I don't know about it's being made in England, but machinist Robert
Streicher used to sell a punch similar to the one described by Vincent
Morgan in MMD 020104. It too was spring loaded and about the size of a
fountain pen, comfortably heavy and very well-made. The one I have has
endured thousands of punchings without failure of the spring or any
part. An occasional honing of the cutting point on some fine emery
cloth keeps it going.
I think, though, that Bob no longer makes this handy tool because
his supplier for the basic punch stopped supplying. What good is a
supplier who doesn't supply? As manufactured, it was a center punch,
and Bob would modify it for the intended use by machining a hollow
point to whatever diameter you requested.
It wouldn't hurt to contact him for the latest information: Bob
Streicher, Box 39, Pond Eddy, NY 12770; tel. 717-559-7403. He is
a highly-recommended machinist for mechanical music parts, skilled,
honest, and reasonable in price.
Matthew Caulfield
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