Hot foil stamping machines

Whatever hot foil machine you use, the ‘plate’ or loose type needs to be POLISHED to a high shine. As a bookbinder with some ‘gold finishing’ training, I use a polishing pad (I can supply the details for making one) and ‘linishing‘ compound (The pink one

Just today I have received quotation from Metallic Elephant for their hot foil machine: "The KSF Series 1 MINI or standard are both £1495.00 + carriage + VAT if applicable"

Hi Guys, I was interested in this model for the same reason. Then I saw a video demonstration of the clicker function being used. From that video I saw that it takes multiple presses around the die for the shape to be cut. In the comments Dream Factory mentioned that this is supplementary feature. What I drew from the comments and video is that you COULD use to to click patterns but its not designed for continuous usage in that capacity. Just my 2 cents but I would be happy to learn differently when ppl get there machines and can give direct feedback.

This is the instagram post with video:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BxsO9y7FR8Q/?hl=en

I am seriously thinking about getting the Dream Factory Hot Foil one for the simple reason that it also doubles as a Clicker Press (for all those times you do stuff for friends and charge them less than what you usually charge, and also for those 1 piece folded wallets that you sell for cheap at markets).

Anyone knows anyone who has ever used one?

Completely agree about China, 3-5 years ago the options for tools of all sorts was pretty slim. Then the Chinese saw an opening and now you can get all the small bits and things you could need from them including things I didn't even know existed lol .

My machine came with spares of the fuses and the cable connecting the heating plate to the rest of the machine so that was definitely positive. I would hope the machines I listed above would come with the same.

@samuel.eugene.oneil Yes those are definitely an upgrade! Although they are moving into second hand Kingsley etc territory. I'd also like to know what the situation regarding spares would be.

I think in another 3-4 years China will dominate the hot foil machine market for value and build quality. It happened with the electric edge creasers, it just took a while.

Hey everyone, I also have a similar hot foil press, it has a few extra bits on it but same basic thing. I havent encountered yet the design flaw that Phil mentioned. As he has mentioned the issue I made sure to treat it gently. I also have the plate lowered quite close to the surface so the distance of travel is short.

It doesnt make it easy to align and place your item but it does work in a satisfactory manner if you use the acrylic sheet method Phil showed in one of his videos. I got my machine with type for around 450-500 if I recall correctly. Not the best, but it does the job.

If you do want to go ahead with one of these units I would recommend an upgraded version:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/652926767/workonleather-new-desktop-hot-foil?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=hot+foil+stamping+machine&ref=sr_gallery-1-5&organic_search_click=1&frs=1

or

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32852765017.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.6dd813calFyRcf&algo_pvid=f14545f4-d3d8-4296-a335-89b820cc6a83&algo_expid=f14545f4-d3d8-4296-a335-89b820cc6a83-27&btsid=e3042628-3849-4ca3-983f-c938525fdc45&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_5,searchweb201603_52

The first is 650 and the second is around 600, and from my research the next step up is a Dream Factory or Iron Bridge machine from Korea which 1200+ with shipping. Also as Phil mentioned maybe a used Kingsley or something.

If anyone has any better options I would be happy to hear becuase I would like to upgrade my machine in the future.

Also as Glen mentioned, Phil might be breaking his machines because hes getting serious gainzz :-)

@Daniel W. , @Glenn Delmotte , @Fadi , @Leathercraft Masterclass

Many thanks for all the comments, reviews and opinions, I am so sorry to reply just now but I am on holiday visiting family and I am sooo out of date with my emails and all...!!!

I promise to check all carefully as soon as I get back to Valencia, would like to study all the options available before to take any decision.

Thanks again to all!! ❤️

@Maru Tuchi Hello there. It's been a while since I had the time to post here due to work being really busy but I'm trying to get back at it.

I do indeed have a machine like that. (bought it here) Overall i'm satisfied with the results excep for the aligning issue @Fadi already mentioned. So far I have not had the issue of the lever breaking down on me as @Leathercraft Masterclass mentioned. Maybe I'm just not as strong as Philip, maybe I'm just lucky. I can see what philip means though. I am indeed down to the last tooth when I'm pressing all the way down.

I have recently found something that might be a solution if you already own a fileteuse.

https://www.bosmachinehandel.be/nl/aanbod/ledermachines_2/filteer_apparatuur_33/kit_stempel_statief_88

Edit: They aslo make stamps that fit in the fileteuse: https://www.bosmachinehandel.be/nl/aanbod/ledermachines_2/filteer_apparatuur_33/gepersonaliseerde_stempel_41

I have not asked them about the price yet, and their website is in dutch only. But since they are based in Belgium i'm pretty sure they will be able to help you in French and English.

What about this @Maru Tuchi

? https://www.etsy.com/dk-en/listing/687781263/brass-walnut-hot-stamping-machine-brass?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=hot+stamp+machine&ref=sr_gallery-1-4&organic_search_click=1&cns=1&col=1

About the same price, small, external power supply Looks amazing !

So, the guy i bought my used bell skiver from just sent me this picture of a machine he found for sale. Used, of course. He wants $200 for it.

Anyone has ever seen one like it or has experience with something similar? From what I understood and from the looks of it, this is an industrial machine.

Im so sorry Maru! I totally forgot to make a video for you! just made you a quick one :D

@Leathercraft Masterclass thanks for your advice, that was the reason of this post, to get more info and see if it’s worth the purchase or not.

@Fadi I want to know the final result of your experiment!!!

@Maru Tuchi @Fadi I have two of these machines in my attic, both broke in exactly the same place.

The lever and ram work on a rack and pinion. The pinion is all steel as it should be, but the teeth on the rack are low quality aluminium and they snap.

As you apply pressure on your work, the rack is down to it's last tooth, so all the pressure is on that. Bad design.

If funds are low, set some money aside each week and save up for a used machine from a reputable manufacturer.

There is no cheap way to get quality equipment outside of selling your soul to promote products on Instagram. Buy once, cry once.

Hey Maru,

from what I know, @Glenn Delmotte has one and from our discussion he is satisfied with the results but he told me it was a bit tricky to align the leather to have a straight stamping. But i think this shouldnt be a problem, a few lines on the base and you are good to go.

I am also thinking of getting one, but as always, shipping to Lebanon is a b%#&h