My branding iron - question

[elizabeth]

Hey guys. Me again!

Just received my branding iron. It's 1/4" round with my initials. (Has to be small for my boxes).

Practiced today on various scraps of the woods I'm using. Did well with Maple and Yellow heart, but it's a no-go with the Brazilian Blood wood. This wood has so much resin in it, and it's so hard that I can't get a clear brand on it. As the wood heats it radiates the resin and the brand comes out either a black indistinguishable, blob, or not at all. I've practiced at various temperatures and time, to no avail. I did well with light colored woods, but I'm afraid that with the darker, harder ones it's not going to work.

Any suggestions?

Tanks.

[sachbvn]

I have a larger branding iron with my full name and "hand crafted by" on it.... I've struggled with making sure I'm getting even pressure all around the iron - otherwise you'll end up with only a partial brand.

Sorry - I can't help on stamping oily woods as I've just done mine on the norm....walnut, cherry, maple, etc....


Zac

[Beamer]

Is it possible to press the brand in real good'n hard so it makes a bit of a dent? Then it may scorch around the outside, but you might be able to sand that scorched surface for some improved results, maybe?

I confess I ain't used mine yet ... but that was the kinda solution i figured would work easiest?

[sachbvn]

I forgot to mention - mine does need a little LIGHT sanding afterwords - by hand, and it improves the look ten fold.

Good catch Beam.

Zac

[rrich]

Everyone!

When you are branding wood, it's not like branding cattle!

Get the iron hot. Place it on the wood, LETTING GRAVITY do the work. After a few seconds lift the iron off.

As was mentioned, a light sanding can improve the contrast.

BTW - With mine on cherry wood, 5 seconds was just about right.

[Doug B]

Sand it after the branding Elizabeth. That makes it look 100% better whether light wood or dark wood.

Wood hardness, oiliness, and color make a big difference in how long you hold the brand and the pressure used. Unfortunately, it's one of those things you just have to experiment with.

[elizabeth]

Thanks, guys. I'll keep practicing and will lightly sand it. Will let you know my progress.

Have a good one!