C. S. Osborne round-hole punches

[ScottEnglish]

Thanks Bruce Johnson for your post. If you're not aware, the clearance holes taper on the No. 147 and No. 149 punches unlike on the No. 245. A definite improvement.

 

[bruce johnson]

Yes sir, that is correct also. The origin of the “belt” punches goes back to flat drive belts on machinery powered by line shafts. They were intended as a price point  tool used by mechanics and users to punch holes for splicing belts. Easy to make on a lathe from round stock. The tapered clearance punches are forged and have more involved in production. 
     It kind of gets me when people grind a inside tapered punch to make a half round scalloper. They tend to undercut because of the taper. A cheaper belt punch makes a much better scalloper. 

[ScottEnglish]

Thanks for that Bruce. I'd no idea how the belt punches were made. I'd also not considered the extra work involved in producing the No. 147 and No. 149 punches. No wonder they're so much more expensive. As I only need one hole punch, I might buy a No. 147.