Ant Posted January 22, 2009 Share Posted January 22, 2009 Hi All, I've been after a punch & die set for ages now, and finally decided to splash out on one. I went for the Historex set, as I couldn't find the Waldron one (which most people rave about) available in this country at a reasonable price. The service from Historex was excellent; I ordered via their website and it arrived very soon afterwards. I'm not sure I'm that impressed with the product though ... My first impression was "Oh my god, it's tiny, I can't believe I've just paid 40 quid for that." It's seriously tiny ... My next impression was "Oh my god, it's not that well made either!" As looking at the punches, the four smallest ones are bent. I think this is likely due to the hardening process, but still ... The feeling of disappointment was further reinforced when I tried to lift the clear perspex part, and found it very difficult. Initially, I thought this must be due to the tight tolerances of the machining, but then I realised it was more likely because of the two alignment pins not being parallel to each other ... It's not just a trick of the eye, I've checked the width of the pins at the base and the top with a vernier caliper and they're definitely out. However, the perspex plate will lift up enough to get plasticard in, so I decided to give it a try ... Low and behold, it works fine. This was done on very thin plasticard, with a cocktail stick for size comparison (I'm not sure of the card thickness right now, but it was very thin.) When I'm feeling braver, I'll try it out on something thicker. One of the reasons I finally decided to get a punch set, was so that I could easily fix the sink marks in the new Revell Ju' 88 instrument panel ... And it worked a treat ... So, was it worth the £40? I don't think so to be honest. I think that considering the simplicity of the machining involved to make such an item and the cost of the materials, (I used to work in a tool-room, but no longer have access to the kit) I would have expected it either to be cheaper or the quality to be better. If you're considering a set, I'd have a good look around at alternatives before spending the cash. Micro-mart in the US do one and Roll Models (also in the US) are still supplying the Waldron one. I'm very tempted to get in touch with some model engineer buddies to see if they could produce a cheaper and better alternative. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LotusArenco Posted January 22, 2009 Share Posted January 22, 2009 This is the same punch ‘n die set that I use all the time. I would seriously consider giving Historex a bell with regards the quality issues, and getting a replacement. You’re right, something this expensive should not have the flaws you’ve pointed out. Mart Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Posted January 22, 2009 Share Posted January 22, 2009 My little punches were bent too... work ok though, but you have to choose your card carefully, or the smaller ones tend to rip on one side, giving a bit of a ragged circle. I agree that it's expensive too... and mine was only about £33 when I got it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ant Posted January 22, 2009 Author Share Posted January 22, 2009 Just to clarify, it cost £36.80 but with postage it came to £40.75. I've followed Mart's advice and have emailed Historex. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigReg Posted January 22, 2009 Share Posted January 22, 2009 Also watch out for the perspex breaking!! Guess how I know? David Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
desmojen Posted January 22, 2009 Share Posted January 22, 2009 I have the same one, and my punches weren't bent (although one of them is now) It was expensive, but I'm amazed by how much I use it and pleased overall with the purchase. I got mine from Little cars btw. Jen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnonymousFO98 Posted January 22, 2009 Share Posted January 22, 2009 (edited) i have been putting off getting one for ages - partly because i saw someone say the punches were easily bent being a tad hamfisted at times i didn't want to risk blowing a relatively large amount of cash have since read- on this forum i think- that jewellers hammers must be used - with nylon faces IIRC- and gently and with thin card. could be the chap who complained on the other forum was a one off - but as i want to be able to scratch build interiors it might still be worth getting a set. The Waldron set is very expensive and seemingly impossible to get this side of the Atlantic would you chaps recommend the historex set for scratching 1/72 instrument panels et al? edit: sorry Ant -missed your comment below the pics was too busy admiring. altenatives seem to be plentiful Stateside any recommendations in Blighty- have scoured the net but not found anything if your mates could produce some there might be a market here. Edited January 22, 2009 by walrus Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DamienB Posted January 22, 2009 Share Posted January 22, 2009 At 7 quid, wouldn't this do the job? http://www.tandyleatherfactory.co.uk/p-704...-punch-set.aspx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Posted January 22, 2009 Share Posted January 22, 2009 At 7 quid, wouldn't this do the job?http://www.tandyleatherfactory.co.uk/p-704...-punch-set.aspx No... Its smallest size is probably around the size of the largest disc from a dedicated punch & die set. There's also the issue of getting them out of the punch without damage (if you need the disc, rather than the hole). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DamienB Posted January 22, 2009 Share Posted January 22, 2009 No... Its smallest size is probably around the size of the largest disc from a dedicated punch & die set. There's also the issue of getting them out of the punch without damage (if you need the disc, rather than the hole). Yeah, I see now - smallest (with additional punch for an extra 1.49) is 4/64" (but that's pretty damn small - would do for most 1/72 instruments). Hadn't thought about removing the disc... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fea Posted January 22, 2009 Share Posted January 22, 2009 (edited) Ayup... Got mine from a stall on a boot a coupla years ago for a quid. Lovely they are... i was trying over on ATF to convince everyone that prices of tools were well over the top but no-one believes me.. 40 quid for bent punches is well out of order, IMO. you have my sympathy Ant. Second on my list are PE folders. and i need one soon... Anyone else think the same way? (Apart from Little-cars, obviously, 'cos he sells such items, although doubtless they are all quality Items from quality manafacturers...) Edited January 22, 2009 by Fea Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LotusArenco Posted January 22, 2009 Share Posted January 22, 2009 have since read- on this forum i think- that jewellers hammers must be used - with nylon faces IIRC- and gently and with thin card.It may be better, but you don’t have to use a nylon headed hammer.This is what I use: Picked up from Squires, didn’t cost that much from what I remember (couple of quid?). I tend to use the flat side of the hammer rather than the actual head. If the hammers’ not immediately available, I have been known to use a block of wood instead! I’m certainly not that gentle (within reason) with it either! I’ve found that if you don’t give it a good tap, the plastic won‘t punch nicely.** I have noticed that with the smaller sizes, you can just push the punch, holding it like a pen, with your fingers. Ideal if you have lots of small rivets to punch out. I think of my punch & die set, as I would my compressor. Blooming expensive at the time, but has paid for itself over, and gets lots of use. Mart **Please note that I cannot be held responsible if you bend your punches by whacking the bejesus out of them! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnonymousFO98 Posted January 22, 2009 Share Posted January 22, 2009 thanks Mart will probably have to fork out for a set at some point unless you want to sell me your set for a fiver, Fea. that's a decent %age mark up Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tompot Posted January 22, 2009 Share Posted January 22, 2009 (edited) Well, just to make you sick, picked up the same type of thing as the Historex one from here Rai-Ro. Got it at Telford in 2007 - £11.75. Edited January 22, 2009 by tompot Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnonymousFO98 Posted January 22, 2009 Share Posted January 22, 2009 Thanks Tompot cheered me up no end. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keefr22 Posted January 22, 2009 Share Posted January 22, 2009 Well, just to make you sick, picked up the same type of thing as the Historex one from here Rai-Ro. Got it at Telford in 2007 - £11.75. That was one hell of a 'show special', seeing as it's now £64 on their website!!!!!!!!!! Keef Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fea Posted January 22, 2009 Share Posted January 22, 2009 thanks Martwill probably have to fork out for a set at some point unless you want to sell me your set for a fiver, Fea. that's a decent %age mark up Ayup Walrus... ok, right... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karl Posted January 22, 2009 Share Posted January 22, 2009 (edited) I've got the same Historex punch set; got it from Little-Cars for a shade under £40.00 All mine came in good condition except the smallest punch that had a slight bend on it but hardly noticeable. They all work exceptionally well an varying thickness's of plastic giving nice clean holes - I use exactly the same hammer as in Mart's post. My only gripe is that I wish that they had come in a better container that a plastic bag; I'm still on the lookout for a small box that they will fit in to snugly so they don't rattle around too much... Karl Edited January 22, 2009 by Karl Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul @ Parkes682Decals Posted January 22, 2009 Share Posted January 22, 2009 I've got the same Historex punch set; got it from Little-Cars for a shade under £40.00All mine came in good condition except the smallest punch that had a slight bend on it but hardly noticeable. They all work exceptionally well an varying thickness's of plastic giving nice clean holes - I use exactly the same hammer as in Mart's post. My only gripe is that I wish that they had come in a better container that a plastic bag; I'm still on the lookout for a small box that they will fit in to snugly so they don't rattle around too much... Karl Hi Karl I made my own using GFS (Tool Steel -01) and 6mm perspex and made the punches out of a material called D2 its the correct steel for punches and you cannot bend it.The D2 has to be vacum hardened and then ground flat to produce a sharp cutting edge.The cutting clearence has to .001" to get it right otherwise it will not work properly( remember once you have cut halfway the slug should drop away)Mine starts at .5 mm to 10 mm it works .It does help i you are a qualified Press Tool Toolmaker as well.The ones you have shown in the photos look cheap and nasty made from mild steel,i think they are ripping you off.You get what you paid for its better to use the right materials they will last you a lifetime Paul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fea Posted January 22, 2009 Share Posted January 22, 2009 I've got the same Historex punch set; got it from Little-Cars for a shade under £40.00My only gripe is that I wish that they had come in a better container that a plastic bag; I'm still on the lookout for a small box that they will fit in to snugly so they don't rattle around too much... Karl Ayup Karl... Not very good for forty quid even, is it ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnonymousFO98 Posted January 22, 2009 Share Posted January 22, 2009 Looks like you have been vindicated at last Fea! £40 staying in the wallet until further notice Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karl Posted January 22, 2009 Share Posted January 22, 2009 (edited) Ayup Karl...Not very good for forty quid even, is it ? At face value - no, not really... However it's done all of the jobs I've asked it to do - so far; so as a tool it is working as it should and I've been pleased with all of the holes I've punched - I've used it quite a bit on my TSR.2 and it's worked a treat. Time will tell I guess. Karl Edited January 22, 2009 by Karl Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fea Posted January 23, 2009 Share Posted January 23, 2009 Looks like you have been vindicated at last Fea!£40 staying in the wallet until further notice Ayup Walrus... Taken time, though hasn't it? I think what it is is that we don't tend to look at prices on stands at shows, for a start, and are for some reason, blinded. Then we get conditioned over time to pay over the odds and don't think it unreasonable to pay what we do for tools and books. I appreciate a little profit, every business needs it, but for a good wedge, the packaging needs to be spot on too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tigerausfb Posted January 26, 2009 Share Posted January 26, 2009 Can I pass a tip on, which is when you're punching through plastic card, then stick a sliver of the same thickness in at the end behind the two pins to keep everything vertical. It stops the edges of the holes and punches from being rounded off. I have the Historex Hex set for bolt heads and the smallest punch in that rounds off very quickly after little use. Andy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ant Posted January 29, 2009 Author Share Posted January 29, 2009 Just to update on the historex punch set ... I sent mine back, explaining the problem with it, and was sent a replacement set which arrived this morning. I have to say that the service from Historex has remained fantastic, as they sent out the replacement set before even receiving the faulty (1st) one. Sadly, the quality of the replacement set isn't a whole lot better. The alignment pins on the new set are parallel, so the perspex plate can now be lifted off, but the four smallest punches are bent as much as the first set. So there you have it, quality isn't great, but it does work. How well it stands up to frequent use, only time will tell. In the meantime, I scratch-built the instrument panel for the 1:48 Italeri A-10A Thunderbolt II using the set. It has turned out quite nice. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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