Tool & Effect: Slot Punches

Tool and Effect: Slot Punches. These tools are used to create rectangular or oval holes in material that can then be drifted to a finished size or shape as needed. Ensuring your material is at forging temp while punching holes is optimal, also cooling the tool frequently during the process keeps the tool in good shape.

Thick Stock: Used in thicker material for a more oval hole. I use this one to punch holes for tong rivets the most. 

https://wateroakforge.com/products/blacksmith-slot-punch

Thin Stock: Bottle openers in flat stock is what this gets used for mostly. Extra care must be taken to keep the work piece hot to ensure the hole is punched even and clean. However due to the thinner cross section of the working end of the tool, keep it cool is a must to prevent deformation and excessive wear on the tip. 

https://wateroakforge.com/products/blacksmith-slot-punch-thin-material