Craftool Hole Punch Die problem

[StevieAchilles]

Hey sorry if this has been posted and answerd, I'm new to the forum and having a hard time navigating but figured i'd ask. I have the Craftool hand press (the red cast iron one). I've only used it to set rivets but i just saved up and bought the hole punch die. One problem, after shilling out $120 for the die it doesn't actually come far enough down to hit the anvil, theres a gap so it doesn't actually cut! I'm curious if this has happened to anyone. I'm going to try and return it but my machine slightly scratched it and I'm worried it won't be returnable. I can't believe it costs $120 to have something so poorly designed its not the correct length... I'm wondering if this is just a random fluke or if others have encountered this problem? I could probably jerry rig some kind of platform to raise up the anvil and make it work but i don't feel like i should have to... is the press adjustable in some way that I'm missing? 

Attached a pic of the Tandy press i have (from their website, not my actual press)

Edited January 24, 2024 by StevieAchilles
add more info

[leatherfarms]

There are 2 ways to adjust it, 

There is bolt right behind the push shaft, screw that all the way in.

Another place is where the spring is, you can put that cutter pin in a different hole.

I hope this Helps...  I have the same machine and had the do that.

[fredk]

Does the ram screw down?

I have the other press and the ram screws down

[StevieAchilles]

Thanks for the suggestions. Just screwed down the screw as much as possible, doesn't seem to have changed anything. It looks like the pin above the spring should be able to come out and go into a higher hole which would solve the problem BUT as far as I can tell the spring is connected to the pin, they are not two separate pieces so I'm not sure how to remove the pin. Was your pin attached to the spring? 

[StevieAchilles]

[StevieAchilles]

I'm assuming this is user error at this point. The pin doesn't seem to want to move at all and im worried about bending the spring too much if I force it somehow but I'm assuming that's going to be the solution? Just emailed tandys customer service so hopefully they will get back to me. 

[StevieAchilles]

5 hours ago, leatherfarms said:

There are 2 ways to adjust it, 

There is bolt right behind the push shaft, screw that all the way in.

Another place is where the spring is, you can put that cutter pin in a different hole.

I hope this Helps...  I have the same machine and had the do that.

How did you remove the pin? Its attached to the screw and also kind of trapped in the body of the thing and doesn't seem to want to move. Appreciate the advice ! 

[fredk]

Lift the handle off the ram. The ram should be able to rotate. That is a split-pin, It usually has an 'interference' fit which needs tapped out with a small hammer 

Edited January 25, 2024 by fredk

[StevieAchilles]

Ah problem solved ! Tandy emailed me back with this video. Thanks everyone ! 

 

Ah p

[MarshalWill]

How about putting a piece of poly cutting board on the base to raise the leather a half inch? That would also give the punch something to cut against that won't dull it like a piece of steel base would.

[leatherfarms]

Glad you got it figured out.

Sorry for not getting back, Im new here and didnt check my notifictions