What can I use to stamp letters/numbers into metal key chains?
I work for a car rental company, and my current project is to find a tool to stamp our car numbers into metal plates that will be used as key chains to identify the cars for customers.
My question to you is: What can I use to do this?
Some details to keep in mind: We are looking to spend under $1,000 for an engraving machine. We would like the fonts to be different sizes to accompany different vehicles. We would like the numbers/letters to look professional (ie: straight so if there is some kind of holding device to keep the numbers in place when using a stamper rather than an engraver).
I have looked at handheld metal stampers and they look like they could do the job, but do you know of any that come with a holder to keep both the metal plate and numbers/letters in place while stamping?
Any other ideas for gadgets to use? Any websites where I can see these items?
Thanks for your help
I guess this isn’t an option, then:
But to answer your question, if you cannot find a metal stamper without a holder, perhaps you could use alligator clips or G cramps to fasten the plates to the table or to some other flat surface. They make these tools in all sizes, and you should be able to find them at any hardware store. It is a rather crude method, but also very inexpensive.
I’m kinda guessing here, though; I’m not sure just how big/thick these plates need to be nor exactly how the metal stamper works (whether it’s just like a paper stamper or not). Still, I hope this helps.
Cheaper than engraving is stamping or embossing. Here are several stamping machines or kits:
(about $450 for a set)
(about $1500 for a kit)
We used hand-stamps, one letter at a time, and our kit cost us about $300 and a buck a tag. It just takes time and patience to get them straight.
GOOD LUCK. I’d REALLY just pop over to a good hardware shop and peek at their stuff.