Which staking set?

[GPrideaux]

Does anyone have experience with a cheap staking set like this one: https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/375200895776?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=705-154756-20017-0&ssspo=0b3gafxuqg-&sssrc=2047675&ssuid=aFjHxwotSmm&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

I'm looking for advice as to whether that would likely meet my needs as a hobbyist, or if I'd be better off saving my pennies until I can afford a used set from a known brand. (There's not much on offer in Australia and the postage from Europe or America is sometimes almost as much as the item itself.)

[nickelsilver]

I have owned full K&D sets and have used the full Star set for years, and still find sometimes I need punches and stumps that aren't in it (in which case I make them). In a reduced set like that I think you would frequently be frustrated at the lack of choice.

[oldhippy]

I would just like to add you can never have enough. I had two full sets plus wooden boxes of more punches and stumps. I even had a set of punches that were just for cylinder work. Keep looking on ebay for odd punches. You have to start somewhere I think you should go for it. Just make sure if you do buy it when adding make sure the odds fit as they come in different sizes. I just don't understand getting anything outside of Australia  costs an arm and a leg. 

Edited October 2, 2024 by oldhippy

[Knebo]

28 minutes ago, nickelsilver said:

I have owned full K&D sets and have used the full Star set for years, and still find sometimes I need punches and stumps that aren't in it (in which case I make them). In a reduced set like that I think you would frequently be frustrated at the lack of choice.

I agree. Staking sets are, unfortunately, one of those tools where you need ALL the sizes. 

I also strongly recommend staking tools that can be "inverted", i.e. you can use the punches/stakes as stumps/anvils. That increases you options significantly. The K&D "Inverto" seems popular among forum members (especially in the US). I have a Boley set from Germany that also works like that. 

You'll see that is has an "additional" base (that can be added/removed as needed). That allows the punches to be inserted into the bottom and serve as anvils.

 

I'd suggest to wait until you can get a full set (with "inverting" function). Sometimes they come up at really good prices.

Are there any Australia-based private-to-private second hand sites? I usually scan the Swiss (anibis.ch), German (kleinanzeigen.de), Austrian (willhaben.at) and French (leboncoin.fr) sites and I got most my tools for half the eBay market price.

 

[VWatchie]

8 hours ago, Knebo said:

I also strongly recommend staking tools that can be "inverted", i.e. you can use the punches/stakes as stumps/anvils.

That's an important point. I also have a Boley inverto-style set. It has a good selection of punches and anvils and I'm happy with it.

Even so, there's always that punch or punches missing so I've ordered a few from Cousins as needed. For a professional, it would likely be necessary to be able to make punches on demand (like @nickelsilver) but for an enthusiast like myself, buying them as I go has been a viable option.

[mbwatch]

29 minutes ago, VWatchie said:

there's always that punch or punches missing so I've ordered a few from Cousins as needed.

I didn't even know this was an option! I'm always trying find specific stakes or stumps at auction and considering buying junk sets if they have what I need. It never occurred to me to see if they're just for sale new. My centering punch has a smashed tip and is no good for the smallest holes. Any time I find one at auction it's >$40 and here Cousins sells it new £10.15.

[CYCLOPS]

I would rather have this one still listed and currently less than what you showed.....

[praezis]

1 hour ago, CYCLOPS said:

I would rather have this one still listed and currently less than what you showed.....

Looks really good. I use the same ‚Leinen‘ tool. Only drawback: There is/was no base like the Boley got.

Frank

[oldhippy]

When buying second hand you need to make sure all the punches are in good order, not chipped or blocked up. There are a lot of stumps missing. Also does it all line up, in some cases the staking tool has been dropped. 

[rehajm]

18 hours ago, mbwatch said:

I didn't even know this was an option

…something I said to myself last month while adding a new Seitz flat pusher to my cart…

[GPrideaux]

1 hour ago, Knebo said:

Are there any Australia-based private-to-private second hand sites?

Thanks for the suggestion. I'll start keeping an eye on Gumtree.

[gpraceman]

13 hours ago, rehajm said:

…something I said to myself last month while adding a new Seitz flat pusher to my cart…

I've bought stumps and pushers from Cousins to fill the few spots missing in my Seitz set.  Good to have that option.

[CYCLOPS]

about all the K&D tools can hold the stumps and pushers in the base, some even have the jeweling tool and reamers too...

https://www.ebay.com/itm/205030702639?_skw=staking+tool&itmmeta=01JA3FT294DDN3QS3CTXM6H9J1&hash=item2fbcc83e2f:g:-nkAAOSwhoNnAwLT&itmprp=enc%3AAQAJAAAA8HoV3kP08IDx%2BKZ9MfhVJKnPC5Khy%2FI%2FDj00PSAohCLC4SS0zgG7rTXlQDg8BsiOKtPeE8JaS2H4JNWX3pItL9Ry85eCfVP3ONqlY0dlC7BaCXFufiM00BUPwDB7ozbDdjiBfm6Lj%2BTXor2299tYUbwKBk7BKecXnXMZAzjs7ra4pxeaYQXuaIsrSS6uFxIEr0UpTCG3gcj6h%2FSNUdv7CvXIWkDZ148Gv4%2B%2BY8TSqg1Jyna7oGZjX7FeQakysWsnmkUwMvzPt5QA%2FEuPjdqBKYFnmaDEzLmVQ8wCeFFP671N%2F22tpPvPKcFocjCzduCqow%3D%3D|tkp%3ABk9SR-yk6O_QZA