Custom made metal punches?

Jewelry Discussion
1

I am interested to find custom made sheet metal punches. I would like
various shapes and designs that I have made. I feel as though this
could really streamline some of my process. I know there are many
disk cutters out there, but does anyone know where I might buy
different shape metal punches?

Some of my designs have become pretty popular and I keep getting
custom orders for the same animal silhouettes, and I would really
love to find a faster way to make these.

I have thought about trying scrap-booking punches on really thin
sterling sheet, but I would really prefer to have my own designs
made into punches.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Beth Millner

2

Hi Beth

I am interested to find custom made sheet metal punches. I would
like various shapes and designs that I have made. I feel as though
this could really streamline some of my process. I know there are
many disk cutters out there, but does anyone know where I might buy
different shape metal punches?

You and I could be heading down the same path. I have just
discovered blanking dies. Not at all difficult when you understand
the process and though I’ve only made three they all do what they are
supposed to. My problem was getting the tool steel in Australia. Now
have some heading my way from Rio Grande. There is a way of cutting
shapes with cutouts but I haven’t attempted this yet… only done
outlines. Being new at it I’m not sure if I’m sufficiently proficient
to teach it but there is stuff out there. Here’s a company that will
make them for you.

http://www.sheltech.net/products.html

And here’s a short lesson.

http://www.bonnydoonengineering.com/learn/matrix/matrix00.shtml

As for their instruction on not to try it if you haven’t done it
before… well… nothing ventured nothing gained say I. The tricky
thing is cutting at the right angle but this can be easily done by
putting a wedge under a saw thingy so that the right angle happens so
long as you hold your saw straight up and down.

And… you don’t need a hydraulic press. A sturdy vice and a couple
of steel plates does the job for me.

Feel free to contact me offline if you want to go down this path and
have more questions.

Cheers, Renate

3

Sheltech, 4702 Lead St., Albu, NM 87108, 505-256-7073 Dar, is the
master of pancake dies which are a single piece die for cutting
shapes like you are describing. Sheltech is also online, I think
it’s sheltech.com,check it out.

Sam Patania, Tucson

www.silverhuntress.com