use a laser engraver to sign our stuff. :)

Dave F.

[Jason Tuinstra]

Ralph, Ken gave you some good links - the first one chronicling how I got my brand. It was cheap enough, and combined with a fine tip Sharpie, I think it gives it a nice personal touch. If you go to my photo site linked on my name here, you can see how my furniture looks with the brand.

Have fun, the options are many!

[Vaughn McMillan]

Jason, doesn't it confuse folks when you sign your pieces with a different name? :D

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=6434&stc=1&d=1081347144

- Vaughn

[Jason Tuinstra]

I've always had a bit of an identity crisis... lol :p :D

[Allen Prell]

I find a shiny coin from the current year then drill a very shallow hole with a forstner bit in some inconspicuous spot (usually on the bottom of the piece) and glue the coin into the hole. My signature is placed somewhere near the coin with a Sharpie.

At least this way, I know my woodworking creation has some value even if it's only a few cents :) .

[Matt Meiser]

I started out printing and signing my name and date with a Sharpie. I've started adding the location since I've made two pieces for people out of state. My brother and his wife got me a Rockler electric branding iron as a gift for being in their wedding so now I also use that instead of printing my name.

[Cliff Rohrabacher]

Lot of people do it Especially those who cut wood for $$$.

take a look at this guy
http://www.chiselandbit.com/
I believe he uses a custom cast or stamped oval brass nameplate placed in a discrete place on his pieces.

[Paul Atwood]

Or custom if you prefer, I vote for signing it by hand.
I combine my initials to form a simple logo that is quick and easy to do with a scratch awl. I usually apply it to end grain (easy to control) and keep it very small.
Fast, cheap and Personal.

regards,

Paul