Why Did It Split?

Prior to punching/cutting I slobber on the end to moisten it up and wait a moment. But for some reason I occasionally get a busted up head. What's up with that?

http://i63.tinypic.com/b8uxc4.jpg

By no means an expert, but it looks like you used a punch. What I've found is (1) if you punch too fast, and don't rotate the punch while pushing, or (2) the punch is dull it will split the foot. This has happened to me before.

I generally give a punch a back and forth (short) twist. I'll pay more attention next time and ensure I give it a good twist and less pressure.

It's a new punch that was a bit cheap. It's done well the few other times I've used it. How would one go about sharpening a punch? A file?

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Originally Posted by rodwha

I generally give a punch a back and forth (short) twist. I'll pay more attention next time and ensure I give it a good twist and less pressure.

It's a new punch that was a bit cheap. It's done well the few other times I've used it. How would one go about sharpening a punch? A file?

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A small ignition file would work. Quicker and easier is a small grinding stone on a Dremell tool.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by rodwha

I generally give a punch a back and forth (short) twist. I'll pay more attention next time and ensure I give it a good twist and less pressure.

It's a new punch that was a bit cheap. It's done well the few other times I've used it. How would one go about sharpening a punch? A file?

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A spent shell casing makes a decent punch!

I thought read somewhere before to not twist a punch back and forth, but turn in one direction while gently pushing it

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Originally Posted by AlanS

A spent shell casing makes a decent punch!

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Exactly!! I use a 223 Remington for smaller rg and a 243 Winchester for larger. Then if I need a big hole I also have a 9mm Xikar. Just make sure and chamfer the brass so it is nice and sharp. Very easy to touch up if it gets a little dull.

Reno

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Originally Posted by TreySC

I thought read somewhere before to not twist a punch back and forth, but turn in one direction while gently pushing it

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Clockwise it is then!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by rodwha

I generally give a punch a back and forth (short) twist. I'll pay more attention next time and ensure I give it a good twist and less pressure.

It's a new punch that was a bit cheap. It's done well the few other times I've used it. How would one go about sharpening a punch? A file?

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It strikes me that one could also use a cone sharpener in a drill on a low power and torque setting. A cone sharpener like the one I use to sharpen my hollow mortise chisel bits. Just a thought.

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Originally Posted by rodwha

Clockwise it is then!

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You should test clockwise vs counter-clockwise. Just as an excuse to smoke more. Just tell SWMBO its for science!

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Originally Posted by TheHobbyist78

It strikes me that one could also use a cone sharpener in a drill on a low power and torque setting. A cone sharpener like the one I use to sharpen my hollow mortise chisel bits. Just a thought.

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Is that the cone-shaped grinding piece?

Quote Originally Posted by TreySC View Post
I thought read somewhere before to not twist a punch back and forth, but turn in one direction while gently pushing it

Quote:

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Originally Posted by rodwha

Clockwise it is then!

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As long as you're in the Northern Hemisphire it must be clockwise.

Should you happen to cross the Equator you'll have to remember to change the direction to Counter Clockwise.

Since no one else has come up with a useful and complete explanation.

This is my guess.

The cigar appears to be what one might call a pigtail or turban head.

After being punched.....split.

Pig Tail figured since he was being hit on, might as well become a Split Tail.

Blame all of this "transgender ~ Gender reassessment" for this.

The once B. now K. Jenner may be to blame.