Craftool Pro Rotary Punch

[cybertracy]

I've had good luck with the ProRotary--for the price (especially on sale) it's well worth it. My straps a piece of leather between the anvil and what he's punching (he claims it saves the tubes) but I don't have the patience and I just replaced my tubes with the ASB versions (they fit) after about 2 1/2 years. For quick 1/2 doz punch jobs I'll grab the ProRotary, but anything more a drive punch is best. I also have an Osborne, and yes it's heavier duty (as is the price). Depends on the amount of use you plan.

PS: i'm a REAL newbe, but I've found a lot of what I first thought dull was just a blade or tube in need of a good polish (strop, clean, etc). I'm not saying the more experienced members would make the same mistake, but I was ready to give up leatherwork because I couldn't get the silly plastic lacemaker to work (no moving parts, no instructions, so it HAS to be simple right!?!?). I traveled 1 1/2 miles through LA traffic to the closest Tandy and it was simply the razor blade supplied needed a stropping--so beginners, if you're having trouble with something right out of the box or it dulls waytoofast. . .strop before trash.

[Hilly]

The tubes became dull after just one project?

Kate

Yup. I did a holster with Mexican basketweave around the edges. Got 3/4 of the way around, and the punch wouldn't go through 2 layers of 8-9oz. leather. Maybe it was just a bad tube, but even my husband, who's got really strong hands agreed the punch was a hunk of trash. Never looked back after tossing it. I find it just as easy (actually easier for me) to use a drive punch. Tendon trouble in both elbows plus carpal tunnel in my right hand, and a touch of "Arthur" made it really miserable to use the rotary punch.

No troubles now.

Hilly