What would be the best type of rubber that I could machine and easily buy to make a stamp. Stamp as in with the ink and everything.

Anybody know?

I think you'd have better luck machining a mold - even from wax or MDF - doesn't have to be all that strong - then cast with silicone or urethane.

Scott

I was gonna say Trojan.....but since you're looking to stamp stuff....I don't know if silicone or urethane will hold ink without smearing.....usually the rubber in rubber stamps is natural rubber that is molded and vulcanized...

I have no idea what is used at the "stamps while you wait" places.

The stamps you get at Office Max - the while you wait kind - are silicone, aren't they?

I don't claim expertise in rubber stamps but I have seen urethanes that are resistant to almost every chemical you can throw at them, including alcohol, acetone and MEK.

Scott

I think you'd have better luck machining a mold - even from wax or MDF - doesn't have to be all that strong - then cast with silicone or urethane.

Scott


I have no knowledge in molds.

You had mentioned that you were going to machine the rubber. Why not mirror the data and machine it into something soft and non-porous, then pour in a castable urethane or silicone, let it cure and - wal-a - - you have the part you were going to machine. It's an extra step, but it's easier than machining rubber, in my opinion.

Scott

You realize of course, www.rubberstampchamp.com will make a custom stamp from your artwork for less money than you can buy the rubber yourself.

Unless of course the stamp has to say something like "Approved by office 14 of the IRS" or "Loan approved by XYZ Bank" or "Entry visa granted on 20th June 2005"
hehehe

I have no knowledge in molds.


What did you end up doing here, MGB?

Scott