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This is another one of those projects where I get to use up small pieces of wood leftover from other projects. I keep even the smallest pieces of scrap.
This super simple business card holder will hold about 45 business cards. If you choose to use the mini-clock insert it serves two purposes on your desk. I also included patterns for using an initial on the project.
Personalized Signature Coins: What are they? Alternatives.
12 Coins per sheet.
Four designs
I received a few emails lately asking about the Personalized Signature coins I sell. Please let me take a minute to explain to those who may be new what these are.
It's nice to be able to sign your work. Many of your projects will stay in the family for years. Your signature lets those who hold on to the project know who made it all those years ago. Think about a baby cradle that gets past down from child to child. You need to sign that family heirloom so future generations know its origins.
Wooden signature coins are just an elegant way to sign your work. They show that you put time and care into your work. The add a touch of class.
I use a laser engraver/cutter to produce the coins in sheets of 12. Each coin is held in the sheet by two small tabs. Just twist the coin out and it is ready to use.
The coins are one inch in diameter. You can use a one-inch Forstner bit to drill a recess to install the coin in your project. Glue the coin into the recess and apply your finish.
If you are interested in my coins you can find the order form and details below. They will add just a little over $1 in costs to your project.
There are also other nice methods to sign your work. Here are a couple of alternatives.
Woodworker Brand Iron:
I own one of these branding irons and they look really nice on a project. You have to practice with it to get the burn consistent but it makes a nice permanent brand. You can have the head customized with a couple of lines of text. They are not cheap but they do give a professional-looking signature.
You can buy electric irons and one that you heat with a torch.
Penny Date:
Another fun option is to add the date to your project by inlaying a penny from the years of the project. It's a cool idea but of course, it does not add a signature.
Permanent Marker.
Many woodworkers will add their signature and date with a permanent marker. This works okay but you need to have neat penmanship and the markers will bleed into the grain of the wood if you are not careful. I finish the project first then apply the marker over the finish. You can spray a fixative over the mark to protect it a bit more.
Other ideas:
Some woodworkers will glue on a "handcrafted by" label on the bottom of the project or in a hidden spot. These are not always permanent but you can get very creative with them.
Carve your signature/mark into the project. With a little practice, these can be very creative and effective. You can use hand carving tools or a Dremel to add your mark. I have seen guys card the signature, add paint over the carving then sand away until the paint is only left in the carved area. This is a common technique in CNC use.
If you want to spend some serious money a CNC machine can give you unlimited options to add a signature. The cool thing is that the CNC can make the project also. Assuming you are willing to learn the software.
Sign it.
Whatever method you choose, I think a signature adds to the project. It says that you care about the quality of your work.
$12 per sheet of 12 coins plus $3.50 shipping
Inlay with a 1" Forstner Bit.
The perfect way to sign your work.
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Products for your consideration:
Every Scrollsaw Workshop Pattern from 2007-2019 on DVD
This DVD has over 2,900 patterns published from 2007 thru 2019.
The DVD is $20 plus shipping. Ships to 60 countries around the world.
The DVD is $20 plus shipping. Ships to 60 countries around the world.
If you use the DVD on a Windows PC there is a simple viewer program to browse through the patterns.
The DVD also works fine on a MAC. The viewer program is not MAC compatible but there is an included PDF with all the patterns shown as thumbnails for easy viewing.
All the same file but in an easy to use thumb drive. The USB thumb drive option is $23 plus shipping.
Now Available on USB Thumb Drive
Don't have a DVD drive on your new computer. No problem. Buy the catalog on a USB thumb drive.All the same file but in an easy to use thumb drive. The USB thumb drive option is $23 plus shipping.
Want to create beautiful wooden vases on the scroll saw?
My two "Wooden Vases on the Scroll Saw" books make it easy.
The books are $12 each and available for instant download after purchase. Click for Video Demonstration.
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