Anyone else have opinions? Yes. I can speak from experience with as
you say “big” stamping gear.
Let me put it this way, If, like me you had the chance to buy up a
complete stampers workshop, the machinery, fly presses, press tools
dies, catalogues and price lists from its inception in 1851, would you
jump at the chance or turn it down to continue making everything by
hand? Especially as the cost was scrap metal price plus 10% with the
promise that you would use it? Its a no brainer, if you have the space
to install it all.
Tools wether old or new, open the door to new products, if you are
innovative enough in your designs, and have the marketing skills to
capitalise on your new tools.
I used a few of the old dies, but mainly comissioned new designs to
suit my chientele and sales outlet, and accepted comissions for
production runs up to 2500 off.
This cannot replace however the one off comissions that most
jewellers here seem to make.
And the one major constraint, you have to fund the up front die
costs. you then better be sure youve the design right, if you dont,
its an expensive mistake.
To give just one example.
Near here we have the world’s largest steam fair, the Great Dorset.
Id been showing my work there along side the craft area, for some
years to good effect, (they have 50,000 visitors over 5 days) I asked
the organisers if I could bring my drop stamp and mint a plaque for
the event at the event.
I comissioned the die, prepared a couple of hundred blanks, and set
up.
Well, I didnt stop minting for the 5 days, ran out of blanks at the
end of the 1st day, had to go home and blank out avery bit of brass
and copper sheet I had in stock. Finished up minting 1000 that sold
off the hammer.
If you have the right product in the right place at the right price
it can work very well.
Mind you, your working in a public place, effectively demonstrating
your skills and equipment.
Thats pretty demanding, so you better have your act well polished!
Everything you have has to say something.
Interesting from the marketing point of view.
Ted.