Members erniethemilk Posted February 29, 2016 Members Report Posted February 29, 2016 I'm getting a bit fed up of the cheap rotary hole punches I'm buying and using. Given about 3 weeks or so and I seem to keep breaking them, bending them on 4mm veg tan leather. I'm thinking what next, and wondering how good the Osborne rotary punch is. It's quite a pricey option here in the UK (c. £70) compare to the £7-£8 I'm spending at the moment. Anyone have thoughts/recommendations. Quote
Northmount Posted February 29, 2016 Report Posted February 29, 2016 Handles made of pressed metal always failed for me. Finally bought a rotary punch with solid steel handles. They don't squash! You'll either pay for one incrementally in replacements, or just go get the right one first off and ultimately save more. Just keep the web between your thumb and finger out of the hinge area anytime you release your grip! It pinches and ... Tom Quote
Contributing Member Ferg Posted February 29, 2016 Contributing Member Report Posted February 29, 2016 My rotaries are definitely "Vintage". I have had at least two of them for 60+ years. Never bent or broke one, just continue dressing the copper pad so the hole is cut complete. Guess you might look for an old one.lol ferg Quote
Members George3 Posted March 1, 2016 Members Report Posted March 1, 2016 Osborne all the way, had the cheap ones, had to use a hammer to make it punch 12 oz leather. Bought the Osborne leather punch with replaceable tubes and never looked back. Cuts through thick leather with little or no effort. cheap tools cost more in the long run... Quote
Members erniethemilk Posted March 1, 2016 Author Members Report Posted March 1, 2016 (edited) Thanks guys. Ordered an Osborne this morning. Palpitations ordering an £80 hole punch but there you go, hopefully will stop me going through them every few weeks! :-) Edited March 1, 2016 by erniethemilk Quote
Members George3 Posted March 1, 2016 Members Report Posted March 1, 2016 I've been using the Osborne punch for 3 years and still going strong with every day use. Don't punch anything that's not leather such as nylon webbing as it will dull the cutting edge. Tip # 2 you can sharpen the tubes by putting them in a drill and holding a stone against it and work of the inside burr with a drill bit😎 You made a good choice... I've been using the Osborne punch for 3 years and still going strong with every day use. Don't punch anything that's not leather such as nylon webbing as it will dull the cutting edge. Tip # 2 you can sharpen the tubes by putting them in a drill and holding a stone against it and work of the inside burr with a drill bit😎 You made a good choice... Quote
Members simontuntelder Posted March 1, 2016 Members Report Posted March 1, 2016 Wad punches might be a solution. They can be sharpened and maintained. Otherwise there's a good one from Germany - I can't remember the name of the maker, but it has a red handle. Ivan makes a terrible copy - that can't be sold in Germany, but if you get the German one I'm sure you'll be pleased. I've had mine for 8 years and it's still going strong. Quote
Members Colt W Knight Posted March 3, 2016 Members Report Posted March 3, 2016 (edited) The CS Osbourne is the only brand of rotary punch I have ever used that worked well after use. Even those, you have dress the brass anvil and sharpen the punches frequently. If you can set the work down on a table, the Weaver master punches or Cs. Osborne drive punches you strike with a mallet are the way to go. Growing up, we used a lot of rotary punches on horse tack, and I can't tell you how many times that damn punch pinched the hell out my palm. Edited March 3, 2016 by Colt W Knight Quote
Members LumpenDoodle2 Posted March 3, 2016 Members Report Posted March 3, 2016 Having small hands, I have difficulty using rotary punches, so have been using the one's you hit with a hammer (what are they called again?). Biggest problem I have is the quality. Although I use a dead weight plastic hammer, and a big lump of end-on grain tree trunk, they don't last my abuse for long. Does anyone know a good make of punches in the UK (or EU) that I can buy, and sneak past the husband. Quote “Equality? Political correctness gone mad, I tell you, gone mad!!!! Next they'll be wanting the vote!!!!! “. Anger and intolerance are the enemy of correct understanding
Members Colt W Knight Posted March 3, 2016 Members Report Posted March 3, 2016 (edited) Having small hands, I have difficulty using rotary punches, so have been using the one's you hit with a hammer (what are they called again?). Biggest problem I have is the quality. Although I use a dead weight plastic hammer, and a big lump of end-on grain tree trunk, they don't last my abuse for long. Does anyone know a good make of punches in the UK (or EU) that I can buy, and sneak past the husband. In my opinion, Weaver Master tools are the best punches with C. S. Osborne punches coming in second. I think they both have distributors in Europe, but I could be mistaken. They both hold up well when used with a proper hammer and backing, like your tree trunk. I keep mine very sharp and strop them regularly so I don't have to hit the punch very hard at all to get nice clean easy holes. They are often referred to as Drive Punches or Belt Punches ( Although some refer to belt punches as drive punches that punch oblong holes like you see on belts). Edited March 3, 2016 by Colt W Knight Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.