punching holes that are perfectly centered and evenly spaced

[cjbleather]

Richard, i tried to vote and, for some reason, it wouldn't accept my vote. So, I'll amke it simple by replying that I vote No. I would not buy this as I don't really see the need for it. The only holes that I punch are for rivets, screws, or for belts. I don't use holes for sewing or lacing. Carlb

[RawhideLeather]

cjbleather,

I also punch holes for rivets, Chicago screws, belts, straps, etc. and that's exactly what I use these tools for. That is primarily what these tools were designed for since they will punch up to a 1/4" hole. They were not designed especially for punching holes for sewing or lacing although you certainly could use them for that if you desired.

[esantoro]

I'de just like to find a good rotary punch!!!! I bought the heavy, TLF punch (years ago) and not only does the punch not line up with the anvil, the anvil is off center and pitted!

I've tried to bent the "clip" so that the punch clicks into position about 1/32nd later but alas... the spring steel can't be bent.

I ended up buying a set of single punches with a universal handle.

made in China off course--- GET IT TOGETHER TANDY!!!!!!

Pete,

I've had this exact same problem with the TLF rotary punch. HAve you ever tried returning it on the lifetime warranty?

Ed

[Leather Bum]

I did not vote because I do not have a need for something like this. About the closest I can think of what I'd vote would be that I would need more information. However, if I did punch holes a lot and found that a tool like this would really make the job easier, I think price would definitely not be much of a deciding factor -- unless it was really expensive, like $150+; then, it seems it would mainly be a matter of whether or not you would use it often enough. Basically, if the tool would be really useful (it sounds like it is in your situation), I'd say the high price for a good quality product made in USA is probably well worth it.

Also, has anyone ever seen or tried the C.S. Osborne self-centering punch set? It looks like the self-centering point would help in the situation of centering the punch over an awl mark, anyway. . .

I'de just like to find a good rotary punch!!!! I bought the heavy, TLF punch (years ago) and not only does the punch not line up with the anvil, the anvil is off center and pitted!

I've tried to bent the "clip" so that the punch clicks into position about 1/32nd later but alas... the spring steel can't be bent.

I ended up buying a set of single punches with a universal handle.

made in China off course--- GET IT TOGETHER TANDY!!!!!!

Heh, that sounds like regular Tandy quality! Far too many of their products are manufactured in China/Taiwan, IMO. I would guess that your rotary punch is made in Taiwan. . . And it still probably cost you ~$50. I would recommend that everyone stop buying these imported products -- absolutely regardless of the price.

I'm really not certain of the quality of either -- or even where they are made --, but maybe you check out the C.S. Osborne TL155 revolving punch or perhaps the Vergez Blanchard VB3.7731 & BIS revolving punch, both sold by Siegel of California.

Pete,

I've had this exact same problem with the TLF rotary punch. HAve you ever tried returning it on the lifetime warranty?

Ed

Wow, it sounds like this is a somewhat common problem. . . Yeah, Pete, maybe you can get TLF to at least give you a workable tool (though, unfortunately, still imported from China/Tawian).

L'Bum

[Kodiak]

Without seeing what this is, it is a little difficult to give an opinion. In woodworking, there is the good old dowling jig, that centers and squares your holes for drilling - can't see why it couldn't be used for a punch. The dowling jigs run from under $50 to about $100.

[cjbleather]

cjbleather,

I also punch holes for rivets, Chicago screws, belts, straps, etc. and that's exactly what I use these tools for. That is primarily what these tools were designed for since they will punch up to a 1/4" hole. They were not designed especially for punching holes for sewing or lacing although you certainly could use them for that if you desired.

Richard, I am not trying to knock your invention. I am just saying that, for the few holes that I do punch, I am quite happy with the results. Thus, I would not be interested in buying anything to make it better. Even if it did. I just don't do this on a production basis to warrant the need to attain speed. Carlb

[esantoro]

I did not vote because I do not have a need for something like this. About the closest I can think of what I'd vote would be that I would need more information. However, if I did punch holes a lot and found that a tool like this would really make the job easier, I think price would definitely not be much of a deciding factor -- unless it was really expensive, like $150+; then, it seems it would mainly be a matter of whether or not you would use it often enough. Basically, if the tool would be really useful (it sounds like it is in your situation), I'd say the high price for a good quality product made in USA is probably well worth it.

Also, has anyone ever seen or tried the C.S. Osborne self-centering punch set? It looks like the self-centering point would help in the situation of centering the punch over an awl mark, anyway. . .

Heh, that sounds like regular Tandy quality! Far too many of their products are manufactured in China/Taiwan, IMO. I would guess that your rotary punch is made in Taiwan. . . And it still probably cost you ~$50. I would recommend that everyone stop buying these imported products -- absolutely regardless of the price.

I'm really not certain of the quality of either -- or even where they are made --, but maybe you check out the C.S. Osborne TL155 revolving punch or perhaps the Vergez Blanchard VB3.7731 & BIS revolving punch, both sold by Siegel of California.

Wow, it sounds like this is a somewhat common problem. . . Yeah, Pete, maybe you can get TLF to at least give you a workable tool (though, unfortunately, still imported from China/Tawian).

L'Bum

siegel's has the 155 revolving punch on sale till the end of the year for $35, if still in stock. They have a cheaper one on sale for $7. I just may buy both. Anyone completely happy with the osborne 155 rotary punch?