Novice with a Uni-Punch and a Habor Freight 6-ton press

[mccutter]

Originally Posted by RED caddy

+1 on the air over setup. I would use taper pins to preserve alignment, (frame and die's) they better resist shear forces that would try to push the frame out of square.
RED

+1 on this. 12T air/hyd. press with some mods for efficiency. Mount dies in a frame with pins for alignment and maybe some springs to help release. (pics are overkill examples) This should work good for 1/8" and under.

1"dia. x 3/8" is a pretty stout piece to be punching--how many of those will you be doing? Maybe consider drilling them or finding a shop to do them for you. More info is needed...