Hello:
I recently purchased the Italian made round bezel forming punch set
from Rio Grande. The problem is that when I try to form a bezel, the
punch tears through the metal. I have tried silver which was work
hardened, annealed, thick, thin, started working from the largest
hole, the smallest hole, medium sized hole. I tried dapping the
metal first. I tried light blows and heavy blows. The result is
always the same; the punch goes through the metal causing it to tear
the silver along three lines.
The punch is designed to fit all the holes in the plate at 17
degrees from the largest to the smallest. The tip of the punch comes
to an acute point. The point is so sharp it could easily penetrate
skin and muscle, not to mention silver flat stock.
I am thinking that the point of the punch is too sharp and needs to
be rounded off. But I am loathe to modify a $100 tool, voiding the
warranty and making it un-returnable before checking with others.
You all are the others.
Has anyone else had this problem? Did you fix it? How? Any and all
ideas are appreciated.
Fred