Stencils

J

Jay west

Joined
Jul 9, 2012
Messages
11
Anybody out there able to recommend a supplier for custom made stencils? I'm tired of making them myself and I think it's a manageable cost now. I know the difference quality and service makes and I'd like to get started with the right supplier. Contact info would be a bonus. Thanks in advance. Regards, Jay
 
I got mine through T.U.S. Technologies. Very happy with the price, performance and customer support.
 
If your referring to Ernie at Blue Lighting Stencils, I'll second him, good to do business with and a quality product.
 
I've dealt with both Ernie (SEVERAL orders) and T.U.S.

I can't say I've ever been disappointed with Ernie. The stencils are always spot on, and delivery was always quick. The only reason I've stopped using his services is that his prices have climbed up a bit since when I first started ordering, and the stencils never seemed to last too long, which admittedly may be my technique and equipment as much as anything.

T.U.S. seemed more reasonable on price, and the stencils did seem to last much longer. My only complaint with them, is that one of my marks that they printed seemed to come out somewhat "pixelated" despite sending them a non pixelated file. This led to a pretty sloppy looking mark. I asked them to fix it, and although it was better the second time, they still charged me a setup fee for what, in my opinion, shouldn't have cost me anything. I needed the stencils though, so I complied.

Ultimately, I decided it was just as economical to start making my own. Naturally there's a little bit of a learning curve, but I can make exactly what I want, when I want it, and not have to wait for it to be shipped.

Now, if was to go back to contracting them out, I'd probably stick with T.U.S., but only for text based stencils, as those seem to come out much more reliably with no definition/clarity problems.
 
I just switched from one very popular supplier to IMG. I met Dave from IMG at a Hammer-in where he spent an entire weekend helping people improve their etching. I then talked with Patricia who took my design and totally refined it. She spent a lot of time making sure my design was perfect. My new stencils are on their way to me now. I've used IMG stencils in the past and they last a long time.
 
Another vote for IMG - Patrica, and I think it was Dave both spent a good bit of time with me on phone to work out what was causing problems with my stencils. Turned out they had sent wrong developer. They very quickly sent correct product, now stencils are turning out just fine. As above poster says, now I can make my own stencils when I wish. Happy with IMG, but did feel they should have replaced the 2 sheets of stencil material that was ruined in following their directions to develope, when it was their product that was the problem.

I should say Ernie's stencils are very good also - I got one set from him.

Ken H>
 
FWIW, I get my stencil making materials from IMG, and so far have been very happy with the products. Patricia was also very helpful over the phone and gave a lot of good info and advice, insisting that I call her if I had ANY problems or questions. I can't speak for much more than that, but I know where I'm going next time I need stencil sheets. :)
 
IMG is top shelf.
If you can find someone more willing and able to completely satisfy your order than Patricia I'll kiss your.................sister.
 
I have been happy with T.U.S stencils. They are a good price and last a good time.

I found out if I store the stencils in water, after using them, they last even longer.

Just ordered mine, the last set cost $13 shipped for 5 images on one sheet.
 
I tried ernies but to be Honest I liked IMG's much better..We get much better,more clear etches with IMG stencils.
 
Karl B. Andersen said:
IMG is top shelf.
If you can find someone more willing and able to completely satisfy your order than Patricia I'll kiss your.................sister.
Click to expand...

You were right, Karl. Thanks man!

After a few phone calls and emails, I have ordered 4 different stencils and the machine.
 
You guys that order from TUS, how long does it take to get them? They told me they mailed mine out on 9/22 but I still haven't gotten them.
 
kuraki said:
You guys that order from TUS, how long does it take to get them? They told me they mailed mine out on 9/22 but I still haven't gotten them.
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It comes normal mail so usually gets here within a week
 
knife to a gunfight said:
Ultimately, I decided it was just as economical to start making my own. Naturally there's a little bit of a learning curve, but I can make exactly what I want, when I want it, and not have to wait for it to be shipped.
Click to expand...

If you ever get the chance to do a WIP or a how-to on how you make your stencils I'd definitely be all ears. It'd be real handy to be able to do customer names, custom marks for military, family crests, etc...


To the OP, I use T.U.S. Technologies. They did me right and even helped a little bit with the designing. They messed up on the first order. They printed the Loveless example I provided them with instead of my name/business on two of the three marks. I contacted them and they sent me a good one with all 5 marks.

Again, if anyone who makes their own stencils and they turn out good I'd really appreciate it if they did a WIP/how-to.
 
JG Custom Metal Works said:
If you ever get the chance to do a WIP or a how-to on how you make your stencils I'd definitely be all ears. It'd be real handy to be able to do customer names, custom marks for military, family crests, etc...


Again, if anyone who makes their own stencils and they turn out good I'd really appreciate it if they did a WIP/how-to.
Click to expand...

+ one on this.
 
JG Custom Metal Works said:
If you ever get the chance to do a WIP or a how-to on how you make your stencils I'd definitely be all ears. It'd be real handy to be able to do customer names, custom marks for military, family crests, etc...


To the OP, I use T.U.S. Technologies. They did me right and even helped a little bit with the designing. They messed up on the first order. They printed the Loveless example I provided them with instead of my name/business on two of the three marks. I contacted them and they sent me a good one with all 5 marks.

Again, if anyone who makes their own stencils and they turn out good I'd really appreciate it if they did a WIP/how-to.
Click to expand...

I plan to in the not to distant future. I need to dial a couple of things in a little better first.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Patricia is just the best. And the most professional person I have spoken to and dealt with in the stencil business.
IMG has my business until I no longer have a business.


J. Hoffman said:
I just switched from one very popular supplier to IMG. I met Dave from IMG at a Hammer-in where he spent an entire weekend helping people improve their etching. I then talked with Patricia who took my design and totally refined it. She spent a lot of time making sure my design was perfect. My new stencils are on their way to me now. I've used IMG stencils in the past and they last a long time.
Click to expand...
 
right here is one of Patricia's stencils..They make clear,crisp marks..great service
 
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