Its very easy to get carried away with tools, as the saying goes, “He who has the most toys wins.” However, the reality is a little simpler. That is, the rising cost post Covid of many previously low cost excellent quality imported products. The typical “Bottle Jack” type was so economical that you could not buy the materials at the landed price.
If you want to punch out your own disk material you will definitely need a press in the 10ton capacity. It’s surprising how much pressure is required to knock out these disks even when you are using annealed silver or copper sheets. I prefer the press with a gauge just so you know and can bring the same pressure to bear on an object. (Particularly helpful when straightening or forming pressed items, but not that important for ring making)
Then there is the, “do you hit your auto punch with a brass hammer or put it under a press?” debate. I personally do not, but if I had an anvil or hammering plate I might. For me there is nothing worse than sending tools, coins and parts everywhere with a shaking bench.
If you have a secondary purpose in mind they are a terrific addition to the shop. The alternative is to layout your work space so that you have a sold bench or a lump of scrap steel as a hammering area. Don’t expect to pick up a cheap old blacksmith’s anvil. I’ve seen some sell for crazy prices. If you are close to a city you can buy a 50Kg Anvil from $350. Yes, more expensive than the “Bottle Jack” type presses.
