The Regular size is very easy to use in the hand. Hours can be spent in front of the telly clicking away making Daisies, Snowflakes etc...

The Jumbo size is better used on a flat surface such as a desk or coffee table. Make sure you punch onto a folded newspaper or craft mat to prevent damaging your surface!

Super & Mega size punches may require the aid of a Punchmate to punch through cardstock.

Lever Style - Many manufacturers, such as Woodware & Make Me are now moving towards the lever style punches, as they are easier to use, especially for anyone with mobility problems.

All of these punches are designed to be used on a flat surface, but the regular & jumbo size can easily be used in the hand. Punchies can fly out of the bottom at speed though, so make sure you had a tub handy to collect the punchies in!

Sizes of Lever punches

Currently we have 5 sizes of lever punch available.

Super Duper (Lilac) - Approx 7.5cm

Super (Blue) - Approx 5cm

Big (Yellow) - Approx 3.5cm (very limited range available in this size)

Jumbo (Green)  - Approx 2.5cm

Regular (Orange) - Approx 1.5cm

These punches work on a round punch head, so if you order a Super Duper Circle, you get a 7.5cm punch out. However, the SQUARE punches come up much smaller, as the square is fitted within the round punch head.

SQUARE sizes:

Super Duper (Lilac) - Approx 5cm

Super (Blue) - Approx 3.5cm

Big (Yellow) - Approx 2.5cm (very limited range available in this size)

Jumbo (Green)  - Approx 1.7cm

Regular (Orange) - Approx 1cm

When your punch first arrives

Punches are made of metal and as such are susceptible to changes in temperature. When your punch first arrives it has probably been sitting out in the cold or baking in the heat for a while in the postman's bag. When you first open the packaging, punch it empty for a few punches to loosen it up before attempting to punch any material.

Always punch scrap paper first. This way you won't waste expensive paper with mistakes.

With complicated punches, such as the word punches, or shapes like the daisy, it is always best to punch light card until the punch has loosened.

What can you punch?

Paper - Most papers punch well. Coated papers such as pearl papers, may not cut a clean edge. This is because the bottom white layer of the paper cuts more easily than to top pearl layer. This is not a fault in the punch, merely poorly manufactured paper!

Card - Cardstock up to about 220gsm should punch OK. Lever punches will slice through this easily, but button types will need a punchmate unless you go to the gym a lot!

Foam - Thin foam (less than 1mm) will punch happily. Funky foam is too thick to fit in the aperture.

Metal - Thin sheet metal, such as used for embossing, will punch easily with the lever style punches. Button style may need the help of a punchmate. Cutting metal & foil helps to sharpen your punch.

Other materials to punch include - wallpaper, acetate (not films), wrapping paper, handmade paper, mulberry paper (try popping it between 2 sheets of paper to prevent jams)

Things that don't punch well - film, cellophane, metallic wrapping paper, fabric, felt

Don't...

Be tempted to stand on your punch! Even though this might help you make the cut, you will damage your punch. By applying so much pressure, your punch may become misaligned. This could cause it to stop punching altogether, or to jam.

Don't...

Thump down on your lever punch if it won't cut through. It if doesn't cut easily, the material is too thick or too hard to cut and will damage the punch. It is possible to snap the body of the lever punch from the base if you abuse your punch in this way.

What can I do if my punch jams?

Please do not be tempted to push items such as scissors, knives or screwdrivers into your punch. These can cause damage and you may harm yourself. If paper or card is jammed in the punch, gently wiggle it from side to side. A sharp tap from the heel of your hand to the side of the punch may help, but be careful not to hurt yourself! This may be enough to release the punch. Try not to rip the paper away, as this will make the problem worse.

If all else fails, try popping the punch in the freezer for a short while. In today's centrally heated houses, the metal can expand & cause jams, so cooling it down should help.

Please note: The above information is a guide only.