Where do I find a good punch and die set

Tools, Techniques, and Reference Materials Tools
1

Hi all. I was wondering if anyone could tell me where I can find a good punch and die set for hobbies.

2

I picked up the Waldron Punch and Die set from the Great Models website recently, but it took about 5 weeks to get it. I would suggest doing a search on your favorite model website retailers, or you could probably google it as well.

3

you can get one in the leather section of Hobby Lobby or Michaels Arts store for about $8.00, the smallest diameter in the set is 5/64 which is about 2mm or 1/8 inch… the largest is 11/64 or almost 1/4 inch. there’s 6 to the set. Just ask for the Tandy mini punch set.

If you need smaller than that, the Waldron set would be your next step as I think they have smaller diameter dies…

4

yes, the waldron set is better if you need small discs. Unfortunatly they closed their doors about two or three months ago, or so I heard. It may be in your intrest to get a set as soon as possible. I’m sure in a couple of years there will be a new set from someone though.

5

modelbuilder;

If your local hobby shop will do special orders for you I bought the Armour Extra Details from Steel Models in Italy through my local hobby shop. It is great and was worth the money.

http://www.steelmodels.com/shopdisplayproducts.asp?sid=6&sup=Armour+Extra+Detail&mode=2

Armour Extra Details also makes a Hexagonal Set.

There very good sets and work great with a slight tap of a tack hammer.

If your hobby shop will not order for you. Check either the Verlinden Productions website or The VLS website there is a round and hexagonal punch set available through one of them from a company names Star Models.

Cheers;

Gregory

6

Waldron made two punch and die sets specifically for 1/72, 48 and 32 scale modeling, but they did close shop in January or February when they retired. Great Models webstore might still have some of their sets or a couple of the other internet shops like Hannants in the UK. But they are pretty expensive, though worth the expense. I also read that one of the other tool makers/producers will or already has bought the rights from Waldrons to produice and sell some of their products like the punch and die sets and their instrument sets. There are other sets available, it just takes a little searching. There are also plans for making your own punch and die set and I think you can find those somewhere in this forum.

7

Roll Models ahs bought Waldron and will be continuing to offer their line, according to a press release that was posted here some time back.

The set Scott is referring to has tips that go down to 5/64”, just a hair over 1/16”, and are good for cutting out instrument decals for IP’s. The Waldron set is the best, from what I read, to make even smaller discs for cockpit buttons or tank rivets.

And if anyone finds the make you own plans, please post the thread… or link I tried to fond it but can’t for whatever reason.

8

Hi here’s the best site ive found and liked…

http://www.perthmilitarymodelling.com/reviews/misc/aedpd.htm

Good luck and hope its what your looking for…“RC”

9

rollmodels (located in minnesota) are the new manufacturors of waldron punches-- standard and miniature-- i ordered mine about a week ago-- should be here by wednesday (10 -12 days)–originally they said 2 to 3 weeks, but said it was in stock and shipping immediately— cant wait till wednesday!!-- about 86 bucks with shipping— treadwell

10

Does anyone have experience with the Historex punch & die set?

http://www.historexagents.com/web/punch&dieindex.html

These I can get at my hobby supplyshop, but I could not find any good reviews that reccomends them.

11

Depends where you live…Heres one that i personaly know are good i bought both sets Hex and round!

http://www.perthmilitarymodelling.com/reviews/misc/aedpd.htm “RC”

12

That’s good news. They have two advertised: one was half the price of the other, and they had different sizes for the punches. I’ll need to assess my needs and see which size will serve my purposes.

In any event, I’ve ordered a fair amount of stuff from Roll Models before and their service has been excellent.

Regards,

13

5 days ago i ordered a ‘historex hex punch’ my order was filled and in my hands-- from the U.K. to Connecticut in 5 days?-- man that is impressive!-- a nice little tool --seems kind of fragile at first but works well-- follow the instructions-- lubricate the punch with very light oil-- i also have a waldron round punch-- they give specific instructions for material thickness vs. punch diameter-- always go a little smaller with maximum material thickness than hole diameter-- i will apply these guidlines for the historex punch-- good luck to you[:D]-- treadwell

14

Here’s the link to the build your own punch and die set. I built one and it works great! http://www.finescale.com/FSM/CS/forums/655476/ShowPost.aspx

15

I got my Waldron punch and die set, the larger one, from Roll Models. Yes, the price is exorbitant, but what you can do with the set makes it well worth it for my 1/700 ships and 1/72 airplanes.

My only caution about using Roll Models is do NOT use them if you’re in a hurry for anything, and be sure to indicate “cancel order if items are not in stock” when you submit your order, or you could be in for a looooooooooooong wait.

16

Here’s a link to a set from Harbor Freight

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=47734

Not sure if that’s what you’re looking for, but hope it helps!