Starrett Automatic Center punch 18C?

[94yj]

what is the difference between the a b and c models and which one is best for light to heavy metal indention's tia

 

[Trucky]

Vidya that explains it all.

There ya go.

 

[Vvmvbb]

...I am beginning to believe that even Starrett doesn't know the difference between the 18A and 18AA. Otherwise you'd think they'd tell us, heh?

 

[pepi]

The difference is the size of the barrel and length, here are the sizes.
18A 9\16, 5 in punch
18AA 7\16, 4 in punch
18C 11\16 5.25 in heavy duty punch

more info:
http://www.starrett.com/metrology/m...urrentPage=1&displayMode=grid&sortBy=none/asc

 

[CWP1616L]

I have the 18A and the 18C.

The 18C packs a wallop of a punch; too strong for thin gauge sheet metal. It'll put a dent in thin gauge sheet metal. I use it only on heavy steel plate.

The 18A is what I use for sheet metal and wood. It'll put a mark for your drill bit to locate, but not too deep to leave a deep dimple.

The 18B I've never tried.

 

[rshadd]

 

[Vvmvbb]

Which hits harder, 18A or 18AA? That's kept secret
I'll guess the force scales with size, but I've not seen Starrett literature that actually says that.

 

[Dick in Wisconsin]

If you do ANY drilling at all and don't have a center punch ... you don't know what you're missing.

 

[bulletpruf]

I just picked up a new 18A on eBay - $38. I'll probably pick up an 18C as well.

Scott

 

[Krokodil]

Just bought a 18c off Amazon for $40. Good deal? Got fed up of he cheap ones breaking after a month. Will report back when I get it.

 

[Carla]

Which hits harder, 18A or 18AA? That's kept secret
I'll guess the force scales with size, but I've not seen Starrett literature that actually says that.

You can adjust the force of strike, to some extent, by turning the knorled cap over the spring, down (towards the point) for a stronger strike, up for lighter.

cheers

Carla

 

[Vvmvbb]

You can adjust the force of strike, to some extent, by turning the knorled cap over the spring, down (towards the point) for a stronger strike, up for lighter.

cheers

Carla

Thanks. Yes, that adjustment works very well on the Starretts. I have the 18B and even on the softest setting it hits too hard for a lot of what I do (plastic) so I want the lowest range, which I'm forced to guess is the 18AA...

 

[lakota]

Good post. Got a 18-A with box at an estate sale a few weeks ago for $3.00. It looks like it was never used.