Punch and die set choices?

I recently purchased a leather punch set from Michaels for about $7 (rod type thing + 6 or 7 interchangeable tips); if I recall correctly, the smallest hole it could make as packaged was 3/32" (size 0 in leatherwork). However, I was also able to mail order two size 00 punch tips (1/16").

I've never used it on polystyrene, but have punched cleanly through some pretty thick linoleum I was using as a work surface.

I use a leather punch with rotating wheel. By adding brass rod of different diameter to the wheel any size hole can be made. Just be sure the extension extends beyond the wheel punches.

Here is a page with some high quality disc cutters used in the jewelry industry. http://corporate.auctionworks.com/store/shop.asp?cmd=%3E%3C&sfid=24342&search_text=&sort=title_text&sortdir=&itemno=&sid=200310152054550000000008533373&buyer=&pgJumpPage=4&pgBottomJumpPage=5&intPage=4&c=10021134 These look like to be maybe even better tools than the Waldron Punches at much less!

I bought the Historex set at £35.. (that's about $50 or so). Expensive but probably the best time-saving tool I ever bought. Being big time into scratchbuilding, this was worth every single penny and more... I've had mine for 3 years and it's still gives me perfect discs and holes.

They also have an hexagonal set but I don't own that one - and don't plan getting it either...

The Historex set looks very useful. Do you or anyone else know where it can be bought in the states?

i recently bought 2 leather punch sets from my LHS.
they are from "The Leather Factory".
they are called "Maxi Punch Set with Changeable Tubes"
part numbers 3004 & 3003

the one set (#3003) has 6 tips sized 5/64, 3/32, 1/8, 9/64, 5/32, 11/64
which is 'leather' size 0,1,2,3,4,5
for you metric fans, they also give sizes (2mm, 2.5mm,3mm,3.5mm,4mm,5mm)
but they are rounding as the next set will reveal.
it was $9

the second one (#3004) has 6 more tips sized 3/16, 13/64, 7/32, 1/4, 17/64, 5/16
('leather' sizes 6,7,8,9,10,12)
metric sizes given as 5mm,5.5mm,6mm,6.5mm,7mm,8mm
(notice the two sets bot have a "5mm" one is 11/64, the other 3/16 or 12/64)
it was $10.

i was using it yesterday on styrene and it worked quite nicely,
but i will point out a design element that might be a problem for modeling use:
the sides of the tube have a slight taper.
this is not a problem if you are using the disc you punched out.
but it could make the 'hole' bigger than you intend if you are using that side.
i was trying to make small rings by punching a disc, then punching a hole in the center.
it worked ok w/ larger sizes, but w/ the small size, the taper would snap the very narrow ring.

like everything else, you pays your money and you makes your choices.

ed.

I found another punch set. It looks promising. http://www.contenti.com/products/dapping/190-001.html
Not as cheap but looks like a great set!