The Armour Archive

So, If I was to get a punch a step up from a Whitney JR, what would you reccomend?
Thanks,
Brennainn

What are you planing to work on....
Some of the other tools Like the XX have more clearance for punching things...
The number 7 does well but parts are more expencive and it takes a lot more space in the shop..
The parker punch is a little better but replacement punch and die bits are not available....

To be honest I use a drill press for a lot of stuff. A few intresting jigs and fixtures help.
the counter sink bit and quick change chuck make things fairly good.
I use my Parker or Whitney 5 JR only for events or working leather/plastice or times like now where the drill press is unavailable....

I have a 5, 7, and 10. I almost never drill a hole anymore. The #10 can put a 1/4 hole in 1/4" thick plate.

Does the 10 make a noticable difference for say 10g plate from the 7?
Thanks,
Brennainn

The 10 is a rotary punch, so you spin the handle or use a ratchet. Its is effortless to punch holes in anything so far, including 9/16 dia in 1/4" thick copper and brass plate. The common 1/4 and 3/16 holes for armor/helmet materials are light as paper.

The 7 is a compound lever like a large #5jr. Right now I only have a 1/2 punch/die set, but it pops holed through 16 scrap to make washers very easily. The 7 has a slightly longer throat than the 10.

Its easier to operate the 10 as you just need a vice to brace the rotational force of the handle. The 7 however is a 2 foot long lever which makes it easy to tip my otherwise stable post vice or entire workbench.

If I had to choose one, I'd keep the 10.

If I'm working on Friday I should be able to get me one, we'll have to see

Looks like I might be getting me a punch after all.