Looking to replace General automatic center punch and deburring tool

[mslim]

I want to step to a better quality automatic center punch and deburring tool. My current General center punch seems balky and never seems to punch where I've placed it. I have new blades for my deburring tool but the whole deal seems kind of wimpy. Can I do better with a budget of $50-75?

 

[darkzero]

For automatic can't go wrong with a Starrett (2nd from the left), still made in the USA. They make 3 different sizes. I have 2 Generals but I rarely use them. I use a hammer & center punch the most but I'll use the Starrett auto depending on the situation. Rennsteig autos are good also, made in Germany (last one on the right). They make various sizes also. They're really bulky but they are very comfortable to use because of the large surface area. (Don't pay attention the first one, just a piece of junk from Enco that I keep around if I need to take one out some place).



I love all my Noga deburring tools (and their mag indicator holders). They one for just about any application you need. Shaviv is another decent brand,

The ones on top (not inlcuding the mutli-tool one) are what I use the most. I only pull out the ones in the case when I need to use those other types.


I also use Noga scrapers sometimes depending on the application.

 

[Outahere]

Rennsteig punch
Shaviv deburring

284-adjustable-automatic-center-punch-with-hand-guard

industrial-blades

Shaviv handles

 

[tarbellb]

Ive played this game, started with General, HF, etc... Starrett is no doubt a excellent choice, I have the hardest hitting model, along with some other nice units.


BUT if you want something damn near the same quality of Starrett at a fraction of the cost, I really like my Fowler HD auto punch

Fowler made in Japan
Ebay right now for $22 shipped

FOWLER CENTER PUNCH – HEAVY DUTY TOOL Made in Japan | eBay

Has a knurled Steel Handle, moveable components are made of hardened steel for durability.

www.ebay.com

 

[Professional Tool User]

Starrett is what you would go for if you want to spend the money on an automatic centre punch. It definitely has a precise feel to it that you don't get from the cheaper ones such as my Lisle one.

 

[Steve_P]

I have two of the Starrett auto center punches; they are expensive, but they work really well, and are very nicely made. I have a Shaviv deburring tool; it's ok but doesn't seem to be anything special. The Noga ones above do look nice- and that's quite a collection!!!

 

[tarbellb]

I went ahead a purchased one of the Fowlers I linked in post #4, ha.

Can confirm, still Made in Japan, still top quality. arrived within the week and in perfect condition:

 

[tarbellb]

Seems the Ebay seller looked at my purchase and jacked the price a few dollars

Unfortunate, I would prefer to give sellers like them the business but they got a bit greedy and now the Amazon primonster is a better bet.

Fowler Super Heavy Duty Center Punch- $22

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B5HOE1S/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[4xdog]

I went ahead a purchased one of the Fowlers I linked in post #4, ha.

Can confirm, still Made in Japan, still top quality. arrived within the week and in perfect condition:

I got one of those, too. I’m underwhelmed. Finishing is OK but unexceptional. In fact, it doesn’t look Japan-made in its manufacturing details or packaging. It looks more like stuff from a big country west of Japan…

 

[4xdog]

Seems the Ebay seller looked at my purchase and jacked the price a few dollars

Unfortunate, I would prefer to give sellers like them the business but they got a bit greedy and now the Amazon primonster is a better bet.

Fowler Super Heavy Duty Center Punch- $22

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B5HOE1S/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Note the Amazon listing for that Fowler center punch notes COO as China. I'll believe that for the eBay one I got too, despite a generic "Made in Japan" stamp. Seems like ALL the money and more for Chinese production.

 

[tarbellb]

Note the Amazon listing for that Fowler center punch notes COO as China. I'll believe that for the eBay one I got too, despite a generic "Made in Japan" stamp. Seems like ALL the money and more for Chinese production.

Bahahhaaaa ahahaha wait... hahahaaaha

C'mon you really think someone is going through all this trouble to sell a $22 Fake FOWLER! At least call it a Starrett and sell for double.

Stop your unwarranted paranoia


And please use the dang punch for a couple months before piping off about the quality. It hits hard, works every time, and takes abuse.

 

[4xdog]

Bahahhaaaa ahahaha wait... hahahaaaha

C'mon you really think someone is going through all this trouble to sell a $22 Fake FOWLER! At least call it a Starrett and sell for double.

Stop your unwarranted paranoia


And please use the dang punch for a couple months before piping off about the quality. It hits hard, works every time, and takes abuse.

Pretty harsh defense of a mediocre tool, I'd say, @tarbellb . One could have spent less than $4 at HF on something of similar quality.

Automatic Center Punch with Brass Handle

Amazing deals on this Automatic Center Punch With Brass Handle at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

Given HF is making money selling theirs at four bucks, for sure there's someone who would sell something similar for $22 and take the profit. Have you ever been to China?

Do you think the Fowler center punch on Amazon with COO stated as China is different from the eBay version imprinted Japan?

We buy Japanese tools because they work, sure. But so does HF, at least usually for a couple of months. But we also buy Japanese for beautiful craftsmanship. And these don't cut it.

 

[tarbellb]

So just to be sure about your logic:

_the fit and finish is not up to your perceived Japanese standard
_Amazon who sells 75 million unique SKUs has it listed as China
_the metal stamping on the tool itself and label on box are incorrect

Again, no actual proof, unwarranted claims, and simply part of the knock-off hysteria that is gripping certain folks

Please refer to my recent thread about fakes/knock-offs where nobody was able to provide firsthand evidence, only weak links and non tool related items - https://www.garagejournal.com/forum...-dewalt-pbswiss-tools-out-in-the-wild.501774/

Oh heres a photo of my current punches
_Starret 18C
_ Mach vintage
_ Brown& Sharpe 771
_ well used Fowler
_ new Fowler

not shown- all the garbage punches ive used and thrown away over the years including HF, Lisle, Empire, etc....