Drill Press Hole Puncher

[TomG]

1 hour ago, Loft Leather said:

I just put my 5mm hole punch into the drill press and didn't turn it on.  It was easy for me to go through this heavy leather just pulling down on the handle.  Is there a benefit to the spinning other than making it easier to go through the leather?

 

I found that running the spindle cuts down on the punch getting stuck in the leather after the punch. On the Latigo, I also would lube the punch occasionally by running it down into a big, plain candle briefly.

[TomG]

1 hour ago, fredk said:

c. The press I have doesn't have a large reach so I can't do holes towards the centre of the pattern with the press (oh dear, how sad, never mind!) I take my pattern out side to do those holes

Can you roll the leather up as you go to get those middle holes?

[fredk]

Only a bit, mostly with thin flexible leathers

I use a wax block to punch thru to. It lubes the hole punch every time

[fredk]

Not much room either top to bottom or from the ram to the back

[Loft Leather]

50 minutes ago, fredk said:

Not much room either top to bottom or from the ram to the back

Cool little lights.  Are those add-ons or where they part of the machine?  I'm over 50 and my eyes require more light so I'll have to figure something out.

[fredk]

No, not part of the press. These are tiny bicycle lights which I found. Not very expensive, (about £/$2.50 each) very bright and rechargeable via a USB lead. I have two on the press for lighting up my work. They are held in place with sticky pads

 

[dikman]

That's a bright idea.

If you turn on the drill press slow you could use the punch for mixing batter too.