How to use an oblong punch?

[Uncle Chan]

All,

I purchased one of the nicer models of 3/4" oblong punch for use in doing the woven style of cartridge loops.  VERY good quality.  I used it last night to put the holes in my new gun belt....much to the dismay of my wife and 4.5yr son.  I got 20 holes punched and I'm satisfied with the final product.  HOWEVER, I had to beat myself, punch, my family's patience, the leather, etc. to near death to make the holes.  Now, the punch was QUITE sharp, still is.

So, what is the trick?  I went through 12oz leather, so that was a bit thicker than usual.  Are there any tricks for my next creation?  Should the leather be wet?  damp?  do you punch at an angle?

ANY assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Uncle

[Marshal Will Wingam]

I make sure to have a really solid work surface. Then I put a heavy butcher block on that and a piece of poly cutting board over that. If there's any bounce to your worksurface you will have fits getting those large punches to go through easily. In a perfect world, one of those huge butcher blocks with solid 4"x4" legs on a concrete pad will do fine.

[Trailrider]

Howdy, Pard,

Twelve-ounce leather is pretty thick for a drive punch to go through, but...   What did you use for a backing piece for the leather?  Although it is a bit tougher on the punch, I use 3/4" particle board on heavy leather.  What are you using to hit the punch?  Most folks recommend a leather mallet, for leather as heavy as this, you may need to go to a 4-lb maul!  Then hit it as good a lick as you can without getting metacarpels, falanges and fingernails in the bargain!  

Hope this helps...

[Triggersmith]

Woven loops are pretty much all I do on my cartridge belts.  One inch is the maximum I need and when punching 9 to 10 oz leather I put a piece of very hard wood in a vise and use a big hammer.  I put the punch flat for the first hit to make sure my hole is correct and then I rock it one way, hit it, and then rock it the other way and hit it.  That is usually enough to get through cleanly.  You must have a solid surface to punch on. I dampen my leather a bit too. If damp leather carves easy, it stands to reason it will punch easier too.  Anyway, it works for me..
Triggersmith

[Uncle Chan]

Thank you everyone for your replies.  Triggersmith, I used a similar method, only, maybe, the hammer wasn't quite big enough.    As for the surface, Marshall, I used a huge butcherblock, not 4" thick, but pretty close.  I didn't dampen the leater, but will give it a try next time.

Thank you all for the assist.  I'm working on some loading strips now.  I'll use all of your suggestions and see how things turn out.

Uncle

[Nolan Sackett]

two additional  pieces of advise (all of the above is good advice):
1) Polish your punch with rouge or some such (I use a low speed buffer with a medium hard sewn wheel and polish all my tools before using)
2) Keep a block of beeswax handy - when the going gets tough tap the punch into your wax than punch

[Uncle Chan]

Will do.  Thanks Nolan.

ummm....where would I get the rouge?  i don't think my wife would like me using her's.

[Nolan Sackett]

Uncle Chan - red rouge is a polishing compound available at most hardware stores......rather than a buffer or along with one you can use it on a leather strop (I back mine with a thin piece of wood).

[Triggersmith]

Good Idea about the beeswax Nolan. I'll give that a try.
Triggersmith

[litl rooster]

Good Idea about the beeswax Nolan. I'll give that a try.
Triggersmith

Not sure I understand why you do this, will try it though. ?lube?

[Nolan Sackett]

Correct - The wax acts as a lube. I do the same thing when sewing - just stab your awl or needle into the beeswax and it will help with those "tight" holes, especially when going through several thicknesses........

[litl rooster]

 Nolan


Tried it on my hole punch, today.  Haven't needed the oblong yet. I use a speed sticher I tried wax on it and it gums the eye up and thread sticks.  Thanks for the advise

[Springfield Slim]

I put a nylon cutting board on theconcrete floor of my garage and hit thepunch with a heavy lead hammer. Has lots of weight behind it but can't damage the end of my punch. Works great on my 12 oz belts.