Branding Instructions


 

Attaching to the Traditional Wood Handle:

Your new custom 3D printed tip will have a 3/8"-16 threaded female end, just twist this onto the 3/8" male end of the handle, then tighten the lock nut on the handle tight to the back of the brand. If the brand seems to not be at a 90 degree angle to the handle, loosen the brand and unscrew it by approximately 1-2 threads, it should wiggle slightly, then tighten the lock nut up tight to the back of the brand.

Heat your brand tip until glowing red using a MAPP or propane torch, for smaller brands or inside use a "crème brulee" or kitchen torch or other source of open heat like a gas burner can be used but may take longer. 
Note that "glowing red" isn't necessary for most materials, but is a good place to start if you are unsure. Another good option is to heat it up and occasionally test the brand on scrap material. With a  bit of practice it becomes easier to tell by the look of the metal when it is hot enough to work for your material, this will take practice and testing, an infrared thermometer is also helpful if you have one, just take note of the ideal temperature for each new material you brand.

Press the tip firmly into product, some minor rocking may be required to get complete contact, similar to an ink stamp. The amount of time and pressure to use will vary depending on a lot of factors, including material, surface quality of material and the temperature of the brand tip, which will vary from design to design, a good rule of thumb is to note the smoke that is released, with practice you'll be able to recognize the signs that you made a good mark before you even lift the brand, the amount of smoke released is key. 
Just remember, a
lways test and perfect your technique on scrap material prior to branding an expensive finished product.

 

 

Attaching to the Soldering Iron (Electric Handle):

Remove the small set screw in the side of the soldering iron and remove the tip that comes pre-installed. Slide your new brand tip into the end as deep as it will go and reset the set screw to secure the tip. (The set screw does not align with anything on the brand's shaft). If necessary you may need to use a longer set screw to make contact, one is included with your brand if you ordered a brand that is 1.5" or smaller. It is very important to slide the shaft in all the way or you may burn out your electric handle.

Turn the soldering iron on by plugging it in, allow the tip to heat up for at least 5 minutes, the exact amount of time will vary from brand to brand.

Press the tip firmly into your material. The amount of time and pressure to use will vary depending on a lot of factors, including material, surface quality of material and the temperature of the brand tip, which will vary from design to design.

Always test and perfect your technique on scrap material prior to branding a finished product.

If you purchased a soldering iron without temperature control and the temperature seems to be too hot then you may need to reduce the power running to it using a wattage regulator, we recommend the "Inland MiniPhaser Temperature Controller" These can be found on Amazon. Running your electric handle at the lowest temperature needed will extend it's life.

 

Maintenance:

To get the cleanest brand marks possible you may choose to occasionally hone your brand to remove debris and re-flatten if necessary. To do this simply slide the face of your brand back and forth on a piece of high grit sand paper set onto a smooth hard surface and, a grind stone or knife sharpening block may also be used.
Steel brands should be kept away from moisture and oiled if used for food use, we recommend a high grade food safe vegetable oil.