Craftool Pro Rotary Punch

[cheff1983]

I went thought 2 rotary punches in just a few months. the Economy one the hand bent when I was trying to go though a double layer strap of only about 4mm thick. Ruined the work because the hole went though at a terrible angle. I bought another one that was suppose to be better quality and the rotating wheel separated and the tubes would keep falling out. Just recently I purchased the punch set from tandy and it works much better and is much easier then the rotary punches. I don't think I will every go back to a rotary again.

[calanneh]

I've used all three and an Osbourne. The Osbourne is by far the best of the four (for those that like to use rotary punches). I have customers that liek all of them and some that don't liek any of them.

The 'pro' is a very good deal at the $29.99 sale price. It is durable and the tips are replaceable.

My first puch was the economy model for the obvious 'getting started cost' on a budget. It worked ok for THIN leathers. Anything bigger than 6 oz and you risk bending the handles of the punch if you squeeze too fast.

I got a few 'deluxe' models in Nov when I was heading to Camp to teach the leatherwork merit badge and they are ok, but only have two differences from the 'economy'. The tips are replaceable and they have the yellow handle grips. THE GRIPS SLIDE AROUND! After I got back from camp, I sliced the grips off and dipped each handle in the normal tool dip goo from the hardware store. They don't slide but liek the 'economy', it is only good for thin leather or for CRAFT GROUPS like the merit badge class.

We use the 'Pro' punch in the store for everything we do that is close to an edge and can reach. We replace the tips with the ASB tips and they last for several months, even with daily use.

If ya got the $29.99 to spend, the "pro" is a good buy. If ya got more to spend, then the Osbourne is a great tool too!!

[celticleather]

Over the years, I've accumulated three Osborne rotary punches - the solid steel versions. They were all bought second-hand for reasonable prices (two of them from eBay). I have found them to be superb tools for everyday use, much stronger than the pressed-steel tools whose handles eventually bend!

The tubes retain their edge, and are replaceable in the event of a disaster, and the anvils can also be replaced when they become worn. I keep one in each of my workshops, and one in reserve as a spare. Thoroughly recommended!

[tonyc1]

I use Osborne's rotary punches. One is at least 25 years old and they have punched many, many thousands of holes. I use a lot of pvc coated webbing and they go through that dead easy. I would recommend them for any strapping up to a 1/4" or a bit more, anything heavier I'd use a drive punch and the tubes and anvils are easy to replace if needed.

Tony.

[Wyvern]

I have one of the "pro" models. Never have been able to get the brass anvil right. It doesn't cut a nice clean hole. I grab a drive punch most of the time.

[CitizenKate]

I bought the "good" rotary punch from Tandy, used it on one project, and then tossed it in the trash. Not only did the tubes dull quickly...

The tubes became dull after just one project?

Kate

[tonyc1]

Mine have all had copper anvils, perhaps the brass anvils are too hard.

Tony.

[kfiretwo]

Tandy currently has their "Craftool Pro Rotary Punch" on sale for $29.99".

I was wondering how the tool is compared to the "Economy" and "Deluxe" version of the same tool?

Any feedback would be great.

I have had the light weight punches, stay away from them unless ur looking for a head ache, got the pro 4 yrs ago, I punch an advage of 60 to 100 holes a day with it on double layered 8 to 10 never had a failure to go thur. keep the punches sharp an respect the punch and remember that all leather punches different. If you hit a hard spot in the leather it will dull the punch much easier

[jettrash]

I ended up getting the Pro Punch. Its great. I think it was exactly what I was looking for....

[Weaver1]

I like the osborne single punches as well.

Rotary punches are a pain when you do lots of holes. The little leather "worm" of plugs always goes across inside of the hole,and you have to stop to pry it out with an awl. The single punches a lot easier-and I never have to free the tubes from that stuff.