Multiple Hole/self Centering Hole Punch Tool

[Beaverslayer]

Here's a link to find a Weaver Retail Dealer near you...

http://www.weaverleather.com/Equine/DealerLocator.aspx

[Itch]

Look on page 248, this one does it all.

This machine is $1895.00

[tnawrot2]

This machine is $1895.00

I didn't know the price when I gave the page number, you pay for convenience. When I started making hunting dog collars, I would punch the holes by hand. When I started to make 200 in a weekend, I had to find a better way. I bought a five ton punch press and had a die made where I could punch 5 holes at a time, either 1" of 3/4" spacing. I made a jig where when I fed the collar, it would be centered and the holes would be at an identical distance from the tip.

[Itch]

I didn't know the price when I gave the page number, you pay for convenience. When I started making hunting dog collars, I would punch the holes by hand. When I started to make 200 in a weekend, I had to find a better way. I bought a five ton punch press and had a die made where I could punch 5 holes at a time, either 1" of 3/4" spacing. I made a jig where when I fed the collar, it would be centered and the holes would be at an identical distance from the tip.

My Amish buddies have a jig like you are speaking of which goes in to a machine that looks like a foot press basically..It works very well and was probably around $400.00

[NewYorkerInSydney]

Hi everyone,

I really would like to find something that works for me. Sounds like the weaver one is good, but its expensive, plus you have to be a dealer and Im not so access to one isn't an option for me. They make this really cool looking self centering punch. Would like to know if there are any others like there on the market. I know lots of you make belts, can someone give me a good lead on where I can find the tool I seek as mentioned in my first email which started this thread? Thanks so much folks.

NYIS

[shtoink]

What I am seeing is basically two options. Buy one or build one.

Buy one: If you are going to buy one, your budget is the limiting factor and you usually get what you pay for. Cheap tools will typically yield cheap results. I just don't know how many companies actually have make one of these tools, so you might be stuck with reevaluating your budget due to a limited number of choices.

Build one: It might not be the easy route, but it's an option. You might be able to make your own, or depending on your skills and available tools, have someone assist you in that task. It might not be the cheaper route, either.

Basically a metal plate with threaded holes to accept the replacement hole punch ends and an end punch affixed to it somehow is what you are after. The other key is some way to apply enough force to press it into a leather strap. What I am thinking it something along the lines of a modified arbor press, a metal plate, some parts from Tandy or other supplier, and a big cutting mat/board to press against.