I've read that all punches need to be "serviced" periodically, by punching through foil a few times to sharpen them, then punching through waxed paper to lubricate. I have a few that I have to do that a lot with, because I over-use them.
I definitely have to use foil /wax paper and I have to place the punch on the floor to actually have enough leverage to make a clean cut. Like the idea of the punch but it needs tweaking!
I too have had trouble with those 3x4" punches... I decided a little while ago not to buy a punch that has a man demonstrating it; like on that shopping network show. I think it is a silent hint that it takes a lot of strength to use.
I too have these punches and have had trouble with them from day one. I haven't tried the foil thing but I believe the problem goes beyond being sharpened. One of them, I can not even pushed down and the other one jams all the time. I am not happy with these punches.
if you try the wax paper and it 'eats it up' which happens to me ALOT with the punches that are already hard to go through paper, just take a candle and rub all around the metal edges...i have some used birthday cake candles in my desk drawer i use for that since certain punches i had wouldnt even go through the wax paper without tearing it all up
