How Should I Sharpen An Oblong Punch

[xaque]

I recently picked up a 1" oblong hole punch by craftool. The first time I tried it things went poorly, I hammered that thing forever and all I ended up with was an imprint of the tool on my leather. I've seen videos of people using the exact same tool and it seemed to cut through leather like butter. I used it on my strop thinking it would make life easier but I ended up with the same results. Should I try using a grinder to sharpen it up or keep on with the strop? I just don't want to ruin it cause it wasn't exactly cheap.

I've used craftool strap end punches, round hole punches, and pricking irons in the past, they all worked fine, the strap end punch I used on a strop and it worked perfectly afterwards.

Any help for a newbie would be much appreciated.

[camano ridge]

Here is a you tube video using a stone. The oblong punch starts about 3:01 on the video. Also do a search on these forums for sharpening leather oblong punch there are a couple of threads.

[xaque]

Much appreciated. I tried searching through the forum cause I figured I wasn't the first to have this problem but got kinda frustrated reading through off topic results.

Thanks a bunch!

[camano ridge]

Here are a couple of threads the first one discusses some sharpening. The second one discusses sharpening and has the same video attached but also discusses proper hammer and backing for using the punch..

http://leatherworker... +oblong +punch

http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=36751&hl=+how%20+sharpen%20+oblong%20+punch#entry227265

Edited February 11, 2014 by camano ridge

[Tree Reaper]

The Dremel emery works.

You can sharpen the inside and outside.

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/6-Gray-Rubber-Polishing-Point-Cylinder-Dremel-427-Rotary-Dental-Jewelry-240-grit-/320854472747

[TomG]

That's interesting.... I had purchased the Tandy "economy" punch in 1" a number of years ago.. mainly because I needed it now and they were out of the "Pro" model. It was twice as sharp as the $40 version of my 5/8" punch.

I dropped that economy punch and severely chipped the end so decided to buy the "Pro" model today.

I almost broke my wrist when I hit it into a 10oz strap with a 3.5 lb maul. I gave it 2 quick, hard whacks and the damn thing actually bounced off the leather!

I thought it was just me, but looks like it might be the product line.

That sucks!

[camano ridge]

My advice is when ever you buy something from Tandy that needs to be sharp plan on sharpening before using.

[J Hayes]

My advice is when ever you buy something from Tandy that needs to be sharp plan on sharpening before using.

Unfortunately I think most of the new punches need sharpening, even the Osborne stuff I've gotten has been pretty poor edge wise even the mini punch, K157 I think, some had flat cutting edges. I have gotten a few awesome ones from Beiler's marked BHT, bright polished and sharp,but I also got a dud marked O'brien. Bruce Johnson would be a good source for a ready to go tool though.

Sending them out dull must cut the costs.....

Edited February 12, 2014 by J Hayes

[paprhangr]

Help.

Same here, yesterday, I got the Osborne 1" oblong will not punch through . Went out got 45oz dead low Polly

Hammer , sharpening stone, oil, watch the video still can't get this $60 punch a slot in 5oz leather.

[J Hayes]

Got a good solid backing? I like a 2x4 on the concrete floor. Once you get that punch sharp it'll be nice, shouldn't have to totally rework it but unfortunately you probably will......