How Should I Sharpen An Oblong Punch

[oltoot]

Whatever route you use to sharpen be very watchful not to get the piece hot and take the temper out. keep a container of water handy and dip frequently. DO NOT let the metal change color. That said, the next time you are shopping for an edged cutting tool consider the Master line from Weaver. They will come sharp. I punch with an 8 lb maul on a poly board on a 6" piece of granite on a solid steel stand and I have to be careful not to hit my Weavers too hard or they will cut clear through the poly. On the other hand I can whack most Osbornes to my heart's content. And some I sharpen while others I keep a little dull, depending on their predominate use.

[paprhangr]

Thanks for the "Good Stuff" keep it comin

[wayner]

Whatever route you use to sharpen be very watchful not to get the piece hot and take the temper out. keep a container of water handy and dip frequently. DO NOT let the metal change color. That said, the next time you are shopping for an edged cutting tool consider the Master line from Weaver. They will come sharp. I punch with an 8 lb maul on a poly board on a 6" piece of granite on a solid steel stand and I have to be careful not to hit my Weavers too hard or they will cut clear through the poly. On the other hand I can whack most Osbornes to my heart's content. And some I sharpen while others I keep a little dull, depending on their predominate use.

A 8 Pound Maul?

[TinkerTailor]

A 8 Pound Maul?

I use a 4 lb 10 inch handle drilling hammer. And yes, i use a steel hammer on my punches. If you hit straight, they don't mushroom as much and a little grinding will take care of it when it gets out of hand every couple months/years.

I don't, however, do it like you sissys do. I just put the leather on my thigh and flex, harder than granite.....Clean punch every time.

[Ole South]

I've got Oblong Punch Sharpening blues too. Inexpensive Chinese punches... appear to be hardend only on the inside, using a wet grinder every time I get close to a decent edge it chips somewhere.

To protect all my chisel punches I use the end grain of a 4x4 block of pine. Clean it up with your band or table saw when it gets too ate up.

[jasj]

To ensure a better result with drive punches and my rotary punch, I have a cake of beeswax that I use to lubricate the inner and outer surfaces of the punch. I just poke the punch into the beeswax and rotate it once or twice before punching. In theory and practice, this helps the punch through the leather. Note that punching into oily or waxy leather is always easier than dry leather.

Hope this helps someone,

Cheers Jim

[AndyL1]

I use a 4 lb 10 inch handle drilling hammer. And yes, i use a steel hammer on my punches. If you hit straight, they don't mushroom as much and a little grinding will take care of it when it gets out of hand every couple months/years.

I don't, however, do it like you sissys do. I just put the leather on my thigh and flex, harder than granite.....Clean punch every time.

[club49]

I HAVE AN OSBORN 1INCH, I LOVE IT.I ALSO USE A 6 LB HAMMER. I HAVE AN OAK LOG THAT I DO ALL MY PUNCHING ON. I CAN PUNCH HOLES 3 O' CLOCK IN THE MORNING And my wife can't hear it.