Problems With Tandy Pro Strap End Punch... Please Help

[lwm803]

The simple solution would seem to be to size the strap to work with the punch that you have, either that or pay the premium for a punch that more precisely meets your expectations. If error in your strap width is precisely 2/126" (only about .016") from end to end then your level of precision in cutting leather far exceeds the metal working skills/standards of Tandy's current tool manufacturer, so you many need to shop elsewhere. As my hobbies include metal, wood and leather crafts I often have to stop and remind myself that a belt is not expected to be a "press fit muffler bearing for the space shuttle". Also with so many hobbies I have to settle for whatever tooling I can afford or make myself so I am required to learn to design my projects to fit the tooling on hand, or buy new. In which case (using the belt as an example again) I could just go out and buy a pretty good belt for less than the cost of a quality 1 1/2" end punch. I cannot help but believe that skilled leather workers have been turning out quality leather products for much longer than strap end punches, hole punches, swivel knives, and even head knives have existed.

[abn]

...there is no "Exact" in cutting leather and this, to me, isn't a quality problem.

I agree. I'd drive myself nuts if I tried to get millimeter precision out of leather and leatherworking tools. I'd suggest taking 5 minutes and hitting that step with 320-grit sandpaper to smooth it out.

[RoosterShooter]

The problem is this.

I am making small 1" x 4" straps for a shoulder holster project. I was anticipating knocking out 30 or so of these straps so that I would have them for future projects.

That makes it really hard to do when I have to pay attention to each individual strap in order to knock off the step.

Perhaps I'm trying to use a paintbrush to paint a wall! Maybe I need to look into clicking them out in order to get the precision and quantity that I need.

Your thoughts?

Edited November 2, 2012 by RoosterShooter

[Trox]

I'll try and answer the responses best I can.

I cut my own straps and they measure 124/126" using a set of German Made digital calipers.

I spoke to Tandy this afternoon, and described my dilemma to the clerk. He made measurements and got back to me. All of the round punches in his store measured 1 1/8" on the back side, as does mine. So, evidently they sell a strap end punch that is known to be 1/8" larger than the piece to be cut. This, in itself, causes me problems. Where is the logic in selling a 1 1/8" punch that is described as a 1" punch?

Oh well, this is the straw that broke the camels back! I learned my lesson, and, as much as I hate to do it, I will start ordering from another company. Granted, the staff at Tandy are always super nice, and they can't help the quality of product that their company chooses to sell. I won't blame the staff that Tandy's corporate policies lack quality control. After all, the clerks are just doing their job. They can't help what the company chooses for supply.

Most are oversized, other brands to. I have some Weaver round strap punches they are 1/16 " oversized. If thats your problem? learn to live with it. You trim this uneven edge of with your edger and burnisher, like the rest of us do.

[Art]

My punches are all over the place, but within a 1/16" tolerance. We do mostly 1" and 1 1/4" straps and cut them usually with a Weaver punch. We do cut our own straps and we can shim the machine for width, usually cutting 1/16" oversize; any "shelf" is cleaned up on the belt grinder or finisher, but usually burnishing cleans-up small differences. I'm not a real fan of Tandy tools, especially the new ones, but other than sharpening, the punches seem ok out of the box. Adjust your finishing process to compensate as straps usually come out of the machine about 1/16" oversize, and they run through buckles just fine that way. If you go an 1/8" oversize, they don't work in buckles well, but can be handled again, in finishing.

Going back to the supplier with things like this is most often a waste of time (time = money). This doesn't mean you continue using the same supplier that aggravates your situation, but most times I let them know there is a problem and give them another chance to correct the problem. There is perfect leather, perfect tools, and perfect hardware, but the next alignment like that in one order will occur on December 22, 2012.

Art