I am a recently retired teacher. I am working now to improve my modest woodworking skills with the help of a professional cabinet maker friend, Jerry. He is sharing 35 years of experience and devoting time and effort to help me learn.
He is a very modest but talented craftsman. While we were working together this week, he told me that he regrets not signing some of the custom pieces he has built for his customers over the years.
I would like to provide him a branding iron as a small gift for his assistance. I am asking here for advice on type of brander (electric or torch) and sources. He has been very generous to me, so I want this to be a generous gift to him.
Jerry doesn’t need any tools. So if there is another gift you think would be a nice surprise to an experienced woodworker, I am open to something different. Whatever advice you can offer will be appreciated.
Stay safe.
Russ
Replies
The branding iron won't fix his regrets on past pieces but, will let him brand future pieces if he is still active. I use an electric. I believe I got mine from Rockler but, others sell them.
They generally come with a card that you use to select the branding head option you want. A few word and a pattern are probably included. A casting of a signature or your custom graphic is generally extra.
Good on you for wanting to repay his sharing of his skills. Good lucj to you in your endeavors.
I've made people pieces of furniture with no financial transaction involved; and also given help - even a few "lessons" - to others. The last thing I want is a reward or "repayment". I'd feel that would demean the relationship and the transaction by reducing it to just another buy-sell thing.
Better to accept the gift of help as such (a gift, not a consumable with a price tag). In time, you may be able to reciprocate by offering help and advice in return, concerning something you are more knowledgeable or expert at.
Lataxe
I don't think most people would confuse a gift with a payment. Gifts are a nice gesture. But don't limit yourself to a woodworking only gift. Are there other things he would enjoy outside of woodworking?
One thing I might suggest is a book if he doesn’t have it the fine art art of cabinet making great read and an amazing book.
I use a wood burning pen, it allows me to put a fabrication year.
Gift certificate to nice restaurant? (Once the lock down has passed)
Check out these links for branding iron info
https://www.finewoodworking.com/2019/08/30/how-to-use-a-branding-iron
https://www.rockler.com/hand-tools/wood-burning/wood-branding-irons
Thanks to all for responding. I appreciate your thoughts and suggestions. I’ll repost when I decide what to do.
Stay safe.
Russ
A woodworking friend gifted me with a branding iron several years ago. I enjoy branding my work with a logo adapted from my contracting business of thirty years. Continuity? I have a torch heat iron and strongly recommend going with an electric iron. Heating the iron takes a long time and judging the temperature has been challenging. I think an iron would be a great gift, especially if you can find an image or logo meaningful to him.
An engraver also works well, and enables you to put other information like the date, who it was made for, or a short message.
A gel stain can be wiped over it to bring out the letters.
The retired teacher becomes a student? I'd suggest a heartfelt card or letter where you describe and thank him for what he has given you and all you have learned. Doesn't have to be schmaltzy. I've heard in India there is a day every year where people thank and show respect to those who have taught them (not just school teachers, any kind of mentor or guide). Seems kind of nice. Having received these occasionally in the past (certainly not for woodworking, ha), I know for me it's a great gift.
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