Best source for clicker dies?

[wizard of tragacanth]

I need only a few, simple clicker dies. I would like to get dies made and sold by US companies.

Where should I look for good quality dies at reasonable prices?

Also looking for a 4-ton clicker press. Any suggestions?

Nick

Edited Saturday at 08:41 PM by wizard of tragacanth
Add'l info

[dikman]

Did you see the add at the top for Ohio Clicker Dies?

[DieselTech]

Weaver makes nice clicker dies as well. Reasonable priced too. 

[wizard of tragacanth]

16 hours ago, dikman said:

Did you see the add at the top for Ohio Clicker Dies?

Thanks dikman. Yes, I did see the ad... and now I am seeing one for Tippmann. 

However, I am looking for personal experiences and recommendations. Ads do not give me that. Ads do not tell me if the products are reasonably priced or if they provide good customer service. Just looking for more info.

[bruce johnson]

Personal experience - Texas Custom Dies - some years ago - quite fast, reasonable cost compared to other die makers that were on the leather worker radar screen at the time, and they followed up to make sure I was happy. Those were the only new dies I have ordered that I can think of. Realistically there are several more die makers that have been in business for a while, but now marketing more to leatherworkers. Milwaukee Steel Rule Dies, Ohio Clicker Dies, and others. I'd think between these and the ones mentioned, you'll find somebody you are happy with.  I get a fair bit of used dies and really can't say anyone consistently makes a "bad die". Some that come from the industrial or production companies are pretty beat up but that is understandable. 

4 ton press - Weaver Mighty Wonder is good. I have had a few through here. I have used a 20 ton shop press with plates, bench top 12 ton shop press with plates (Weaver) with the hydraulic jack replaced with an air over hydraulic jack, Weaver 4 ton Mighty Wonder, Weaver 8 ton Mighty Wonder that was parked here for a few days, Lucris M3, Import 2 post table top, WUTA 4 post table top.  That is what I can think of off the top of my head. Least expensive and realistically good for non-production work is a shop press with plates. Right now we have the benchtop shop press for heavy leather and larger dies and a WUTA 4 post for smaller work. My wife really likes them both and between them she can do everything she needs. 

 

[Cumberland Highpower]

Most of mine are from International in GA.   I always got the best prices and good quality from them.  I've heard some say they had problems with International.  For myself, I've never had any issue.  BUT I'm always very meticulous with the patterns and made notes for the die maker, that could be why?  

They'd be good for low cost simpler dies.

Weaver makes excellent dies. If you're looking for the best workmanship on a steel rule die, they're where you want to go.  Downside with Weaver is that they're x2 the price of everyone else.    Did I say x2?  Maybe I meant x3!

 

 

Edited yesterday at 08:29 PM by Cumberland Highpower

[wizard of tragacanth]

Hey Bruce,

I'm so glad that you mentioned Texas Custom Dies. I bought a bag punch from them maybe 15 years ago, give or take but I couldn't remember their name. I was (am) very happy with their product and service. I will likely go with them this time... no reason not to.

Nick

Edited 21 hours ago by wizard of tragacanth

[wizard of tragacanth]

Hey Cumberland,

Thanks for the recommendation, and the heads-up.

Yeah, I figured that Weaver had a premium price on their champagne product but I'm on a beer budget!

Nick

[Cumberland Highpower]

I don't know what you're planning to make or what leathers you'll be working with....

If it' something like soft leathers or thin stock for wallets, etc. Maybe a small die, a 4 ton is probably ok.

I had a 10 ton and a 15 ton clicker and found them coming up short on cutting force.   I have 25 metric ton machines nowadays and they'll cut most anything.  Even now though, I come up a little short of power if it's a really large die with lots of cutting surface and the stock is hard/stiff.

Edited 2 hours ago by Cumberland Highpower