Ruh Roh!!

 

Look what happened!!  I think I got a little bit over zealous with one of my punches. 

This happened 3 or 4 days ago, when I was trying to punch a border out of watercolor paper.  I have not had any issues up until now and I think the punch was getting dull, combined with the pressure needed to punch the 90 lb paper…it was a recipe for disaster.  I called Fiskars because I had a couple of questions.  I learned that:

 1.  The optimum weight for Fiskar punches is 65 lbs

 2.  Dull punch = more stress on punch

 3.  Maintain sharp punch by punching through tin foil

 4.  Some people sharpen by punching through a pie tin (when the Fiskars lady 
      told me this, I couldn’t believe it, but it’s true)

 5.  Lubricate punch by punching through wax paper.

 6.  The lady at Fiskars was very friendly and knowledgeable on their products.

Even though on a number of recent cards I have punched through the 90 lb watercolor paper successfully, I caution you that this could be the outcome…

Is anyone else hopeful that some heavier duty punches will make it to the market soon?

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  • cherylAugust 7, 2008 - 4:22 am

    whew, I read this post just in time! I was planning on using my new SU scallop punch to cut through some heavier coasters but I have been struggling with my mojo lately and just haven’t gotten around to it. Thanks for sharing. Love your cards by the way and I do visit you everyday!ReplyCancel

  • HeatherAugust 7, 2008 - 5:09 am

    Oops!!ReplyCancel

  • Deb ZaAugust 7, 2008 - 7:18 am

    OK–now I know what’s going to happen to my MS doily edge punch! Did you clue Fiskars in that we are punching through heavier paper than 20# typewriter paper?ReplyCancel

  • LisaAugust 7, 2008 - 7:30 am

    I am having a similar problem too. With all this heavy weight Stampin’ Up and Paper Trey Ink cardstock I find it very difficult to punch through. I’ve tried sharpening them with tin foil. That helped a little. I agree, we need more heavy duty punches!ReplyCancel

  • Marcia LuisaAugust 7, 2008 - 7:54 am

    Hi Becca,
    This is my first visit to your blog… what a blog… I have been in awe… you do such wonderful work, and the attention to detail is marvelous.
    I was brought here by your post on SCS regarding your ribbon storage.
    Let me tell you, are going into my Favorites as of today.
    Thanks for sharing!ReplyCancel

  • JanineAugust 7, 2008 - 7:56 am

    Oh Oh!! This has happened to me too… Just a tich too much pressure on the little old thing!! Hope you have a great weekend in store. It is my husband’s birthday Friday so Saturday we are having a bunch of friends and family in to celebrate!!
    Time to cook up a storm!ReplyCancel

  • KerryAugust 7, 2008 - 9:19 am

    Dang….and that was your favorite one!!!!
    I just got the watercolor paper….so your timing was right on.
    I will be careful. Thanks for the heads up. Hope you find another punch.ReplyCancel

  • Julie CameronAugust 8, 2008 - 5:36 am

    Are they not sending you a replacement? I am in Canada and they sent me a complete replacement for their guillotine when all I really needed was a blade…they have awesome customer service.ReplyCancel

  • crystal joyAugust 9, 2008 - 8:18 am

    Becca,

    I’m just wondering if you’ve tried the martha stewart punches how you find they compare to the fiskars. I found the fiskars was too hard for me to punch as I get shoulder pain.ReplyCancel

  • Merrily SchulzAugust 9, 2008 - 10:20 pm

    Hi, Sorry I had to laugh about this. We had tried earlyer and it wouldn’t work. Then I went and bought 90 # and it worke. It wasn’t a week when you wrote about that breaking.
    I think that I have written at least 5 times, don’t know for sure but feel like I know you personaly.
    Well, talk about doing something, We went to Michales today and think we each spent $50.00 on paper. They had some colors on for .25 a sheet so had to have it.!!!! Now when you do something, your going to have to make sure we can buy it too. You do the greatest stuff and check everday to see what you are doing next.
    Keep up tehe great work!ReplyCancel

  • gailAugust 10, 2008 - 6:58 pm

    Hello Rebecca, I absolutely love your site and email’s! I found your site through the splitcoast stamper site. I emailed you once telling you how funny some of your comments are and how I feel you think just like me and sometimes make fun of yourself in the same way I do. I hold back from sending you comments as I know reading all of them takes time away from your stamping etc. But, as I continue to subscribe to your updates I hope you know how much I look forward to seeing your art work and reading your musings, You are the BEST, thankyou so very much for sharing. gail
    PS I’m not quite sure what or why “blog candy” is but am hoping this comment qualifies to be entered. gReplyCancel

  • […] for embossing with Cuttlebug Folders – it makes a superb impression.    Please note this post if you intend to use punches of any type on watercolor paper.  I use Fabriano Acquarello […]ReplyCancel

  • MaryHMarch 24, 2009 - 7:16 pm

    Hi Becca, I LOVE your site after being told of it at my stamp store (Eleanor’s Stamps & More in Piedmont, SC). I was just reading this section, and saw where you had broken a Fiskars Punch. I had the same thing happen to mine and I was only stamping on paper! Boo-hoo. I like the Martha Stewart punches much better, as they seem to give a cleaner punch. I just wanted to say I really appreciate you sharing your talent with everyone, and your cards are an inspiration. I enjoy watching the tutorials – you make it seem so simple. You must be a truly wonderful & gifted person, and it’s lovely to know you – even only thru the internet. Keep up the posting. And Thank you!ReplyCancel

  • NeeseyJuly 7, 2010 - 8:36 pm

    I broke a Fiskers punch also last week. I e-mailed them and they want a picture of it before they would replace it. I hope they replace yours too. Under normal use, they are under warranty, supposedly forever!ReplyCancel

  • Edna SiuAugust 12, 2010 - 2:31 am

    Becca, I once had the same problem, it is so bad.ReplyCancel

  • LynnSeptember 13, 2010 - 1:06 pm

    I have had this happen to me on three different occassions with the Fiskar border punches – and it wasn’t heavy card stock – it was standard weight paper. I sent them back to Fiskars and they were very quick in sending me replacements. I had tried sharpening them and lubricating them (with the suggestions given by other crafters). I feel the design is not the best – there isn’t enough support/strength for the leaver when pushing down. Having said that, I like Fiskars customer service and all the choices they have available.ReplyCancel

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