I am frequently asking for advice in selecting a stamping kit; this is it! This contains my personal recommendation for hammer, block and pad.
DETAILS:
Hammer - This 2 pound hammer is designed to come in contact with your other tools, not your creations? What? You don't hammer the metal directly with this. This hammer comes in contact only with ANOTHER tool such as a stamping tool, a chisel, or a dapping punch. It is specifically constructed of a smooth brass head and not stainless steel, so as to not damage your tools. The brass construction also keeps it from bouncing back as you work with it. Bounce back can cause double stamping or double imaging and is probably the bane of every stamper's existence. You may hear instructions call for a "dead blow" hammer - this is it and this is what is being referenced. Don't let the 2 pound (just under 1 kg) weight scare you off. You want a heavy hammer to make nice deep impressions when you stamp. This weight also means that you will have to swing fewer times when you dap, making you more efficient. This hammer also features a sturdy metal handle and textured grips. It measure 9 1/2 inches (25cm) with the head measuring 2 1/2 inches X 1 inch (67mm X 25mm)
Bench Block - This 4" x 4" steel Bench Block will last for years and years and is a good size for most hammering, stamping, and riveting jobs.
Bench Pad - This 4" x 4" hard rubber pad will stabilize your block as well as reduce noise and vibrations.
We include a sample of my favorite stamping discs as well as a Sharpie so you can get working right away!
Materials: brass hammer, rubber bench pad, bench block, sharpie, disc sampler.
