Branding Instructions
Congratulations on your new custom branding iron! Every material brands a little differently, so we highly recommend practicing on scrap material before marking your finished project. A few test brands will help you quickly dial in the perfect temperature, pressure, and branding time.
Standard Handle (External Heat Source)
Installing Your Brand
Your branding iron has a 3/8"-16 threaded female connection. Simply thread it onto the 3/8"-16 male end of your Standard Handle, then tighten the lock nut firmly against the back of the branding head.
If the branding face isn't perfectly square to the handle, loosen the lock nut, back the branding head off approximately 1–2 turns, allow it to settle into position, then tighten the lock nut securely.
Heating
Heat the branding head using a propane or MAPP gas torch until it reaches the proper branding temperature.
For smaller branding irons or indoor use, a kitchen torch (crème brûlée torch), gas stove burner, or other open flame can also work, although heating times may be longer.
Rather than trying to hit a specific temperature, we recommend gradually heating the brand and testing it on scrap material. Every design and every material is different, and after a few test brands you'll quickly learn what works best. An infrared thermometer can also be useful if you'd like to record the ideal temperature for future projects.
Branding
Press the branding iron firmly into your material. A slight rocking motion can help ensure full contact, especially on textured surfaces.
The ideal branding time depends on several factors, including:
- Material type
- Surface texture
- Branding iron temperature
- Size and detail of your design
One of the best indicators is the amount of smoke produced during branding. With a little practice, you'll often know you've made a great impression before lifting the brand.
Always test on scrap material before branding your finished project.
Electric Branding Iron Handle
Installing Your Brand
Remove the small set screw from the side of the Electric Branding Iron Handle.
Insert the branding shaft fully into the handle until it bottoms out, then tighten the set screw to secure it. The set screw does not align with any feature on the branding shaft.
Make sure the shaft is inserted completely before use. Failure to fully seat the branding iron may cause excessive heat buildup and could damage the handle.
Heating
Plug in the Electric Branding Iron Handle and allow approximately 5 minutes to reach operating temperature. Larger branding irons may require 15–20 minutes to fully heat.
It's normal to notice a small amount of smoke during the first one or two uses as manufacturing oils burn off. This will disappear after a short break-in period. We recommend using the handle in a well-ventilated area during its first few uses.
Branding
Press the branding iron firmly into your material. A slight rocking motion may help achieve complete contact, similar to using an ink stamp.
Branding time will vary depending on:
- Material type
- Surface texture
- Branding iron temperature
- Size and detail of your design
Watch the amount of smoke produced during branding—it becomes an excellent indicator as you gain experience.
Always practice on scrap material before branding a finished piece.
Temperature Control
For most applications, a temperature controller is not necessary. Burn depth is typically adjusted simply by changing how long the branding iron remains in contact with the material.
If you regularly work with delicate materials, such as softer leathers, and find the branding iron runs hotter than desired, our plug-in Power Controller can be used to reduce the operating temperature.
Maintenance
A clean branding iron produces the sharpest, most consistent impressions.
- Remove debris from the branding face with an aluminum or brass wire brush as needed. A steel wire brush may also be used, but avoid excessive pressure.
- If the branding face ever becomes uneven after extended use, lightly resurface it by moving it across fine-grit sandpaper placed on a smooth, flat surface. A sharpening stone or fine grinding stone may also be used.
- Brass and aluminum branding irons naturally resist corrosion and require very little maintenance beyond occasional cleaning.
- A dark oxidation layer will naturally develop with use. This is completely normal and does not affect performance.
Need Help?
If you have any questions about your branding iron, heating methods, or the material you're branding, we're always happy to help. Just reach out—we want you to get the best possible results from your new branding iron.
