Using Dot Punches

[pmace]

Ok, I bought a set of dot punches from GRS. Before I start whacking on them with a hammer I thought I'd ask a few questions. First, I assume you tap them with your chasing hammer. They send a little wooden handle but it doesn't look like it does much. I've tried a few and a couple of taps without the handle leaves a nice dot. Second, do you do anything to the punch to protect it from the hammer? I doubt you are hitting hard enough to do much damage but thought I'd ask. Third, do you work under the microscope? I'd hate to hit the lens with the back of the hammer. And finally if you are doing something like a border that is level with the face of the work do you go back and remove the little hill that is raised by the punch or just leave the raised bit? I know these are basic questions but I don't remember seeing anything like this covered here. Thanks.

 

[pkroyer]

I recently purchased some Ngraver items from ebay. In addition to several liner gravers, there were several dot punches. Four were 1/4 diameter by about 3 inches long and the others were much smaller and shorter.
I have the same questions about how to use them.

 

[Dave London]

I don’t know about GRS punches, but Ngraver are made to be used with a hammer. I use jeweler beading tools usually Numbers 2,4,7,9 from Gesswein in a enset hand piece . YMMV. MTC

 

[JJ Roberts]

Ray Phillips made the best dot punches & liners glad I stock up wish he still made them for others to enjoy using. J.J.

 

[pkroyer]

Ray Phillips made the best dot punches & liners glad I stock up wish he still made them for others to enjoy using. J.J.

'
The photos on ebay were not clear enough to tell what they were, I could identify one liner and could not tell if the punches were dot or just pointed. Based on comments like yours, I decided to take a chance.

 

[monk]

never used punches under the scope. i have a graded set that work well. i took a .25" brass rod and drilled one end to about i.5". the brass in time, gets a bit wonky but the punches are unaffected.

 

[tsterling]

If they are of the size that fits in your pneumatic graver, then use that. You’ll need high power settings.

You'll need to use the microscope for good placement.

There‘s a reason the punches are so inexpensive...they are expendable items. They’ll last a fairly long time in soft metals, less long in steel or titanium.

 

[pmace]

Thanks everyone. I never even thought of using the punches in a handpiece. That would certainly keep you from smacking your scope with the hammer.

 

[JJ Roberts]

When using the dot punches I use a chasing hammer when engraving firearms and work away from my self so the dot don't over lap each other over lapping looks terrible. J.J.

 

[mdengraver]

https://www.ottofrei.com/Swiss-Beading-Tools-Master-Set-of-100

 

[Tira]

I cut the Vallorbe beading tools in half and then use them with my machine (PulseGraver). If they are shorter they are easier to use under the scope with a machine/hand piece.