Picked up an old "Electro Punch." Anyone know about these?

[Mr. 360]

I stopped at a garage sale when I spotted a few tools (as you do), and this guy followed me out for $8. Never seen or heard of one before, really I bought it just because of curiosity. Far as I can tell from google, Black and Webster still make a version of it, used mainly for swaging, striking, riveting, etc.

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Actually, I only assume this to be a vintage tool based on looks, colour, and the age of the guy running the garage sale, it may not be as old as I assumed (I thought '60s-'70s).

You operate it by pressing 2 buttons on the sides of the base, and it fires a steel die downwards using electro-magnetic repulsion. This unit is said to put down about 3500lbs of force, though when I tested it on a block of wood it only put a little dent in it. Has anyone used one of these before or know anything about them? I'd greatly appreciate any insight.

 

[7th Kahuna]

Funny, I saw one of these on Craigslist a couple weeks ago and wondered what it was for. Unfortunately for both of us, you already know more about it than I do. Good luck . . .

 

[catalytic]

The company still exists (under the umbrella of Air Hydraulics co.) and still sells your model BS electropunch. Their literature states that it's adjustable up to 3500lbs, so my guess is that either yours has been adjusted for a light stroke or your seals are shot (not such a big deal). I would give them a call.

http://www.airhydraulics.com/en-us/products/blackwebsterequipment.aspx

1-800-837-4355