I know that Stampeaz used to sell the superfine blades for the linocutters, but sadly they are no longer open. Can someone lead me to a website or a search keyword for Amazon to find a carving tool to get superfine lines when I carve? My #1 blade isn't cutting it!

Thanks to all who gave practical suggestions in dealing with linoleum.

I didn't even know they made sanding sponges, so that is a game changer already in my micro postal prep!

In regards to using that 1/8" linoleum - ink holds onto it nicely now, but since the material is so stiff, it doesn't press down onto the paper nicely to imprint. If I put the paper on top of the carve and press down on it, I get a pretty good image, though.

Too bad they don't make the Pink Stuff in 1/8" thickness. I would be carving micros like crazy then....(!)

~J

Check with Kirbert and KnottyKnitterDirtMonkey. I purchased .5 and .25 gouges from KKDM. The narrower sizes really have improved my carving.

KKDM had great prices and sent the gouges with a small gift, lovely packaging, and a hitchhiker for me to add to a local box.

Kirbert was very kind and later carved an aviation stamp for me to plant locally. Don't know his pricing.

Both KKDM and Kirbert offer gouge sharpening. Highly recommend both of them.

The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) updated its rules, effective late 2025, clarifying that postmarks now reflect the date mail is processed at a facility, not when dropped off, potentially causing delays for deadline-sensitive items like ballots or tax payments. This change, a result of consolidating mail processing, means the postmark date might be later than the drop-off date, so users should mail items very early, request a manual postmark at a retail counter, use online/drop box payments, or use Certified/Registered Mail for proof of mailing.

https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-e&q=postmark+changes

I got a new tool for Christmas but I haven't tried it yet:
Pfeil .5mm v gouge
I can't find it on Amazon (my husband got it from a specialty store) but it's something like this:
https://www.amazon.com/PFEIL-Swiss-Made-1mm-V-Parting/dp/B0032Z3E7Q/

^^^^THIS^^^^

Thank you Jabber - critical information, especially for tax payment and voting ballots.

It's available on
this site

Yes, I don't make cards, but I appreciate it when I receive them.

The first cards I received as a thank you for doing a favor was from Mama Wolf.
I wasn't expecting them. It was a nice surprise.

There are others here that have gifted cards to me, just because they could.
"Happy mail" is an excellent way to describe it.

Yes, I'm talking to you.
You know who you are.
I still say it's all your fault.
(or maybe I should give you the credit, not the blame)

thank you, WW

Yes-this is exactly the one I have, and it is a game-changer! I just don't like the handle. I was just given the suggestion by Phoenix Rizing yesterday that we could use medical tape to wrap around the higher part of the gouge so that we can handle it closer to the tip....I'm going to try that!

I have one too and love it!

Sorry I didn't respond sooner--but I've been carving all day. Glad that Linden Leaf did respond and gave you the needed information. Hope to see you in some LTC trackers soon.

So MPLB can drop off their folios and stamps 2 days before the mail date. LOL

sometimes my faux pink stuff from amazon doesn't ink well and I find if I mark it all over with a sharpie, it stamps much better... maybe try that??

The last stamp I carved back in November was using my 1 Pfiel (I also have the .5 too) and a square of Tan Z. It carved the Tan Z beautifully. Much better than my favorite gouge.

For those that want Amazon alternatives, Jackson Art was where I bought my first Pfeil gouge (the .5 and on sale). They are overseas, and I had to wait awhile.

Woodcraft Supply also carries them. I picked up a 2nd gouge (a 1) in person at a Metro Detroit area store.

Mine was ordered from Woodcraft Supply.

Mine also....I get my slip strops there too-gotta keep your gouges sharp!!! You can get Flexcut slip strops on Amazon too, but I prefer patronizing the stores as best as I can these days. Besides Pfeil tools, Woodcraft also sells Flexcut tools.

Thank you all so much for this info! I'm going to try the local Woodcraft store today, and if I strike out, I'll order them from overseas. I love the in-person shopping options.

. . . and they'll still be late . . .

If your PLB is:
too thick
too floppy
too lumpy
too stiff
has an illegible address
is obviously overweight
I could go on . . .

I'm still using the speedball gouger that we bought in 2010. Lol. It the only one that has the teeny tiny gouger. I tried to buy a new one but all of the gougers were so dull, I would barely cut, so I still use my original. Lol

Just got my new rubber stuff for carving. Can't wait to use it. It's the green with a thin layer of white. I love that because it shows me that I don't need to carve so deep ♡ I'll let u know how it goes. Lol

https://tinyurl.com/td49rebk

I now live where it'll cost me $3.00 to do a load of any size.
I'm thinking of doing my "unmentionables" in a mini-machine.
Something similar as seen in the attachment.

Not the tiny, table-top size.

My question, anyone have or know about these dorm size machines?
I'll be drying on a rack, not a dryer.

Create an LTC tracker LTC as a “singleton” for swap. A singleton is a single card swap available for distribution.

The Rockler store is where I went to purchase my Flexcut gouge.

Wash in a sink by hand, simple and effective and budget friendly! That's what I used to do.

I've used one about twice that size. Worked fine. (1.6 cuft load & 22x22 inch floor space)
Washer just broke after 5 years.

Same.

1. Dad, are we pyromaniacs? Yes, we arson.

2. What do you call a pig with laryngitis? Disgruntled.

3. Writing my name in cursive is my signature move.

4. Why do bees stay in their hives during winter? Swarm.

5. If you’re bad at haggling, you’ll end up paying the price.

6. Just so everyone’s clear, I’m going to put my glasses on.

7. A commander walks into a bar and orders everyone around.

8. I lost my job as a stage designer. I left without making a scene.

9. Never buy flowers from a monk. Only you can prevent florist friars.

10. How much did the pirate pay to get his ears pierced? A buccaneer.

11. I once worked at a cheap pizza shop to get by. I kneaded the dough.

12. My friends and I have named our band ‘Duvet’. It’s a cover band.

13. I lost my girlfriend’s audiobook, and now I’ll never hear the end of it.

14. Why is ‘dark’ spelled with a k and not c? Because you can’t see in the dark.

15. Why is it unwise to share your secrets with a clock? Well, time will tell.

16. When I told my contractor I didn’t want carpeted steps, they gave me a blank stare.

17. Bono and The Edge walk into a Dublin bar and the bartender says, “Oh no, not U2 again.”

18. Prison is just one word to you, but for some people, it’s a whole sentence.

19. Scientists got together to study the effects of alcohol on a person’s walk, and the result was staggering.

20. I’m trying to organize a hide and seek tournament, but good players are really hard to find.

21. I got over my addiction to chocolate, marshmallows, and nuts. I won’t lie, it was a rocky road.

22. What do you say to comfort a friend who’s struggling with grammar? There, their, they’re.

23. I went to the toy store and asked the assistant where the Schwarzenegger dolls are and he replied, “Aisle B, back.”

24. What did the surgeon say to the patient who insisted on closing up their own incision? Suture self.

25. I’ve started telling everyone about the benefits of eating dried grapes. It’s all about raisin awareness.

Shirley you're joking

No, and don't call me Shirley!