Problems with SU Anywhere Punches??
 

I bought a SU tool kit in October and just got around to using the large anywhere punch. I can't get this thing to punch a hole to save my life. It only makes a mark on the cardstock even when I hit it as hard as I can. I called SU about it and they suggested punching through aluminum foil to sharpen it. This darn thing won't even punch through that. They are replacing it for me, but I am incurring a shipping cost...still that's not too bad.

So, I have a general question about these things. How hard should I have to pound? Has anyone else had a problem with SU's kit?

Not very hard at all, as long as you are using the cutting mat that came with the kit. I have used this more than several times and have had no problem. Maybe you just got a bum one...

mine seems t be dulling a bit too. I notice it after I punch vellum.

I had to have one replaced too. I think they just get a bad batch once in a while!

Terri

make sure you're using your anywhere punch on a hard table top or counter top surface, and of course, make sure you have a mat underneath your cardstock. If you try to hammer on top of a plastic (i.e. fold out table) tabletop, the top gives/moves and when you hammer and will not allow the hole to punch properly. The same will happen if you're trying to set an eyelet. It just won't work unless the table top/cournter top is really hard. Hope this helps.

-Gina

Same problem here punching on a plastic table. I had to make sure I was on the edge where it is study, then it punches fine. Same with setting eyelets. Also, give it a little twist after you punch, sometimes this helps.
Jeanne

I got mine in Nov and it does not punch thru paper at all! I hadnt thought to ask for a replacment...may have to do that. I have not 'played' with eyelets yet for this reason and I really want to!! =)

Anna

I had the same exact problem, but it was because I was trying to punch on my plastic tables. ONce I moved to a hard wood table or the floor, it punche perfectly every time!!! Try it and let us know:)
Cathy Marie

I had this problem last night, talk about embarrassing moments! AND, the head of the hammer fell off at the same time! YIKES! So, needless to say, I didn't sell any of those tool kits! Oh well, we all got a laugh, but it was embarrassing!

OK, after all of your suggestions, here's what I found out:

The first time I tried punching with the punch, I had the pad on top of my SU grid paper. I was smart enough myself to wonder if the pad was too "cushy" to allow the punch to work correctly. I then moved the pad to the desktop itself (which is a laminate), and it didn't make a difference.

After reading this morning about needing a really hard surface, I ran over to the desk and grabbed my stuff. I knealt on the ceramic tile floor and tried my punch. No problems.....it melted through the paper with a slight tap. I think the desk I've been using is a hollow core desk, so now I'm going to search the house for a heavier duty one I can rip off!!

That's why I love this site. You can get help with any problem you're having, even if someone has asked it before, we all have patience and answer over and over for the newbies!! Thanks stamping sisterhood!!

You can also put a breadboard or thick piece of wood under your setting mat to get the same effect. That way you can still use your crafting table.

THanks for starting this thread!
Mine is a mess and I have to hammer 5-6 times very hard to get a hole!
Not sold one to any of my students.
Will try a wooden table!
Thanks again!

Sometimes you just get a dud. I have probably over 100+ punches and every now and then I buy a bad one. I first before I use it take Tin foil and punch that out a few times. Then I take some Wax paper and do the same. I actually have a bad one now its a ballon the edge keeps getting stuck and won't punch but most of them are pretty good.