Stamping Pipes Really Stresses Me Out!!

[Progcat]

Hi Everyone,

I would like some advice on stamping. I have a realy nice metal stamp from Paul at A&M. I have difficulty with the consistency of stamping. Sometimes I hit it just right, sometimes it may be a little off, too light, too deep. I heat it with a heat gun first and then holding the pipe in my hand
I say a prayer and then press the stamp in. I try to apply even pressure and not rock it one way or another. Its such a stressful event for me. You get one shot to get it right when you can usually fix most other mistakes on the other parts of the pipe making process. Any advice would be helpful. Thanks in advance.

Progcat

[KurtHuhn]

Have you tried not heating it, and just pressing it cold? I guess I just never thoguht that much about it - I just rock the sucker on and there's a stamp. If it isn't perfect, I don't sweat it too much as long as it's readable.

One thing that you may find helpful is to roll the stamp along the curved surface of the pipe. Rather than trying to press it in all at once.

[LexKY_Pipe]

Rolling the stamp onto the wood is the way I was taught. Much less chance of damaging stuff that way.

[Progcat]

Thanks Guys,

I'm going to try rolling the stamp on.

Tim