Have you ever needed a punch that is a special size that you don't have, like for instance, you want to make a small disc to replace the one in a nozzle check valve? You need a drill press and a machinist vise and a drill bit that is the same size as the punch you need, then you have to find a metal rod that is slightly larger then the drill bit. If you can't find one in your junk box, your local hardware store has a good selection of spikes ranging fron 4" up to 10". If you can find one that's a good size, cut a 3" piece out of it and square up one end by holding it against a disc sander, then center punch the end and drill a hole down the center at least 1/4" deep. Next, chuck the rod in a hand drill and rotate it at a shallow angle against a disc sander, belt sander or grinder wheel until you have removed enough material to get down to a knife edge. Might want to finish off by rotating it against a knife sharpening stone to get down to a real sharp, smooth edge. When you punch out a hole, the disc will be in the punch so you can remove it by tipping the disc sideways and pulling out with a pair of tweezers. If you want to be real anal, you can drill a small hole through the side of the rod to meet the bottom of the hole down the center and poke the disc out with a small wire. Could even try hardening the punch by getting it red hot and then quenching it. Half hour of wasted time and you have a nice new punch for your collection.
