Signing your Work

[Don L Johnson]

When I give presents away, usually to family and friends, they always want it signed and dated. I started using a Sharpie before the last coat of finish. What do you all use? I don't really want to invest in one of the branding irons, and besides, it doesn't date it. Are there wood burning "pencils" that don't take a long time to sign and date? Thanks,

[Scott Wigginton]

Don,

There was another discussion on the topic here (http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=93058&highlight=signing).

A unique suggestion I read somewhere for dating was to embed a penny with the year on it.

[Jim Cunningham]

I do the penny along with My initials and the exact date I finished it.

[Lee Schierer]

I received a branding iron as a gift so I use it and embed a penny of the current year right next to the brand. That will effectivvely date a project. Most people won't go to the trouble to dig a penny out of an item, where they might for a higher value coin. A 3/4" forstner bit is the exact size needed to recess a penny and a little woodworkers glue under the penny plus coating over it with the finish will hold it in place.

[Paul Steiner]

I use a pilot gel pen, before I apply any finish. The Pilot G-2 to be specific, you can get these with a very fine point. It's cheap and quick, the gel does not run or fade when finish is applied.
I teach woodshop and this is how I have my kids label their projects. Works great.

[glenn bradley]

Don,

There was another discussion on the topic here (http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=93058&highlight=signing).

A unique suggestion I read somewhere for dating was to embed a penny with the year on it.

That's what I do. Generally on the back of a drawer (http://www.sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=47174&d=1158638539) of bottom of the piece.

[Warren Clemans]

I sign in pencil, then go over the signature with a fine-tipped burning tool, and erase the pencil marks with a light sanding. Works great. Just remember to do it before you apply finish.

[Ted Shrader]

I use a branding iron and then embed a coin with the date on it. Sometimes a penny or the state quarter (if applicable to the recipient). I figure a few years from now, only the year will matter, not the exact date.

Regards,
Ted