Hi all,
I've been lurking for a bit and this is my first post- I know there is a lot of info below, but I could really use some guidance regarding hot stamping machines. To get it out of the way early, I'm not especially interested in buying used/ off ebay. (frankly because I don't know exactly what to look for, and am concerned about not getting the right thing/getting ripped off, and this is my first real "big" equipment purchase and ebay feels risky for my first bigger investment) I'm a pretty small business so ideally it would be nice to start with something moderately priced (that is still good quality) before I invest thousands on something super fancy or top of the line- but I'm just worried I might spend hundred on a hunk of junk and that I might not even get it to function in the way I need, because to be honest I'm not sure exactly what I should be buying.
For background, I'm in the business of making softcover leather books. Typically with upholstery weight leather, in the 2.3-3.5 oz ballpark, but in the future would like to expand into products with slightly heavier 4-5 oz weights (but the leather I use now definitely needs heat to set a stamp, pressure stamping doesn't work on what I use). I do a lot of personalization and have been using a handheld burner tool thus far, but I need to upgrade to something a bit more professional that can get the job done faster and cleaner. I'd need a machine with a type setter/holder, or equivalent, and a set (or a few) of type. (Goudy Light or Times New Roman, or similar, ideally)For now I only need one row of type, but it would be nice if down the road it had the capability to do multi line. Foiling would be a nice future option as well, but it's definitely not absolutely necessary that the machine be set up for it as all my current stamping is blind debossing anyway (and I could always just lay the foil down flat on the piece, I dont *need* the whole roll feed set up, right?)
So I've tried doing a bit of research, and kingsley and kwik print machines seem like *the* thing here in the US, and as I understand it kingsleys are no longer made? but kwik prints are, but the thing is, Kwikprints website was supposedly hacked, and I had a heck of a time getting in touch with anybody online (I'm not one for calls, and I'd like to get some info in writing, and eventually found them on FB) I did with someone named Jay, but he sent a somewhat general and didn't follow up with more info about the models he suggested, and didn't reply when I asked more questions. So I really have no idea if this company is legit anymore. Not sure how I would even go about buying securely since their website is "down". Doing a transaction over the just doesn't seem secure.
Anyways, that was 6 months ago, and in the time since I've found Tandy also has a hot stamping machine, but I'm unclear what kind of type would work or be available to go with it- I could find any of the machines accessories on Tandys website. I also found kwikprint machines on talas for a pretty penny. Talas has it set up as "build your machine" type of thing for Kwik prints with all the accessories separately, and even still I'm not sure what all I would really need, and it seems pretty expensive to do it this way. I've also found plenty of these kinds of machines on amazon, Asian supplier websites, and a few other sites, but for most of them it's unclear what kind of typesetter and sets of type I would need/could use with these random "off brand" machines. I've heard some type only works with some machines, and I'm sure not all holders work with all machines either, etc. Also, some type sets I *have* found seems like they comes with just one of each letter, which seems a little silly. Is this normal and people buy multiple sets of the same type, or can you buy sets of type anywhere with multiples of the more popular letters (you know, like if someone wants "Sally" on their item, I'm gonna need two L's, ya know?)
I'm feeling really over my head in this search, and I need help! Any info or guidance in any form would be greatly appreciated.
MK Product Page
Hi there!
I won't be much help for a solution but i'm in the same boat- albiet i'm just doing leathercraft for a hobby rather than a business, so don't need such a hi-tech machine for lots of work.
What I can offer is my own observations in my hot foil research!
So I've been looking in to all sorts of machines as well. The China made ones, as you say, are in abundance everywhere and people generally have good feedback on them. One prominent maker of these is called "Zonesun" and they also offer making fonts of the machine too. This is good as you know whatever they make will fit in to one of their machines. Even better, the China made ones are all on the lower end of the price scale which is great.
But! I totally understand how it's hard to say if anything you get made elsewhere will fit in to their machines. And also it seems you might need something hardier as you're producing alot of products.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Hot Foil Stamping Machine For Sale.
On the opposite end of the scale we have all the Kwikprint and Kingsley's and well known brands. As you know- they're expensive and actually hard to source and when you can, they can sometimes be very old. Not something you can totally rely on.
Here's a bit of a grey area- all the brands in between. The best selection i've found is on Etsy. There's one or two independent makers of these hot foil machines. One is The Lederer who i've already purchased types from. They're based in Hong Kong and I believe they've upgraded one of Zonesun's machines and have made this walnut and brass box. You're talking about USD$400-600 for one of these. The Lederer are going to release an upgraded model soon which look like Zonesun's first version. I've yet to try it out but will be soon. They also offer custom making font sets which i've review on my Youtube vlog. These also look prettier than the cheaper ones to boot- so something to consider if you're going to do live embossing.
One more thing to note is the fonts that i've purchased from the Lederer are much too small for any of the high end machines like Metallic Elephant(UK) and Kwikprint. The high end ones need dies that are quite large.
So in conclusion I think it's important to invest in a machine that will give you longevity. The fact that the China made ones have gotten pretty good reviews and also offer custom fonts is a good thing. Not to mention, you will probably make back your money on these pretty quick. I think i'd personally go for a cheaper one, see how it goes and when the time comes invest in the larger ones.
Hope that help's somewhat!
-Chris
For more information, please visit Cardboard Stamping Machine.
Edited January 16, by Krisleather