Skip to Content
Register · Login
About Theme

A Letterboxing Community

Atlas Quest
Search Edit Search

Read Thread: frustrated beyond belief

frustrated beyond belief
Board: Stamp Carving and Mounting
Mar 18, 2007 7:27pm
Thread (disabled) Board
so I just spent all weekend carving a very detailed stamp for my new series. It is larger (about 3" by 4") and its carved out of the whitish thick carving stuff from speedball. It is key to my series of 11 that is supposed to go out this weekend. Here's the deal. It cracked. richt down the middle. Now the perfectionist side says carve again, but it was very difficult as all other 11 stamps fit onto this main one and I have had to repeatedly carve out different sections for it to fit.

I superglued it together (because I am out of my mind at this point) but I need help. Not only does my ktichen table have a super glue line running across it that I can't get off the table, the stamp glued slightly off.

Do I break it again and try to reglue? Will it just do further damage? Should I mount it to wood to keep it from happening to someone in the forest? AARRGGHH!! Any help would be appreciated, as well as some suggestions for a better material to carve on. This white/creamy block is about 1/2 inch thick so I though it shouldn't crack but it seems crumbly to me. Help PLEASE!!!!

The B Hunters
Re: frustrated beyond belief
Board: Stamp Carving and Mounting
Reply to: #79122 by The B Hunters
Mar 18, 2007 7:43pm
Thread (disabled) Board
Quote Any help would be appreciated, as well as some suggestions for a better material to carve on. This white/creamy block is about 1/2 inch thick so I though it shouldn't crack but it seems crumbly to me. Help PLEASE!!!!



Sounds like the dreaded speedycut. It will crumble and cause you misery. Abandon that carving material immediately! (Sorry). If you like the thick material, go for the mastercarve. If you want something stiffer try the pink stuff or pzcut.

welcome to the school of carving hard knocks...we've all been there!

dewberry
Re: frustrated beyond belief
Board: Stamp Carving and Mounting
Reply to: #79122 by The B Hunters
Mar 18, 2007 7:48pm
Thread (disabled) Board
If you do end up patching it and planting it, make a note of that somewhere....I know I for one would feel terrible guilt if I stamped a stamp and it broke!
Re: frustrated beyond belief
Board: Stamp Carving and Mounting
Reply to: #79126 by dewberry
Mar 18, 2007 7:51pm
Thread (disabled) Board
NO NOT THE SPEEDY CUT!!!! I bought two large sheets of it when I first started carving. I didn't know any better. I planted over ten boxes with stamps made of this material. I know it is only a matter of time till I get reports of stamps being cracked. Now it is nothing but PZ cut!!!!
sorry for your loss!
chadams
Re: frustrated beyond belief
Board: Stamp Carving and Mounting
Reply to: #79128 by Crazyolis
Mar 18, 2007 7:56pm
Thread (disabled) Board
Quote If you do end up patching it and planting it, make a note of that somewhere....I know I for one would feel terrible guilt if I stamped a stamp and it broke!

I agree with Crazyolis!! It has happened to me (well, actually my daughter). I was signing the logbook only to look over and see that she had cracked the box's stamp in two! Imagine the horror! (Well, I suppose you can.) Anyway, after confessing and offering to remedy the situation, the placer told me that it was happening to stamps in a lot of her planted boxes ... all carved from the white stuff.

I am so very sorry this has happened. I know how much work is put into these things. Don't give up! :-)
Re: frustrated beyond belief
Board: Stamp Carving and Mounting
Reply to: #79122 by The B Hunters
Mar 18, 2007 8:08pm
Thread (disabled) Board
Speedycut breaks in two and crumbles dreadfully. My first sig stamp was carved on it and it broke in half after ten boxes. My second plant was carved on it and broke after five finders. My first plant has only survived because it's now a PT and I keep it protected.

If you can get the stamp apart without cracking it further (not sure about that), my suggestion is to not try to glue the stamp itself together but get a backing material, like thick fun foam or a couple of sheets of regular fun foam glued together, and glue the stamp halves directly to that, matching them carefully.

You should definitely use a different material though. If the stamp is detailed, bits will break out of the design with usage if you stick with the Speedycut.

The pink stuff/Speedball's Speedystamp is good as is Mastercarve. Mastercarve is softer and some people say you can't get the definition for intricate carves. PZCut and Speedystamp both give you a firm, non-crumbly surface and hold detail well.

PZCut is available from Stampeaz.com (Webfoot is your supplier there); Speedystamp is sometimes carried by Michaels or Hobby Lobby or some art supply stores; Mastercarve is carried by Hobby Lobby.

Good luck,
Knit Wit
Re: frustrated beyond belief
Board: Stamp Carving and Mounting
Reply to: #79133 by knit wit
Mar 18, 2007 8:27pm
Thread (disabled) Board
Fingernail polish remover will remove the superglue, but I'm not sure what it will do the material. I too had trouble with the Speedy Cut and don't use it anymore.
Re: frustrated beyond belief
Board: Stamp Carving and Mounting
Reply to: #79133 by knit wit
Mar 18, 2007 8:28pm
Thread (disabled) Board
I agree. PZcut is the best material you can use!

Lady Lilac
Re: frustrated beyond belief
Board: Stamp Carving and Mounting
Reply to: #79122 by The B Hunters
Mar 18, 2007 10:34pm
Thread (disabled) Board
ohh ow! I hear you! lat year I painstakingly carved the stamp for our event, as I was working on the final details, CRACK! right down the middle. I wanted to cry. (or did I ?) Anyways, I will not use that material again, ever!
I love mastercarve
pzcut and even erasers!
Now as for suggestions, gluing it to some foam then perhaps a wooden mount should work.
Take care.
Re: frustrated beyond belief
Board: Stamp Carving and Mounting
Reply to: #79122 by The B Hunters
Mar 19, 2007 4:01am
Thread (disabled) Board
I gusee I am the lucky one. I haven't ordered, and my supplier (Mom) can only get speedy cut. I have had no problems yet. Maybe they will start cracking out in the wild. I know it is soft as I have messed up several with my fingernail but the stuff is free. I plan on trying WEbfoots sampler to get a feel of these other kinds. I did try master carve once and found it too soft and stretchy.

Larva Lady/ZZ
Re: speedy Cut or Kut??
Board: Stamp Carving and Mounting
Reply to: #79129 by chadams
Mar 19, 2007 4:39am
Thread (disabled) Board
I have stuff bought locally called Speedy Kut and it's gray not white. Same stuff? I'm getting good results and flexible (not crumbly or cracked) stamps out of it.
Re: speedy Cut or Kut??
Board: Stamp Carving and Mounting
Reply to: #79167 by Shadohart
Mar 19, 2007 4:43am
Thread (disabled) Board
Yes, it's grayish/off-white. Some people call it white to differentiate it from the pink stuff. But if you ever put it next to a nice sheet of white PZ Cut or Mastercarve you would definately not call it white. It starts out nice and flexible and then eventually dries out and starts to lose it's edges...before it breaks into pieces. I found a stamp a couple of weeks ago made out of the studd and it had been STAPLED TOGETHER! lol

I carved about 20 stamps with the stuff when I first started out. All but one fell apart. I have since switched to PZ Cut and have carved and planted over 250 boxes with the stuff and have had absolutely NO problems since.

LW PhD
"Nice Counts"
Re: speedy Cut or Kut??
Board: Stamp Carving and Mounting
Reply to: #79168 by Lock Wench
Mar 19, 2007 4:53am
Thread (disabled) Board
Quote Yes, it's grayish/off-white. Some people call it white to differentiate it from the pink stuff.


I have a small amount of the off-white stuff that was given to me by the pyratemates (along with a some of the other materials too) and he called it the "crumbly stuff". This material I bought is dark gray. Definitely NOBODY would ever call it white or whitish. So I'm still wondering if it's the same manufacturer as the white stuff... maybe a different formula?. I tried to get the edge to crumble on the block when I got it home to no avail.

Tee
Re: frustrated beyond belief
Board: Stamp Carving and Mounting
Reply to: #79122 by The B Hunters
Mar 19, 2007 6:55am
Thread (disabled) Board
First of all, thanks to everyone! I looked at stampeaz.com and was thoroughly amazed at the variety offered. Most of you said PZ cut, only there's many brands of the stuff. Can someone be more specific? I am not sure what the letters stand for. Thanks, The B Hunters
Re: speedy Cut or Kut??
Board: Stamp Carving and Mounting
Reply to: #79170 by Shadohart
Mar 19, 2007 9:08am
Thread (disabled) Board
Could it be the dark gray stuff from Dick Blick? It's very heavy and dense?

LW PhD
"Nice Counts"
Re: frustrated beyond belief
Board: Stamp Carving and Mounting
Reply to: #79199 by The B Hunters
Mar 19, 2007 9:11am
Thread (disabled) Board
PZ cut comes in 4 varieties. You can get it in Orange or White, and each color has 'grade A' and 'grade B'. Grade A being the 'better quality', although I've never had a problem with the B. IF you search the boards, Webfoot made a very detailed post a few months back... I believe this is the one:

http://www.atlasquest.com/boards/messages.html?gThreadId=6829

As for the difference between orange vs. white, that seems to be a personal preference. I'd get a sheet of each and see which YOU like better!
Goodluck, and happy carving!

HP
Re: speedy Cut or Kut??
Board: Stamp Carving and Mounting
Reply to: #79219 by Lock Wench
Mar 19, 2007 9:12am
Thread (disabled) Board
If it is the dark stuff from Dick Blick, it's here:

http://www.dickblick.com/zz404/04/

and, I'd be worried about it drying out and crumbling as well. This stuff isn't intended for long term use. There's even a proviso in the instructions to use it within a year for maximum softness for cutting.
Re: speedy Cut or Kut??
Board: Stamp Carving and Mounting
Reply to: #79221 by Jenni P McD
Mar 19, 2007 9:53am
Thread (disabled) Board
I was just going to ask if it was Easy cut Lino. It is dark gray. I have a little bit and hate it.

Larva Lady of the Zelie Zips
Re: speedy Cut or Kut??
Board: Stamp Carving and Mounting
Reply to: #79224 by Larva Lady-ZZ
Mar 19, 2007 10:16am
Thread (disabled) Board
The thing about lino vs some of the other soft block materials is it can take other types of ink readily, and can do the whole press thing as well.

Just a different method from what we boxers tend to do is all.
Re: frustrated beyond belief
Board: Stamp Carving and Mounting
Reply to: #79220 by Pi
Mar 19, 2007 11:15am
Thread (disabled) Board
I have never had a problem with the 'B' grade.

The orange is VERY stiff. Be careful that your carving nib doesn't get stuck, lurch and jab you in the finger (has happened to me) or wreck your stamp. But for the detail, I love it! Especially when I carve people's faces.

The white, IMO, is great, too. I usually use this to carve regular stamps (not people).

A couple of months ago, I bought the sampler pack from Stampeaz. If you place an order, make sure you log the image that Webfoot send you on your invoice. They are great!

SHenyd
Re: frustrated beyond belief
Board: Stamp Carving and Mounting
Reply to: #79122 by The B Hunters
Mar 19, 2007 11:30am
Thread (disabled) Board
I've done it, I bought my first PZ Cut!! I hope it's as great as you say it is. I'm sad about my previous series but will probably have to recarve it. So here's my next question. I bought my carving tools at Wally and they have been great. They are just wooden handles with metal blades of various sizes hanging out. I've noticed though that in the threads, most people use speedball ones. Are these better? Not having a ton of money, the ones at Wally have worked, but I do get surprises from my husband periodically and I was wondering if I should start hinting for these! The B Hunters
Re: frustrated beyond belief
Board: Stamp Carving and Mounting
Reply to: #79242 by The B Hunters
Mar 19, 2007 11:34am
Thread (disabled) Board
If you really want to see your carving improve rapidly, try the Staedler carving pens. They have 3 sizes, but I use mostly the #1. It has a smaller V shape....more like this: v and so it is IMPOSSIBLE to carve a wide line! I can do incredible detail now since Archimedes Screw turned me on to these. They are available at www.stampeaz.com. Here is a link for the tools so you can take a look:

http://www.stampeaz.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=4&products_id=28

A lovely gift for any carver -

LW PhD
"Nice Counts"
Re: frustrated beyond belief
Board: Stamp Carving and Mounting
Reply to: #79242 by The B Hunters
Mar 19, 2007 12:15pm
Thread (disabled) Board
I have the same wooden handle and find that it works perfectly well. You can buy additional nibs (other sizes and replacements) through stampeaz as well, (like $1 per nib?). Others talk about sharpening, but with these I just replace the nib. Aside from the handle being different, they are basically the same as the Staedler.

Happy Carving!

~HP~
Re: frustrated beyond belief
Board: Stamp Carving and Mounting
Reply to: #79243 by Lock Wench
Mar 19, 2007 12:18pm
Thread (disabled) Board
Quote you really want to see your carving improve rapidly, try the Staedler carving pens. They have 3 sizes, but I use mostly the #1. It has a smaller V shape....more like this: v and so it is IMPOSSIBLE to carve a wide line


This has been the case for me - the combo of the PZKut Orange and Staedler has improved my carving three-fold. I LOVE how easy these are to carve with and the detail I can carve now!!

AGJ
Re: frustrated beyond belief
Board: Stamp Carving and Mounting
Reply to: #79251 by AnthroGradJess
Mar 19, 2007 12:23pm
Thread (disabled) Board
Quote This has been the case for me - the combo of the PZKut Orange and Staedler has improved my carving three-fold. I LOVE how easy these are to carve with and the detail I can carve now!!


Magnifying Lamps is what REALLY took my carving to the next level!!!I never dreamed I could do what I can now. seeing what you are doing is KEY !!!!!
chadams
Re: frustrated beyond belief
Board: Stamp Carving and Mounting
Reply to: #79252 by chadams
Mar 19, 2007 3:33pm
Thread (disabled) Board
Seeing...Put on you glasses.........and good light are key to carving.

LL/ZZ
Re: speedy Cut or Kut??
Board: Stamp Carving and Mounting
Reply to: #79219 by Lock Wench
Mar 19, 2007 5:43pm
Thread (disabled) Board
Quote Could it be the dark gray stuff from Dick Blick? It's very heavy and dense?


The store did not tell me where they ordered it. I can confirm that it is very heavy and dense.

Thanks,
Tee
Re: speedy Cut or Kut??
Board: Stamp Carving and Mounting
Reply to: #79226 by Jenni P McD
Mar 19, 2007 5:53pm
Thread (disabled) Board
Quote The thing about lino vs some of the other soft block materials is it can take other types of ink readily, and can do the whole press thing as well.

Just a different method from what we boxers tend to do is all.


I understand, but I've carved this into a number of stamps and they stamp well with pigment or dye based ink pads, or markers. I got it because it was so inexpensive and I could get a lot of practice without breaking the bank (so to speak).

If I get complaints, I'll look at something else. Thanks for the info,

Tee
Re: speedy Cut or Kut??
Board: Stamp Carving and Mounting
Reply to: #79352 by Shadohart
Mar 19, 2007 6:07pm
Thread (disabled) Board
Quote the dark gray stuff from Dick Blick? It's very heavy and dense


I bought two different types of carving material from Dick Blick. I bought the dark gray stuff in a sheet of about 12x12x¼. It is very heavy and dense and has a rubbery feel and smell to it. It carves ok, but because it's rubbery, it doesn't hold detail very well. The other stuff I bought came in a box of 2 sheets 4x6x⅜ and is a very light cream color and smells like the pink pearl erasers. The box is labeled "Blick EZ cut printing blocks". It is very crumbly. I tried to carve something with it the other day. My very first cut that I made just chunked out a piece, so I rapidly abandoned that!!! I don't know if this stuff is going to be good for anything! Nice box though.

FG
Re: frustrated beyond belief
Board: Stamp Carving and Mounting
Reply to: #79199 by The B Hunters
Mar 19, 2007 7:28pm
Thread (disabled) Board
Quote I am not sure what the letters stand for


Letter "A" is the better quality. I use it all the time and I think its great! I won't use anything else!

Lady Lilac