Seeking Recommendations on a Punch Press Machine $1000 or Less.

[Jessica4585]

Hi, Everyone. I'm looking into acquiring an entry-level punch press machine, preferably hydrolic, for my small manufacturing company -- new or used, but my upper budget limit is $1000. I always prefer to buy used (especially ancient overbuilt machines that run forever), even if I have to wait awhile for the right one to pop up.

I could start exploring this approach with a manual machine in the beginning, although my sense is that I could first run a small test with a local punching company, then buy my own machine if this approach worked for my application.

I will never cut anything other than plastic, mainly Delrin and Ultem, and I'll be needing to cut all the way through the material, but no greater than about .080".

I look forward to the great advice I always get from people on here, and I thank you in advance for your recommendations and suggestions.

Have a Great Weekend,

[JasonByrne]

For .080" plastic you could use a good arbor press. Of course, no matter what you decide to buy, $1000 these days won't buy you much. It's the price of a family dinner and a month's worth of cable TV.

[DaneShayd]

If you're mainly working with small-scale punching jobs, maybe something like an old DiAcro or Roper Whitney manual punch would work. I've found those to be pretty reliable if you don’t need high volume. On another note, if anyone here has experience with an effervescent tablets tube filling machine, I'd love to hear thoughts on durability and ease of use, since I'm considering one for a side project.