Looking for Punch & Die set recommendations

[Adam Baker]

Looking for feedback on Punch & Die sets. I've got the money (and the permission from SWMBO) to get a couple sets I've been eyeing for a long time, but trying to get a feel for whats available.

These are what I've been looking at, produced by a company called RP Toolz out of Hungary.

Micro set. Punches range from .5mm (~.020") to 2mm (~.080") in .1mm (~.004") increments, for 16 total punches

Large Punch Set. 12 punches ranging from 2mm (~.080") to 4.5mm (~.180") in .2mm (~.008) increments from 2 to 4mm.

Hexagonal punch set. 6 Hex shape punches ranging from .7mm (~.030") to 2mm (~.080")

Direct from the manufacturer in Hungary, the Micro & Large punch sets are 70 euro (~$88.00), the Hexagonal punch set is 55 euro (~$70.00). The Mirco & Hex sets can be purchased together for 120 euro (~$150.00) They charge 21 euro (~25.00) for shipping but I was told this week that if I order all 3 sets together, they'll do free shipping, which has me seriously considering it.

I like the look of the sets, they appear to be pretty rugged, and every single review I've seen of them has nothing but good things to say about them.

I know Waldron sets used to be available, but nowadays they're like hens teeth, pretty much impossible to find.

So what else is out there, and what kind of prices do they run?

 

[moon puppy]

I got a couple of them, one came from Micromart and was not worth the price paid. The other, I can't remember where I got it, square with four punches on each side. Single piece. I'll get a picture next time I think about it.

That looks like a good deal but don't think I got that much of a need for so many.

 

[Adam Baker]

Yea, definitely a lot of punches, thats for sure, but I figured that w/ these, I'd pretty much have anything I'd ever need. The other thing that would be extremely useful is I prefer filling punch marks in w/ styrene disks, and w/ all the different sizes those tend to be, this would make that job a lot easier as well.

Probably going to go ahead & place an order for them today.

 

[Adam Baker]

Well, pulled the trigger on these this morning. Wallet is definitely considerably lighter now, but I think it'll be worth it. Since they're coming from Hungary, I figure it'll be a couple of weeks at least before I get them, but we'll see.

 

[Sherman 18]

Adam let us know how it goes with it. I've been thinking I should get one or two myself

 

[Heavens Eagle]

If I didn't already have my "antique" Waldron sets I would consider getting some myself. I even figured out how to rebuild the plastic alignment plate when the holes get worn. That process would apply to any of these sets with the acrylic top plate. :huh:

So there is another subject for my Tool Time thread. :hmmm

As to your aquisition Adam, I think you will like them, and it isn't so much about what you are planning to do with them as it is what they allow you to plan.

 

[Paulw]

UMM-USA has the sets a bit less expensive

 

[Adam Baker]

Definitely!! I figured I'd put together some kind of review on them when they come in. Was told yesterday that they'd ship out today, but I never received anything that they went out, so we'll see I suppose. If I havent heard anything back by Tuesday or Wednesday I'll email them again to find out.

Adam let us know how it goes with it. I've been thinking I should get one or two myself

Yea, the wear on the acrylic plate is something I've thought about, but at the pace/rate at which I model, I dont know that I'll ever have to worry about that particular issue, haha.

And you are very right, having something like this at hand definitely opens up the possibilities as to what you can plan to do. I've already thought about a few times that being able to fill in punch marks like I mentioned before, should be a lot easier, especially the smaller ones. I have a rotating leather punch that I've been using when i need disks, but it stops at 1/8", and a lot of punch marks are smaller than that, so I have to get creative when I need smaller sizes. Wont have to worry about that now.

If I didn't already have my "antique" Waldron sets I would consider getting some myself. I even figured out how to rebuild the plastic alignment plate when the holes get worn. That process would apply to any of these sets with the acrylic top plate. :huh:

So there is another subject for my Tool Time thread. :hmmm

As to your aquisition Adam, I think you will like them, and it isn't so much about what you are planning to do with them as it is what they allow you to plan.

UMM is listed on the RP Toolz site as a US Distributor, but after spending a fair amount of time, I was never able to locate any of these on the site, so I ordered them direct. I did find a few similar sets, but none had the same range as what is available w/ the RPT sets.

UMM-USA has the sets a bit less expensive