Members Eaglestroker Posted February 24, 2014 Members Report Posted February 24, 2014 I ordered custom punches, and it was one of the biggest headaches I've experienced in terms of a custom ordered part. Even with that it's probably the best money I've spent outside my Cobra on any given tool. Quote
Members Matt Alsaker Posted February 25, 2014 Members Report Posted February 25, 2014 Your standard off the shelf oblong punch will not be wide enough. If you are starting out and trying to keep costs reasonable a round punch and chisel is the way to go. I use a #8 (7/32") round punch on each end. By the time I'm done burnishing, I have a nice 1/4" wide slot. All my belts are 1/4" thick, to I build the belt slots on the holsters to accommodate. For 1-1/2" belt slots I have a 1-1/4" chisel and for 1-3/4" belt slots I have a 1-1/2" chisel. I tried drilling and did not care for it. I've also tried using a knife to cut between the holes, didn't care for that either. Custom punches from Weaver, about a year ago, were around $90. Well worth the price for me. Quote http://www.alsakercustomleather.com/ https://www.facebook.com/AlsakerCustomLeather?ref=hl
Members Tommy217xxx Posted February 25, 2014 Author Members Report Posted February 25, 2014 Thanks everyone for the tips and help. At this point I'm gonna try the punch and chisel method. I am somewhat handy but I'm gonna save the custom made punch for another day. This started out as a hobby so I would like to keep costs down for a while besides for the fact that I havea newborn baby. Thanks again. I love this site b/c of all the great people and mass of knowledge. Quote
Members Tommy217xxx Posted February 25, 2014 Author Members Report Posted February 25, 2014 Actually after lookin at dwights punch, I might try and make one. It looks pretty easy. Dwight, The side that u strike, Is that just a raw edge or did u put something on it? Quote
Members J Hayes Posted February 25, 2014 Members Report Posted February 25, 2014 I use a 1 5/8 Osborne, it was sharp as my elbow when I got but now works great. I have a short "belt" that gets forced through the slots when I'm wet molding, I like to form the slots and kinda shape the holster so its curved like my hip. YMMV I also have EMT and stainless punches for starp ends and those work great too Quote
Members Tommy217xxx Posted February 26, 2014 Author Members Report Posted February 26, 2014 I made one of the punches that Dwight showed off and it looks like it's gonna work out well. I'd post a pic but I can't figure out how to yet. Quote
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