rennes

Hi there. I need some help. Up until now I have been getting all my tags for my bags hot stamped by some really awesome people. However, while there is nothing more I would like to do than continue to support their family business, it's becoming obvious to me that it's much more economical for me to invest in my own machine. I've spent hours sifting through pages online, but I'm really not sure what the best option is for me. I don't want to spend more than $600 for whatever machine I pick. I was looking at custom branding irons for a while and it seems those are mainly used for vegetable tanned leathers, and on top of that it looks like they leave a darkened impression, where as what I'm looking for is just a simple embossment, like what I have now. (Thought the darkening could be okay on browns and blacks, I'm thinking it wouldn't look as good on lighter colors?) There's a lot to pick from on ebay and such, but all the choices are a bit overwhelming. It's like going into the supermarket and you have ten different choices for caesar dressing. Do you own a hot stamp machine or branding iron? Do you have any recommendations? Thank you!