Why Did It Split?

[rodwha]

Prior to punching/cutting I slobber on the end to moisten it up and wait a moment. But for some reason I occasionally get a busted up head. What's up with that?

[omahaorange]

By no means an expert, but it looks like you used a punch. What I've found is (1) if you punch too fast, and don't rotate the punch while pushing, or (2) the punch is dull it will split the foot. This has happened to me before.

[rodwha]

I generally give a punch a back and forth (short) twist. I'll pay more attention next time and ensure I give it a good twist and less pressure.

It's a new punch that was a bit cheap. It's done well the few other times I've used it. How would one go about sharpening a punch? A file?

[omahaorange]

I generally give a punch a back and forth (short) twist. I'll pay more attention next time and ensure I give it a good twist and less pressure.

It's a new punch that was a bit cheap. It's done well the few other times I've used it. How would one go about sharpening a punch? A file?

A small ignition file would work. Quicker and easier is a small grinding stone on a Dremell tool.

[AlanS]

I generally give a punch a back and forth (short) twist. I'll pay more attention next time and ensure I give it a good twist and less pressure.

It's a new punch that was a bit cheap. It's done well the few other times I've used it. How would one go about sharpening a punch? A file?

A spent shell casing makes a decent punch!

[TreySC]

I thought read somewhere before to not twist a punch back and forth, but turn in one direction while gently pushing it

[RenoH414]

A spent shell casing makes a decent punch!

Exactly!! I use a 223 Remington for smaller rg and a 243 Winchester for larger. Then if I need a big hole I also have a 9mm Xikar. Just make sure and chamfer the brass so it is nice and sharp. Very easy to touch up if it gets a little dull.

Reno

[rodwha]

I thought read somewhere before to not twist a punch back and forth, but turn in one direction while gently pushing it

Clockwise it is then!

[TheHobbyist78]

I generally give a punch a back and forth (short) twist. I'll pay more attention next time and ensure I give it a good twist and less pressure.

It's a new punch that was a bit cheap. It's done well the few other times I've used it. How would one go about sharpening a punch? A file?

It strikes me that one could also use a cone sharpener in a drill on a low power and torque setting. A cone sharpener like the one I use to sharpen my hollow mortise chisel bits. Just a thought.

[Hardheaded]

Clockwise it is then!

You should test clockwise vs counter-clockwise. Just as an excuse to smoke more. Just tell SWMBO its for science!