Micro Punch

[snacktruck67]

Does anyone here use a micro punch system to cut out gauges for model dash boards?  If so, are micro punch sets worth it, or does anyone have a different method   to accomplish this

 

[Len Woodruff]

I have had this for several years. It is expensive but to me worth it. I use it to punch gauge decals and baremetal foil. Makes it a lot easier to put round decals inside the dash. I also have a larger set I got at Harbor Freight.

[BigTallDad]

Leather punches are also effective.

http://www.tandyleather.com/en/product/mini-leather-punch-set

[Len Woodruff]

I have a leather punch sett too. I find them hard to use since the item punch out has to be pushed back out to use it.

[crazyjim]

An expensive but very worthwhile tool.

[snacktruck67]

Thanks, I am ordering one today from Micro Mark, unless you know of a better and cheaper route. 

[aurfalien]

Speaking of this, I looked and couldn't find it on there site but do they have a pipe flaring, bending and cutting tool?

 

[Foxer]

I agree that this is expensive but well worth it for the job it does. I use it for holes in everything thin besides dash gages. My problem is I lost the smallest punch and not worth it getting another just for that. I need to consult with the carpet monster ...

[Ace-Garageguy]

I have one of these too, about $20 for a decent one. Quite handy for making multiple holes in styrene sheet without a lot of fiddly setup.

2 problems...the cheap ones have poorly-hardened cutters that get dull almost immediately, and it's not great for making dots, as it can be difficult to get them out of the cutter barrels.

Edited January 5, 2016 by Ace-Garageguy

[Tesla]

I've seen this at Harbor Freight. I don't own one so can't say how good it is...http://www.harborfreight.com/9-piece-punch-and-die-set-95547.html

[Len Woodruff]

I have that one from Harbor Freight. I use it alot to make larger discs like for wheel blanks and spacers.

[snacktruck67]

Speaking of this, I looked and couldn't find it on there site but do they have a pipe flaring, bending and cutting tool?

 

http://www.micromark.com/Micro-Punch-Set,8603.html

[Erik Smith]

I have the pictured punch. It is expensive, it is handy, but if I could do it over, I might actually find a more expensive one. The one from MM pictured does pretty good on some of the smaller sizes, but the larger ones tend to rip a little (on .020 and thicker plastic) and actually don't puch a perfect circle - they leave a serrated kind of edge. The two parts are difficult to separate too. Sometimes I need to insert a blade to get the clear plastic off the metal base. Overall, the finish didn't meet what I thought I was paying for.

[Quick GMC]

what I do right now to cut circles is take various diameter of aluminum tube and run a razor blade on the inside of it, then follow with sandpaper. I essentially sharpen the end of the tube, then press and spin it on thin plastic and BMF to cut out perfect circles. 

[LDO]

Check out UMM-USA (Unique Master Models). They have quite a variety, including punches for square and hex shapes. The company was started by Jon Vojtech. He has built some incredible models. You have got to see the F-1 in the Gallery section. You'll think you're looking at a real plane, The cockpit will blow your mind.

 

http://umm-usa.com/onlinestore/index.php?cPath=21_145&osCsid=b906290a77d2461513263ecf23f78d04