Micro Punch Set from Micro-Mark...a Question

usmc1371 wrote:

Mike, I have the Waldron punch set and it says to use a soft metal (like brass) or nylon hammer.  Personally, I use the back end of #3 Xacto handle.  I biggest concern is not damaging the striking end of the punch.  As long as the hammer is of softer metal than the punch, you should be fine.  Micro-Mark sells a hammer with different faces on it: http://www.ares-server.com/Ares/Ares.asp?MerchantID=RET01229&Action=Catalog&Type=Product&ID=83380 Just stay away from using a hammer with a steel face.  I also noticed in the picture of Micro-Mark's punch set, that it looks like either side of the punch can be used in the die.  On Waldron's set, one side of the punch is flared for striking while the other side fits into the die.  As a word of advice, I would mark one side of Micro-Mark's punch as the striking end and use that end only to strike with your hammer.  That way, only one side of the punch will suffer from wear over time.  Just my opinion. Jesse

I have a similar puch and die set, but a little larger. I've used soft steel hammers on them with no problems. But I've also had to have the cutting end of the punch sharpened a couple times. Most all are just case hardened steel. Lyman sells a neat little brass headed hammer that also has a nylon head on it. You can get the hammer at just about any gun shop.

gary

Oh Heck! I've been educated......again!

I missed the reference to .010 styrene.....I tend to think in bigger numbers. Now after viewing the punch set.....yes, a hammer is overkill.

Nam 

Mine just came today and you are right Jesse.

With .010 sheet styrene I just hit the back of the punches with a large X-acto handle end and they pop right out.

They do recommend that you use a plastic object to hit them though so I am going to come up with something else.  

Here is the punch set and some pieces I punched out of the .010" styrene.

The one on the left is the largest size and the one on the right the smallest.

I did not punch out every size, just a few:

I think that might be over-kill.  That kind of hammer is used for striking chisels and such.  It's kind of big for modelling.  I think you might be suprised out how easy the die will go through thin plastic.  Like I said before, I just the back end of #3 Xacto handle.  One hit and I'm through.  Just a though...

Jesse

Thanks Nam.

I am thinking of buying this hammer from Sears for the punch set as it's plastic and is only $9.99

Mike....as a caution.....brass can pein steel that hasn't been heat treated properly. Try the soft faces of the hammer first and see if they have enough heft to do the job. I'm not familiar with the punch set....but it would be sad if the punches were not fully hardened....for striking and for maintaining a sharp cutting edge.

Nam 

Thanks Jesse.

I contacted Micro-Mark and they sent me back the same answer as yours:

"Dear Micro-Mark Customer:

It is recommended that a soft head hammer (brass, plastic, etc) be used. We list the following hammers for use with this item:

     81523  TOOLMAKER'S MALLET

    83380             HOBBY HAMMER WITH INTERCHANGEABLE TIPS

     83434  BRASS/NYLON MALLET "

Mike,

I have the Waldron punch set and it says to use a soft metal (like brass) or nylon hammer.  Personally, I use the back end of #3 Xacto handle.  I biggest concern is not damaging the striking end of the punch.  As long as the hammer is of softer metal than the punch, you should be fine.  Micro-Mark sells a hammer with different faces on it: http://www.ares-server.com/Ares/Ares.asp?MerchantID=RET01229&Action=Catalog&Type=Product&ID=83380

Just stay away from using a hammer with a steel face.  I also noticed in the picture of Micro-Mark's punch set, that it looks like either side of the punch can be used in the die.  On Waldron's set, one side of the punch is flared for striking while the other side fits into the die.  As a word of advice, I would mark one side of Micro-Mark's punch as the striking end and use that end only to strike with your hammer.  That way, only one side of the punch will suffer from wear over time.  Just my opinion.

Jesse