Cutting Stamps / Blocks

[5artist5]

Has anyone here used their benchtop mill for cutting rubber or linoleum for stamps or block printing?

[escott76]

Has anyone here used their benchtop mill for cutting rubber or linoleum for stamps or block printing?

Rubber can be tough to cut cleanly. Many times rubber will actually be ground to final tolerance. Perhaps you might try instead to cut a mold, pour your rubber into the mold and go from there. Cutting the mold in wax will be fast as it cuts quickly, and it's self releasing from a lot of things.

[mc_n_g]

Like teh previous post, rubber is best if it is a shear type cut only. If you are trying to shape it in different forms you are in for some problems. Harder durometer rubber may be easier to cut but harder to work with in an end product. It may also tear or snag in chunks. Best to form moulds of your patterns and work with them from there.
I might make a suggestion of using silicone to make your stamps if you have to make a bunch of them. You can make teh pattern in clay then form the stamp in silicone or make a reverse-type mould (positive to negative to positive). Silicone is relatively cheap in 2 part mixes. A harder durometer will remain stiffer but you may need to add a backing.

[5artist5]

Ok, i like the silicone mold idea.
What about linoleum?

[MarkBaucher]

Nice conversation. Thanks

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