As usual, good suggestions are surfacing. I use a 6 x 8" piece
of plastic window-covering, carried over from orienteering practice,
to clip the clue sheet to for carrying in the field and later for a
stamping-in platform, if needed (which is often). And, since I use a
looseleaf 3.5 x 5" Strathmore SKETCH book for a journal (same as I
put in my letterboxes), I can merely tear out the page if I don't get
a satisfactory impression the first time. That's occurred several
times.
I'd consider backing up my stamps with wood, except that the
Rubbermaid size A boxes I use don't have any too much room in 'em.
No question that the rigid stamp provides a more certain complete
image (but perhaps only if you have a firm surface to work on).
P3 F42 X2 HH2 Bob / 'Cock o' the Trail'
--- In letterbox-usa@y..., Alafair
>
> Memlili
> I mount all my stamps because I use 1/4" thick medium only. I mount
larger stamps on 3/8" plywood and smaller ones on 1/4." With my
stamps, I find mounting does make a better image.
> Michaels sells small pieces of 1/4" to 3/8' inch plywood in various
widths and lengths up to, I believe, 2' with nice clear, smooth and
level surfaces for stamping your image and then mounting it. I just
purchased 3/8" X 12" for around $2.50.
> I LOVE your idea of carrying a small piece of plywood. I can see
where this would be useful in several different ways. There have been
many times when we have found a box in inclement weather and had to
stand under our umbrellas to sign in rather than find a spot to sit
and enjoy our surroundings. It is hard to stamp in some books with
soft covers solidly enough to get the whole image. A 4"x 6" piece of
1/4" luan plywood, which is surprisingly solid, is lightweight and
easily carried, would be perfect to stabilize things.
> I bought a small, inexpensive all-purpose handsaw at Home Depot to
cut my plywood blocks. I admit it takes persistence and patience to
do this in a somewhat straight line without something to hold the
wood steady. Two people are better. You will need sandpaper to smooth
the edges.
> Most small lumber yards will accommodate their customer requests to
cut hard wood purchased there into blocks for a nominal fee if not
free. Custom cabinet makers have tons of wood scraps in all kinds of
interesting hardwoods and shapes. They would probably give them away
or sell you a bag for almost nothing. Beware of pine and cherry
though. They cup when exposed to moisture. Plywood, maple, mahogany,
teak, and are more stable, generally in that order, IMHO.
> Linda a/k/a Alafair
> MARTEL
asked a carpenter I knew for some
> scraps of left over wood. Now I happen to have connections with
someone who
> works for a yacht maker, so my stamps are now mounted on such
things as
> teak and mahogany, but I agree that a wood mount does make it
easier. I am
> also going to start carrying a small piece of plywood or something
in my box
> to use as a mini desk, for those boxes that have larger stamps. I
have
> trouble getting good impressions with those. I did switch from
carrying an
> actual log book with me to carrying sheets of paper that I later
mount in an
> album. This way, if I screw up the image I can stamp another and
not have
> to worry about ruining my log book.
> Just an idea from a relative newbie
> Memlili
>
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