waldron punch.

You said it yourself,  It all depends on what you build.  

I just finished punching some 5/16 inch discs to mask the decks inside of some gun tubs on a 1:350 destroyer.  Used the Harbor Freight punch set.

Your build preferences define the tool requirements.

I don't have anything to contribute to this thread - but on the basis of all these recommendations (and the fact that I have only very occasional uses for such things), I think I'll order the Micromark set.

I also was impressed with dirtball's signature quote.  I believe it's from Groucho Marx.  Another of my favorite Groucho lines:  "Outside of a dog, a book is a man's best friend.  Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read."

I have the MicroMark set, and I've been getting good use out of it.

The only issue I have with it, is that there's no label to identify the size of the punches and the dies.  I'll get around to making a label for it, but in the meantime, I'm glad I got it, for the $10 or that I saved over the comparable Waldron set.

Regards,

Brad

Sorry to steal the show but where can we get the Sintec sets.

Regards Leo

EdGrune wrote:

Bigger is better, right!    Harbor Freight offers a punch & die set which runs from about 1/8 inch to 3/4 inches.  I've found many uses for this tool. I also have one of the MicroMark punch sets.  It runs from about 0.04 inches to 0.19 inches.   It will probably get you to most of the sizes which you might need for cockpit dials, etc.   The MicroMark punch set has worked well for me - tap lightly with a jeweler's hammer - don't whack it with a big hunk-o-hammer. The smaller Waldron/Roll Models punch set may be useable if you desire to superdetail cockpits with knobs.   Its a matter of what to you want to do with it.

Those are nice Ed. I bought the cheaper set they sell and they seem to do a good job although I am sure the set you posted is much more precise. 

Mine are these for $4.99

Bigger is better, right!    Harbor Freight offers a punch & die set which runs from about 1/8 inch to 3/4 inches.  I've found many uses for this tool.

I also have one of the MicroMark punch sets.  It runs from about 0.04 inches to 0.19 inches.   It will probably get you to most of the sizes which you might need for cockpit dials, etc.   The MicroMark punch set has worked well for me - tap lightly with a jeweler's hammer - don't whack it with a big hunk-o-hammer.

The smaller Waldron/Roll Models punch set may be useable if you desire to superdetail cockpits with knobs.   Its a matter of what to you want to do with it.

The Waldon set is most durable. 

If you need hex, get this Sintec set. Sintec also has a round set, diameters are all different from the Waldon set.

Ignore all other micro punch and die sets.

Triarius wrote:

Harv, if it's the one I have, it works. Problem is, it only has circular punches, and I think the Waldron one has other shapes, too, but I'm not certain. The MM one works well. I would recommend getting a proper plastic mallet to use on the punches.

I have both Waldron sets and they don't have any other shapes than round.

One small thing I read about the Micromart punch is that it does not have a channel along the bottom for the disc to end up in, but I dont know if thats a big deal.

I have both Waldron sets, very happy with them, but neither cost $100. The larger of the two is about $45. The subminiature set is more though.

I knew it was a bit of a splurge when I bought mine (Roll Models), but now that I have them I find myself scratchbuilding a lot of details that I would not even have thought of if the punch was not on my bench.

George

I've got the MM and it works fine, but I have issues with alignment...That is just me though!

Leo

Harv, if it's the one I have, it works. Problem is, it only has circular punches, and I think the Waldron one has other shapes, too, but I'm not certain.

The MM one works well. I would recommend getting a proper plastic mallet to use on the punches.