Modifying Fiskars Hole Punch--Without Power Tools?

[Aziara]

I've got a fiskars hole puncher that won't fit craft foam into the slot. I saw an old video by Kanti that suggested using a belt sander on it, problem is, I don't have access to one. I've been working at it with a hand file for the past several hours, but I don't really see that I'm making any progress (The files are of unknown age, maybe they're worn out?) Any suggestions for grinding down the inside of the puncher? It's this kind--
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31j1fiSfK1L._SY300_.jpg

[Mermaid Jaffa]

Oh. Those things are tough! Made of stainless steel. You need some kind of power sander to get sharp edges on those. Nail files, wood files, sandpaper etc won't even get much of a dent in them.

[Elle]

We used files on mine, but it takes a long time and it's just a pain in the butt honestly. If you can find the same shape in the lever punch instead of a squeeze punch then I'd recommend that because the gap is the perfect size for most craft foam sheets

[Aziara]

We used files on mine, but it takes a long time and it's just a pain in the butt honestly. If you can find the same shape in the lever punch instead of a squeeze punch then I'd recommend that because the gap is the perfect size for most craft foam sheets

Pain in the butt Is absolutely right, lol. Unfortunately, it seems that an oval shape is really rare for craft punches, so I couldn't really find one in any other brand. I did make a little bit of headway (There's quite a bit of metallic dust in the trashcan), but I can see this taking a while. Oh well... At least I have something constructive to do while watching mindless youtube videos.

[Lily]

Tip: Odds are good your files only work in one direction - usually on the push. Put more pressure on the push and NO pressure on the pull back or you'll wear out your file really fast. Also, please tell me you're wearing some kind of particle mask! Metal shavings are no fun at all to breathe and can cause serious damage to your lungs. You can get an N95 dust mask at just about any hardware store for a few dollars, and it blocks 95% of airborn particulates.

[Ayla of Duluth]

I couldn't even get a lever punch to fit craft foam, not even after I tried loosening it up on the screws. I tried the martha stewart brand because I heard people have had luck with it but it's no use. I bought a black one after that and the same issue. Wouldn't fit craft foam.

[Prairie Mermaid Jamie]

I got mine filed to fit with metal files but its very hard to cut after. Filing dulls the edge it cuts against and if you file too far it wont cut properly. only file the top half. Filing too far down on the bottom can file the part that cuts. I did that and now its junk, I ended up using a martha stewart one but I had to file it too. And craft foam is different thicknesses. I found I could only use certain colors out of my pack because some were too thick and some fit perfectly even though they were from the same package. I now hate foam. Good luck!

[malinghi]

I've actually been experimenting with using a laser cutter to cut the foam. It works great, and its way easier than you'd imagine. It's definitely easier than modifying the hole punch, and its faster, and it can do any shape you can think of.

And if you're wondering where to go to use a laser cutter, just google it. Its an increasingly common service offered by many companies. There are businesses that will do it for you if you give them an image with the shape you want cut, or there are places that let you pay to use their laser cutter, and you do it yourself.

[Kumori Kitsune]

Nifty mabye some kind of knife sharper

[Mermaid Jaffa]

FYI you don't need hands to use punchers. I've got a couple of craft punches and they are very hard to press the punch button, so I place them on the carpet and use my heel to stand on them. I use just enough pressure to cut the cardboard.