Sharpening Punches

[StampinScrat]

I am trying to mass produce my Christmas cards currently, however I have run into a little snag. Is there some type of material other than aluminum foil to sharpen Stampin Up punches. I have tried using the foil but my punch is not getting any sharper.

Does anyone have suggestions on what else I could use to sharpen it?

[momis mama]

try punching an aluminum can to sharpen them...

there was a video i saw where she cut the top and bottom off of the can and then cut the can open. then she punched several times with each punch and BAM!!! she showed the results of before and after. seemed to work well.

you should also punch several times with waxed paper after to lubricate the punch.

good luck! and happy punching...

[StampinHappyInCT]

I often fold my aluminum foil in half before punching. Sometimes I even have to fold it in half again. I also follow up with a few punches through wax paper.

[Lisa Loiselle]

There's a fabulous video on stampbusters. Lemme link it for you!

http://lindastamps.wordpress.com/

Scroll a little ways down the page - it's the post about sharpening your punches with soda cans. Looks like it works!

[stampin addict]

The soda cans really do work for sharpening your punches. I had a scallop circle that was very hard to use (I was going to replace it) and a slit punch that I had replaced because it no longer worked. I had previously tried the foil route but it didn't help at all. At my last stamp club I used tin snips to cut off the top and bottom lid and made the soda can in to a rectangle. I then punched with each punch about 6 times (I made an adorable 3-d ornament with the scallop circle and stick pin from the pretties kit that my girlfriend promptly stole from me or I'd share a px--I intend to make another). Watch out--the tin flew everywhere! I followed this up with several punches through wax paper to lubricate the punches. I ended up having to put some WD-40 on the slit punch because it kept getting stuck but after cleaning it well it worked like brand new as did the scallop punch. I think it would be fun to make tin embellishments with soda cans too...I saw a few that some one did and they were very cute.

[debbiemom23cs]

I used the soda can, too and it worked great!! Make sure to wear some type of safety glasses, though. Little bits of tin go flying and I wouldn't want that to get into anyone's eyes.

[greetingsbydebra]

Why doesn't it work for me? I tried the can idea, but it didn't work on any of my punches whether I punched a little or a lot. Huh.

[c-mouse]

Not to be the grinch---but soda cans are aluminum not tin....You wouldn' ever be able to use an SU or EK punch and go through a tin can......aluminum however is another soft story.......

[ladycne]

I did this, and it was amazing! Use a soda can.....not a vegetable can, then punch wax paper.

Amazing!