I've got some craft punches (the x cut jigsaw shaped ones) - but the punched shape has tatty edges because I've used the punch so much it's got a bit bluntHow do I sharpen it again? - I've read on other web sites that punching through aluminium foil or very fine grained sandpaper will re sharpen it - but am a bit worried about trying this in case it just makes the punch even more blunt.has anyone ever tried it? is there another way of sharpening them?
I would not use sandpaper to sharpen your punches as you could wind up with rough edges on your punchThe images you punch out afterward might not be very crispI would first use two layers of foil and punch through it several timesThis will not hurt your punchFollow this up with punching through a couple of layers of waxed paper to lubricate the edges of your punchYou may have to pick out small pieces of waxed paper because it does tend to tear rather than punch, but you may find this method does do the trick and helps maintain that sharp edge you want in your punchMartha Stewart even recommends that punches be maintained that way right at the end of this video: youtu.be/4O22Egrjw2o HTH
I have welded and been around welding for many years and have yet to see aluminum joined with torch weldingYou need it TIG welded to get the strength needed for a bikeIt could be MIG welded but this is not as nice a looking weld.
I wouldn't waste the time or moneyIf your going to go through the trouble of building a bike you will want welded joints and probably want to go with a steel tube frame over aluminum unless of course you can afford high strength fibers.
First of all, if you never have welded aluminum before, its not something that a person who doesn't know how to properly weld on before should doEach metal has different propertys to do any welding on anything you should go to school and get certifiedThen with much practice and years of experience you'll be able to weld any kind of metal for what ever purpose it may be forYou may weld it and it might look good to the eye but it may brake riding the bike 5 miles down the roadSo leave the welding to the guys that are professionals at it.
