[ John Tuttle wrote: ]

> Most good hardware stores carry arch punches but if you can't
> locate them locally, American Piano Supply sells them. ...

Yes, many hardware stores sell a variety of arch punches.  I see them
all over the place.  However, the vast majority of them are made of, in
the eloquent words of a colleague, "the finest of Korean chrome-plated
cheese".

This is not to "knock" Asian industry, but (from personal experience)
I honestly do believe that the tool metallurgy with many cut-rate
jobber manufacturing operations overseas is pretty sub-standard.  If
you want your tools to last beyond a few jobs, buy a brand name you can
trust.  Avoid "Diamond" brand tools completely -- they're total crap!

Some tool shops go to great lengths to avoid selling junk.  Lee Valley
Tools is one of them.  They have mail-order operations based in New
York State and Ottawa, Canada.  A small number of their tools are of
suspect quality, but these are clearly identified as being "throw-
aways".  (And no, I don't work for them, nor am I a shareholder.  I'm
just a satisfied customer that wishes they'd sell even *more* stuff!)

Colin Hinz * ASFi Music Works * asfi@interlog.com * (416) 516-8686 *