Makers Mark Stencils Comparison

CDHumiston

CDHumiston

Joined
Feb 17, 2009
Messages
1,464
I know this subject comes up now and then so I thought I may be able to provide some insight.

I recently ordered stencils from three different companies. Bo Grospitch at Big Guy Illustration, T.U.S. Technologies, and IMG Electromark.

All three of these companies were very easy to work with. They were all very helpful in designing and getting the sizes right for me. I have
only received the stencils from Bo at this time so I can't compare them yet. I will update the thread once I have all the stencils in hand.

Bo Grospitch - I received 20 stencils in two different sizes for a total price of $83.48

T.U.S. Technologies - The price for 5 stencils was a total $45.45 shipped.

IMG Electromark - The price for 6 stencils in two different sizes was a total of $59.50 shipped.

These were pretty simple designs of just my two initials and last name as C.D.Humiston in script.

I also ordered a steel stamp from Team Stamp Yours with the same design as the stencils. These people were super helpful in the design and sizing of my stamp.
It will not arrive for two weeks, but I'll update when it is here as well. That cost me $191.50

Hope this thread will help some people once I get more details added...
 
weo said:
Thanks for doing this, Chris. Look forward to your comparison.
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I should have the T.U.S. today or tomorrow. It may be the end of the week for the IMG's.

I'll try and take some photos of the actual product then. I may not be able to get any work done on actual steel for a few weeks.
I'm starting a new job with ATF on Monday as a Telecom Engineer. They plan to keep me very busy with specialized training...
 
I received the stencils from TUS. They seem to be a tab thinner than the ones from Bo. The stencil material looks brown compared to the blue from Bo.

From the look and feel I don't think they will give different results when used.

As stated above the 5 TUS stencils cost me $45 while 20 stencils from Bo cost me $83

20210823_161710.jpg
 
Did you order green or brown/beige stencils from IMG? Two different materials. Thx.
 
fitzo said:
Did you order green or brown/beige stencils from IMG? Two different materials. Thx.
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They didn't tell me there was an option. I worked with them on the design and that's it. I guess I'll find out when the stencils arrive.
 
I have been using Tus Stencils for years.
To avoid cracking, after being used, and help them last a very long time, I keep them in water and windex solution.
This keeps them soft and avoids cracking.
 
CDHumiston said:
They didn't tell me there was an option. I worked with them on the design and that's it. I guess I'll find out when the stencils arrive.
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Don’t take my question as gospel. That’s what used to be; they may have changed their products since I last purchased. I look forward to seeing their material and results.

I strongly recommend getting a cheap sonicator (for jewelry cleaning) and use it and a soft brush like one of those teeny tootHbrushes for cleaning jewelry to clan the pores in the stencil. Works more effectively then working it with your finger/thumb.
Dollar stores often have them dirt cheap. Good enough.

Good luck with any learning curve.

Edit add: I do believe I confused IMG’s stencils with Marking Method’s products, who offer both green and gold stencils. Apologies...
 
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fitzo said:
Don’t take my question as gospel. That’s what used to be; they may have changed their products since I last purchased. I look forward to seeing their material and results.

I strongly recommend getting a cheap sonicator (for jewelry cleaning) and use it and a soft brush like one of those teeny tootHbrushes for cleaning jewelry to clan the pores in the stencil. Works more effectively then working it with your finger/thumb.
Dollar stores often have them dirt cheap. Good enough.

Good luck with any learning curve.

Edit add: I do believe I confused IMG’s stencils with Marking Method’s products, who offer both green and gold stencils. Apologies...
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Would you suggest cleaning the brand new stencil prior to use? I'd like to start this out right!
 
I do not believe there is any need initially, sir. The sonicator will assist dislodging oxide particles stuck in the stencil pores during use. Of course, those particle affect the sharpness of the appearance of the finished process.

Your biggest concern etching stencils is to get your stencil secure on the blade (don’t tape all four sides, the gas can’t escape), use enough but not too much electrolyte, use short strikes ( a second or two) to prevent too much heat on stencil, and also to release the gas bubbles. Take care of stencils they last awhile. Done right, they add to the piece.
My 2cents, worth even less in today’s world. 😂
Have fun!
 
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i cannot remember who sold what, but i have blue stencils, and green ones. the green are much better, the blue ones are stiff and do not lay as flat as the green ones. the green ones have a slightly stretchy quality to them and are better for putting the metal designation on the edge of a tang on the handle.
 
As a stencil is used the design will get darker due to oxides forming and getting caught in the threads of the stencil. To clean turn stencil upside down on scrape metal and do a very quick (2-4 seconds) DC etch. That will remove the oxides from stencil nicely.

I use the stencil material from IMG and it lasts a LONG time. A buddy who I make stencils for gets several hundred etches from each stencil. I really find it hard to imagine that many, but he does. Here is what he etches: https://charliescapo.com/ I forget how many hundred he sells each year, but he uses only 1, maybe two stencils/year.

I like the IMG stuff.
 
Another option for stencils is Lectroetch. They are located near Cleveland. They pioneered the electro etch process after WWII. Their customer service were pleasant to deal with. I just ordered some stencils, they were green. Seem to work well but don’t have anything to compare them to.
 
ER Sheldon said:
Another option for stencils is Lectroetch. They are located near Cleveland. They pioneered the electro etch process after WWII. Their customer service were pleasant to deal with. I just ordered some stencils, they were green. Seem to work well but don’t have anything to compare them to.
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Good to know there are more options out there, but the 3 I have are enough for me right now!
 
So I've been comparing IMG and TUS myself... I REALLY like IMG - they don't curl. This happens almost immediately after the first use.

i-RwcmCVM-X2.jpg
 
REK Knives said:
So I've been comparing IMG and TUS myself... I REALLY like IMG - they don't curl. This happens almost immediately after the first use.

i-RwcmCVM-X2.jpg
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I have the TUS stencils as well, to solve the curl issue after washing and drying I store inside a paper towel inside a good sized book, come out flat that way when I go to use them.
 
Used IMG exclusively before I got my fiber laser. Loved the stencils and service. Also, never underestimate how much your etches can improve with the right electrolyte. They can help you choose the right one based on the material and type of etching you’re doing!
 
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