How Should I Sharpen An Oblong Punch

[Tree Reaper]

Osborne is last on my list of tool manufacturers, they don't sharpen anything they sell and they don't have any customer support when you have a problem with their product.

Not saying I wouldn't purchase another Osborne tool but only if I can't find another supplier for it first.

[paprhangr]

It seems to be high price for me to have to learn how to sharpen before I can even use their tool.

I got it to the point it will punch through after 4 strikes with the 45oz dead blow poly mallet.

Should it be a one blow punch

[Tree Reaper]

It will sharpen, I've sharpened my fair share of Osborne punches.

One of those little emery bits from dremel will speed up the process.

Touch up the inside as well as the outside of the punch.

Once I get them sharp I use a buffing wheel to keep them that way.

You'll be forever trying to get an edge on them with a stone.

For a base I use poly board on top of granite.

Edited March 16, 2014 by Tree Reaper

[paprhangr]

thanks Tree Reaper, Im using a Tandy I/4" rubber cutting matt on top of a 12x12 granite that sits on top of a granite table top

could you tell me more about sharpening with the dremel

[Tree Reaper]

You can use the tip of the emery on an angle to to touch up the inside, emery paper or a smaller diamond bit but you really need to get the burr off that develops on the inside from sharpening the outside.

The dremel emery will put a nice polish on it.

[J Hayes]

How much "give" is in the face of a poly hammer striking something with as small a diameter as a bag punch? I wonder if you're losing energy there? Always wondered how well those would transfer energy, the faces seem soft to me. Brass is nice for punches. Also best to punch holes over a leg too, I have a granite kitchen table and won't punch any holes on it, fear of cracking the wifes table.

[Tree Reaper]

I was thinking that too but 45oz. is a pretty good weight.

I've had problems with every one of those punches , they take quite a bit of work to get them close to cutting.

J, if you crack that table don't even stop to pack, just get out and don't stop running for at least two days.

[J Hayes]

J, if you crack that table don't even stop to pack, just get out and don't stop running for at least two days.

Hahaha yeah no kidding!!!!!!

[paprhangr]

the table is a small granite top work table out in the garage, so Im cool,

The reason I got the Osborne punch was I had first ordered bag punch from Goods Japan. but got impatient after 5 weeks. Goods said they were sorry must be held up in customs. I canceled the order and they refunded me. I had got a strap end punch from Goods Japan last year came 2 weeks and is still sharp today. the Goods Japan punch came friday I was going to send it back, but decided to give it a try last night. very sharp tool, it cuts a SLOT. blows the Osborne punch away.

Ill buy the goods japan punch and get back to making my belt slots. I still interested in learning how to keep a sharp edge on my tools.

I ve got the Osborne to practice on. don't know if I can return it since its been worked on.

[Tree Reaper]

It's an additional expense but once you acquire a good edge a buffing machine is a quick way to touch it up.

I bought an 8" Enco buffer and I use it every time I'm doing leather work.

It takes seconds to get a good edge back on punches and knives.