What Is Best Surface Material For Hole Punching On Bench.

[shadowryder]

Hi,

as the title says What is best surface material for hole punching on the bench.I have used plastic/nylon kitchen chopping boards which are ruining the sharp edges on my punches,

I have used the green self heal cutting boards too but they do not heal from punch holes and that ruins the boards and both things can work out quite expensive.

Would appreciate all and any advice from those who know,

many thanks

JJ.

[Itch]

We have these pounding boards that are about 2" thick. When they get all scarred up I take the belt sander to them. But I usually put a piece of scrap leather down first ,it helps keep my work from getting marked up and helps keep my punches in a little better shape.

[Gump]

Check out your local rubber supplier and ask for red sheet. It is a high density rubber that will give you long life(12 yrs and counting) and clean cuts. I am still using 2 sq.ft. that I bought 12 years ago, and no dull tools.

[RStevenson]

Check out your local rubber supplier and ask for red sheet. It is a high density rubber that will give you long life(12 yrs and counting) and clean cuts. I am still using 2 sq.ft. that I bought 12 years ago, and no dull tools.

Theres some of this stuff at the place I work and when I saw it I thought it would be good.

I use an oak board I made with a poly cutting board on it and a couple pieces of scrap leather on top of that when i use my chisels.

[howie696]

Use end grain wood, its by far the best thing for the tools

[jfdavis58]

I've used the black 'poundo' stuff Tandy sells; white-in fact several colors-of 'poly' cutting boards; a chunk of that reddish board several places claim is the backing surface for clickers and other presses; and (several species of) wood. Truthfully, the best surface I've found is any of those aforementioned covered with a thick piece of scrap saddle skirting (12-14 oz or thicker). There is no doubt as to when the 'surface' is shot/wasted/ruined and needs replacing, it doesn't mark or pattern and I got a bag of it (about 20 pounds) for cheap.

[impulse]

The only surface that does not dull the cutting edges of punches is lead. This metal is solid enough to ensure a clean hole but soft enough to provide little resistance to the punch. With practice one can feel when the punch is through the leather. I make my lead punching pad by melting down lead roof flashing or any other scrap lead eg fishing "sinkers". This is then poured into a round or rectangular metal saucepan or such to the depth of approx 15mm(1/2"). When one side is too badly pock marked, flip it over and use the reverse side. This will last for months and when needed, just melt it down again for a new, smooth surface.

Warning only melt down lead in the open - I use an old camping stove.

Guaranteed that your punches will stay sharper for longer. Can also be used for strap end punches etc.

Cheers, Lois

[howie696]

The only surface that does not dull the cutting edges of punches is lead. This metal is solid enough to ensure a clean hole but soft enough to provide little resistance to the punch. With practice one can feel when the punch is through the leather. I make my lead punching pad by melting down lead roof flashing or any other scrap lead eg fishing "sinkers". This is then poured into a round or rectangular metal saucepan or such to the depth of approx 15mm(1/2"). When one side is too badly pock marked, flip it over and use the reverse side. This will last for months and when needed, just melt it down again for a new, smooth surface.

Warning only melt down lead in the open - I use an old camping stove.

Guaranteed that your punches will stay sharper for longer. Can also be used for strap end punches etc.

Cheers, Lois

I'm sorry but using a toxic substance like lead for such a simple task is just silly

[zuludog]

Yes, according to 'Leatherwork - a Practical Guide' by Chris Taylor the best & traditional base or surface for punching holes in leather is lead. Say 6" diameter or square, and about 1" thick. He gives advice on making one.

Sometimes you see such blocks on Ebay.

Unfortunately I haven't used such a block, but I have made one. I left the block and the old pan in my back yard for a couple of hours to cool while I had my dinner, and someone stole it!

[Tugadude]

Just for grins I looked up sources for lead online and found the attached information. Cheaper than I thought, less than $32.00 for a 6" diameter x 1" thick disc. Of course you have to pay shipping and it is heavy as lead!

Edited May 2, 2015 by Tugadude