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I have a 5/8in circle punch that is not cutting through paper anymore =[ I have tried punching through aluminum foil, and sandpaper, but it doesn't seem to make any difference. I've only had the punch for about 6 months, and I don't use it all that often, compared to some people I know. I think maybe it could have happened when I used it to punch through shrink plastic >_<
Is there any better way to sharpen a punch? I would hate to spend the $$ to buy another one since this one hasn't even lasted me a year =/
I have a 5/8in circle punch that is not cutting through paper anymore =[ I have tried punching through aluminum foil, and sandpaper, but it doesn't seem to make any difference. I've only had the punch for about 6 months, and I don't use it all that often, compared to some people I know. I think maybe it could have happened when I used it to punch through shrink plastic >_<
Is there any better way to sharpen a punch? I would hate to spend the $$ to buy another one since this one hasn't even lasted me a year =/
Usually I punch it through wax paper about 50 times, or more, and use few sheets at once (so it's like two-three-ply wax paper), then I punch through heavy weight aluminum foil, as well few layers of it. Usualy it makes the punch better. Sometimes I put the punch in the freezer and then punch through wax paper and Al foil.
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yesterday i saw a blog (but can't find it now) she called the series "stamp busters" -- like myth busters. using an aluminum soda can, she sharpened two punches. maybe someone can find the link???
Diane thankyou very much for the link. I've now subscribed to that site, and passed on the link to another group I belong. I hope you don't mind but that really is a great tip! Thanks for sharing.
...thanks Diane and I credited this site for locating the tip. Much appreciated. It's what it's all about; sharing the good news and techniques and art.....
I read someone's blog awhile back that suggested punching through aluminum foil. I haven't tried it yet, but I think I would go with that first because it seems easier than cutting apart a soda can.
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P.S. On another thread, someone mentioned using WD40 in a pen for lubricating punches. She said it worked but you have to punch through a couple of scrap pieces of paper, before using it on the good stuff, after applying the WD40.
Wow! I just tried this with a 1 1/2 inch punch that I ruined a couple of weeks ago (tried to punch through two layers of CS and dulled it big time!) It's not perfect but it is useable whereas it was useless before I tried this.
I think if I punched through one or two more aluminum cans (I only had one in the recycling - we mostly buy plastic) it would be as good as new. I would imagine that if your punch only needs "normal" sharpening this would work like a charm.
I did do the waxed paper step afterward and I'm sure it's necessary to relubricate the punch.
I also use aluminiun with my flower and other punches to punch out embellishments for cards etc from aluminium cans so my punches are always sharp.
If you want to see go cut and paste this link.
Who makes this punch doctor, would you know? I have a 1 1/2 circle punch that the tin can thing did not work on. I'd actually thrown the punch away, but fished it out of the trash to try the can method. Maybe a different punch another time, but I would love to get my hands on the Punch Doctor!!
I also use aluminiun with my flower and other punches to punch out embellishments for cards etc from aluminium cans so my punches are always sharp.
If you want to see go cut and paste this link.
Thanks for all the tips everyone! I hadn't heard of punching through waxed paper to lubricate it; that makes a lot of sense. We don't drink soda pop, but I have plenty of beer cans that I can use, lol...now to find something to cut the can open with....
When I cut the top and bottom off off the can, I cut down the side to open it up and ironed it so it flattens out (easier to work with).
I then get out my cutterpede and using an old blade (I keep things like this - you never know when you may need it) : ) I cut the edges straight so there are no jagged edges.
The edges are not as sharp as one would expect. I have had more paper cuts then I have had from the punched out aluminium flower. JMO
Who makes this punch doctor, would you know? I have a 1 1/2 circle punch that the tin can thing did not work on. I'd actually thrown the punch away, but fished it out of the trash to try the can method. Maybe a different punch another time, but I would love to get my hands on the Punch Doctor!!
Forgot to say~ I used the aluminum cans and punched through them with all my punches and all I can say is WOW! WOW! WOW! what a difference!! they work great! So, thankyou for posting this about the can thing. :mrgreen:
I'm glad that everyone has had such good luck trying the aluminum cans. I tried it on my threading water punch and the rough edge scallops are gone. Yeah!!!
I hope Linda Heller (the stampbuster video) knows how much we appreciate her turning us on to this.
I was just thinking that you could emboss the aluminum pieces with a stylus to use on cards as embelishments! I'm off to sharpen my corner rounder punch! What a wonderful tip!
You know I've tried the foil, wax paper, sandpaper and the Lubrient sold for $4.00 and none of them worked but that video was cool, off to drink a diet coke so I can try it!!!
__________________ Retired 8/27/04 in Arizona moved to TN.
I love make cards, digital images and making new friends!! www.blstamper.blogspot.com
How to sharpen punches?
Super Cute!!!
