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Tool Review: Round Disc Cutter

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I am a demanding user who values quality items that are backed with good customer service. I make my own tools so I have a different perspective than the average consumer. Designs are called out for what they are whether good, bad, or indifferent. Trademarks and copyrights are the intellectual property of their respective owners and used herein for reference, educational, and informational purposes.

Hobbyist disc cutters come in many shapes and sizes and are primarily for the softer metals. They function by shearing the metal. The punch closely fits the inner diameter or profile of the die. When a piece of metal is placed between the two, the punch will cleanly excise said shape after being pressed or hammered through the die. Larger and/or thicker pieces are best made with a press.

FINAL RATINGS (0=bad to 10=good, YES/NO, N/A, or text; hover over topic for specific information)

Item being reviewed: Round disc cutter ▼
Q: What's this all about anyway?

A: This has 14 holes from 1/8" to 1", punches to fit each hole, and an equal number of metal centering guides. A tube of hard wax lubricant, small rubber base pad, and a storage tray were included.
Manufacturer: Generic/unknown ▼
Who makes this and what is their history?

A: This is the same model offered by every manufacturer with a similar product. Some may be better than others if the manufacturer ensures the punches are machined properly and fixes those that aren't.
Retail price: $130 and up ▼
What is the manufacturer's suggested retail price?

A: Supplied by the manufacturer, discounts are likely to be found with some searching. This is the least expensive price I could find.
Appearance: 7 ▼
Q: Simply, how does it look? While subjective, does it have clean lines, professional appearance, etc.?

A: It looks nice.
Packaging: 5 ▼
Q: Is it thrown into a box or packed like a new smartphone?

A: This has a cardboard box, which will not last, and rudimentary storage.
Initial set-up time: Minutes ▼
Q: After removing contents from box, how long before it can be used?

A: You have to go through the same procedure to use it whether new or not. Thus, it's ready to go without much fanfare.
"Plug and play": To some degree ▼
Q: Is everything included or do you need to purchase additional equipment, supplies, or parts?

A: A hammer or a press is necessary.
Additional costs or equipment: Minimal ▼
Q: Not included with the purchase, what else is required and how much does it cost?

A: This requires a hammer. The average DIYer will likely have several that will work.
Set-up time for each use: Minutes ▼
Q: From being stored properly and completely, is it grab-and-go or much more involved?

A: This takes no time except removing the packaging and wiping the pieces and parts down.
Storage provisions: 6 ▼
Q: What or how is the equipment stored when not in use as provided by the manufacturer?

A: This is better than average but there is no place for the centering guides.
Storage time: Minutes ▼
Q: How long soea it take to store it safely and completely, cleaned and lubed, liquids drained, etc.?

A: Put the parts back in their place and it's done. It's best to wipe clean and apply oil to prevent rusting.
Ongoing costs: Minimal ▼
Q: What is the cost of using the equipment: replacement parts from wear-and-tear, expendables, supplies, etc.?

A: This item will need, or should need, very little. The wax seems very robust and shows few battle marks after several hundred applications. As the punches wear down they will need a refreshed surface (lathe or filed and sanded).
Maintenance: Low ▼
Q: What is expected to keep the tool working properly: periodic maintenance, lubing, etc.?

A: Keep it oiled and immediately fix any oxidation issues.
Usability: Easy ▼
Q: Is it complicated to use?

A: Figuring out how hard to hit the dies based on the material and thickness will take some trial and error but it's not "difficult" per se.
Functionality: Up to excellent ▼
Q: How well does it do its job?

A: Some of the stamps didn't cut cleanly. I spent many hours filing and sanding the punches.
Robustness: 8 ▼
Q: How well-constructed or flimsy is it?

A: The die is made from thick metal. The punches are plenty long so when they get worn out there is enough material to re-machine the tips.
Value: up to 9 ▼
Q: Based on price, performance, and function, is it worth it?

A: What a time-saver, never mind how consistent it is once dialed in.
Adjustability: Yes ▼
Q: Can it be easily modified to accommodate different situations?

A: These have a set screw to adjust the distance between the die plates which is critical to achieving the best possible cut. Some cutters do not have this option and should be avoided.
Meeting expectations: Yes, after fixing ▼
Q: Does it work as well as others say or the manufacturer claims?

A: The first unit was defective so they sent a second, which was good enough to work with. It still took considerable sanding and filing to clean up the punches.
Innovation: N/A ▼
Q: How ingenious or clever is the design or concept?

A: There is nothing special about disc cutters.
Results: 8 ▼
Q: What is the quality of the finished product or process? Anything below 6 - realistically, an 8 - is not decent quality.

A: As with all metal punching, there will be some deformation along the edges that will need to be fixed to get a smooth disc top and bottom.
Timeliness: Quick ▼
Q: How do the results compare to the amount of time it took?

A: It's sooo much faster and cleaner than cutting with shears, scissors, or nippers and the discs will be perfectly round.
Skill level: Minimal ▼
Q: What mechanical aptitudes or skills does one need to use it?

A: This item is an adult version of put the peg through the hole (and smash it with a hammer). While not as dangerous as running with scissors, tools can strike back when least expected.
Documentation: None ▼
Q: Does it have detailed instructions, whether written (which it should no matter what) or on-line?

A: This had nothing but there are countless videos online.
Customer service: Varies ▼
Q: How quickly do they respond, can you speak with someone on the phone, are their answers satisfactory?

A: The first unit was defective so they sent a second and said to keep the first! However, there is no way to specifically contact the manufacturer so it all depends on the seller. Mine was great.
Comparative: Yes ▼
Q: How does this compare to similar machines within its price range?

A: This is the same wherever you buy it.
Recommendation: 8 ▼
Q: My personal assessment of the device - basically, would I buy it knowing what I learned about it?

A: Yes, but the dies may need tidying up with files and sandpaper for best performance. Basically, one company makes them and everyone else resells or rebrands them.

Final thoughts: Some cutters wouldn't punch cleanly through 5mil copper sheet. Yes, it's entirely unfair using such thin material but if it could do this, bingo. They would have worked better on normal thicknesses but they have to work under all conditions.

CNC machinery would trim the punch ends perfectly. Lacking one at the moment, I filed and sanded them instead. It's either that or add extra time to dress and correct each individual disc (that gets old fast).

Using a press instead of a hammer is better. First, it is much easier on the equipment. Second, it applies a perpendicular, consistent force whereas a hammer may strike off-center or at an angle. Third, the punch may smash the blank against the rubber pad or whatever the cutter is resting on so the blank might need some additional TLC.

Posted by M: April 29, 2021

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