How do you sign the barrel?

[oldarmy]

I want to sign my work in the future and was wondering how this is done.
Is it done with a "stamp" or a "template"?? and if it is, where can I order one.
Regards
Mike Woodbury

 

[talon]

Some signing is done by a stamp, some by using an engraving tool. An engraving tool takes alot of practice to get use to. You can find stamps at[url] steelhandstamps.com[/url] .Buckeye Engraving (330)-677-5685, or Evers Stamp 1-800-553-8377. Goodluck.

 

[fw707]

I've seen some signed with engraving on a barrel flat and it sure adds a lot to a nice rifle. If you can build a rifle, you probably can learn enough about engraving to sign it. :thumbsup:

 

[oldarmy]

Thanks I e-mailed buckey engraving this morning and will call Evers stamp on Monday.
Need to focus on my lack of carving skills first, once I have better control on that skill. Will focus on the engraving.
There is a definate progression in building M/L's
1. Just being able to assmenble them so they function.
2. Building them so they function well and are pleasing to the eye, but still plain.
3. Actualy creating a functional work of art. With carving, inlays and of course engraving the metal furniture.
Regards
Mike

 

[John Taylor]

I have done them with a chisle and hammer, just write your name with a pencel and follow the lines. If you are doing more than a few the go with acid etch. Some use salt water and a battery. Make up a template so they all look the same. Check out the work done here .

 

[Birddog6]

Most builders I know cut their name into the barrel with a graving tool. You can learn to do it in just a few hours of practice on a piece of any mild steel or brass, unless ya try to get too fancy. Just draw it out, follow the lines & take your time. If you know a builder close he can show you in 10 min how to do it, it is quite simple. Most of the ML parts venders have gravers for sale & can tell ya what one you need for this.

Stamps are usually used for trade marks & etc. I have a Birddog6 stamp from Everstamp I had made that I stamp on the barrel as a trademark, but I cut my name in with a hand graver. :thumbsup:

 

[oldarmy]

Ok,
Stamps are for a maker's mark, but to actauly "sign" my work. I need to learn to engrave :thumbsup:
Will put that on my list of skills I need to aquire.. as always thanks for the advise, and knowledge
Mike

 

[oldarmy]

I am working out the details on buying a 'makers mark" Where whould that stamp go on the barrel?
BOTTM? Or on of the visible flats?

After the feedback on the forum, I also decided to buy some engraving tools, when ready, will engrave my name on my work, not stamp it.

 

[renovato]

OldArmy, I'd proudly put that stamp up on one of the visible flats. It just seems fitting. Afterall, they put proofmarks there on a lot of models, and that's less significant than the maker.

 

[Birddog6]

I put my name on the top flat of the barrel.

I put the serial # of the rifle on the adjacent flat near the breech on the sideplate side, & I stamp the makers trademark right behind that so the stamp is over the threads of the breech plug. The reason I like to stamp them on the breechplug is because with that plug in there you have a solid piece of steel you are stamping & any metal movement is around the stamp. If you stamp it on the bored barrel there is a possibility of that making a place in the bore.
Now some are saying right now "No way". Yes, it can & will if you stamp it too hard & especially on a thin barrel. I know cause I stamped a C-54 barrel & looked inside & I could see the very minor place from the stamp & that is a pretty thick barrel at the breech end ! :cursing: You cannot feel it when you push a patch on a jag down the bore, but it you remove the breechplug you can see the ripple in the smooth mirror glare of the bore & that ripple is from the stamp. :redface:

So, I would practice a little before I go stamping yer barrel with the stamp & don't get carried away ! :hmm:

 

[renovato]

Very wise advice. Even on modern guns, sometimes machining operations cause problems in the bore. The Mini-14 comes to mind immediately.