C.s. Osborne Belt Punch Vs. Drive Punch

[Boriqua]

I have been using the tandy set with interchangeable heads for years. Im being crazy lazy but the tips are cheap enough that when it gets insanely dull I throw it in the garbage and buy a new one. Ive only had to do that a couple of times but that depends on how much you use them. I use a poly cutting board as my surface.

Some tools I dont mind and actually enjoy sharpening... hole punches I can live without messing with

[impulse]

By far the best surface for round, oval or belt end punches is lead. I melt down scrap lead and pour this into a mold to make an approx 8" x 5" x 1" block. This surface is firm enough for punching, but soft enough not to dull the tool's cutting edge. After a while, I flip the lead over and when both sides are getting rough, simply melt the lead for a brand new surface. WARNING: lead fumes are toxic, so melting needs to be done outside - I use an old camp stove.

Punches last so much longer, and my lead block only needs re-melting after 2-4 months constant use.

[Colt W Knight]

I recently sharpened my Tandy hole punches, and they fell apart quickly after sharpening. The higher end tandy punches had a very small insert or press fit hardened end, and sharpening them removed most of it. They started splitting and chipping shortly there after.

[club49]

I was punching holes on my 2" granite slab with two pieces of 12 oz leather glued together.The granite cracked down the middle. I also broke a prong on my Tandy stitiching chisel.I use a log now.

[25b]

I use a small (~ 10-15 pound) anvil with a few pieces of leather on top to punch my holes. Haven't broken the anvil yet.

[club49]

Try a wooden log, it works great.

[club49]

Try a wooden log, it works great.

[club49]

I just got the Weaver punch for belts, I like it much better then the single punch from Tandy. They have the oval hole or round.

Jim