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Fine Woodworking
The authors and editors are woodworkers themselves!

FREE Woodcraft Catalog

Sign Your Crafts with Woodcraft Branding Irons

Branding Irons @ Woodcraft.com

Should you brand your work? We say "yes!"

The branding iron mark establishes a signature or hallmark on your work that shows pride in workmanship and adds value to your crafts.

Do I Need A Branding Iron?

We're sure that as long as 4000 years ago, Romans, Greeks and Egyptians used branding irons to identify livestock and criminals. We're no longer branding criminals (in most of the world), but today's branding iron still gets rammed against the rumps of livestock, and smaller irons provide a professional cachet for craftsmen (and craftswomen) among us who use the irons as a left-behind business card that never wears out.

Professional woodworkers want to sign their work for several reasons, some of which also apply to hobby woodworkers.
The branding iron mark establishes a signature or hallmark on your work that may increase its value.
You've left a business card that will last the life of the article built.
Prospective customers can identify and find you: there are several caveats here, including letting the customer (or other recipient) know where the branded-in mark is, and what it contains.
If you are a non-professional woodworker, you may want to sign your work for other reasons, including pride in the job you've done.
The brand identifies your work for posterity, if that's important to you. The brand may also be used to establish a time-line so you can track and check on earlier work. You will also be able to compare it to your current work.
As your workmanship improves, your brand on a piece may help build your credibility and it could even add to the worth of the article.
Quick note: Texas now has about 230,000 brands registered.

Designing Your Brand

Designing a branding iron can be fun, but some limits need to be kept in mind (including the number of letters per line, and the number of lines in some irons). The simpler the branding iron is, the easier it will be to read. Keep it simple, and your brand may draw more results. For the most part, branding irons aimed at woodworkers aren't apt to get very fancy anyway, with the most complex having a signature space in a single line. The two line models leave space for slogans, such as "Crafted" or "Handcrafted" or simple "Made" by and your name. Adding a third line gives the option of adding a phone number, or an e-mail address, or the URL of your web site (if you have one). One line of branding irons allows a date line to be added.

Types of Branding Irons Heating the electric branding irons is as simple as things get, but with non-electric styles, you need a source of heat. Gas stoves work well; a fireplace works; a charcoal grill works; propane torches also work, and are more portable, but must be used with care, because a top-end propane torch can generate enough heat to ruin the branding iron (as can a charcoal fire). Use as broad a torch tip--a flame spreading type--as possible, and keep a very close watch on the iron…do NOT expect brass letters to turn visibly red as iron and steel do. Heat for a short period and test on a scrap piece. If that brands as you wish, reheat to that stage and brand the actual work.

These little irons are not expensive (except for the signature branding iron) and can add a lot to the fun of handing someone a completed project.

Electric Branding Irons

Feature ceramic-insulated, nickel-chrome heating elements which deliver up to 955°F heat. Positive grip, heat-resistant handles keep hands cool. Rated 125 watts, 120 VAC with 2 wire cord set 4' 6" long. Solid brass heads are individually engraved with 3/16" high capital letters and numbers (except logo/signature model). Allow 6-8 weeks for delivery.

(A) Electric Logo/Signature Branding Iron - Have your distinctive design engraved. Note: very small details cannot be reproduced. Send clear black and white camera ready artwork to fit a 1" high x 2-3/4" wide, 1-1/2" x 2", or 1-3/4" x 1-3/4" area via e-mail as a TIF or JPG image.

(B) "Handcrafted By ..." Branding Irons - Add your name on the second line and proudly mark everything that leaves your shop! Available with up to 20 characters on 2nd line.

(C) Personalized Electric Branding Iron for two or three lines of your copy. Each line can have up to 20 characters for your name, address, special message or instructions. All capitals, letters, or numbers.

Storage Case for electric and non-electric branding irons. Plastic 12-1/2" x 4-1/2" x 1-3/4".

Initial Branding Irons

We offer a variety of styles to meet your workshop needs. Clear brands can be made in wood, leather, cork, or canvas. When ordering please include the imprint you want in the "notes" area that will be found during the "checkout" process. When counting characters, include periods and extra spaces. Capital letters only. Since each iron is custom made, we cannot accept cancellations or returns unless defective. Allow 6-8 weeks for delivery.

(A) Branding Iron features 3/8" engraved letters or numbers on a brass head. Plated steel shaft and hardwood handle keeps your hand cool when heating on open flame (propane torch, charcoal grill, fireplace, etc.). Available in 1 to 12 characters, one line only.

(B) Electric Initial Branding Iron Kit features a solid brass head with up to three 3/16" capital numbers or letters. Includes storage case and three accessory tips for general purpose soldering and burning. 900°F tip, 110 volts. Extra heads with your choice of brand simply screw into iron.

Branding Iron Date Attachment

Branding Iron Date Attachment allows you to date your projects.

Kits may be used with electric or non-electric branding irons (49D13, 49D11, 49E12, 49D14 & 129219) and come with numbers for the years 2001 through 2032.

Complete with instructions, attachment heads and all necessary screws.

Decorative Branding Kit

Kit includes nine interchangeable tips that give you unlimited design flexibility. The 30 watt branding tool can be used to decorate wood items, picture frames, leather articles and accessories, furniture, cabinets, and decorative plates. The possibilities are endless.