punch source

Buy regular length punches and make an extension. Make one extension that is held with a set screw if the use is occasional, or if you always need a punch with the long shaft then weld them on permanently.

Thank you Roger. Using tools on hand in a "hurry up and do it" situation, a long socket and socket extension on the punch worked. I guess I was daydreaming about "more tools." The wish list gets longer by the minute. No. one one the list is toolboxes, storage and service. Shoot, here we go again. $50,000 for tools isn't out of the ballpark esp. since a SnapOn storage center runs close to $10,000. (note to self - dream on)

wws

I have made a number of punches and chisels out of old automotive valves. Not near long enough for your criteria. Mcpherson struts have nice shafts, but like printers, the shafts are not very hard. How about forging from coil springs?

Dan

Wouldn't I be going around in circles? :) Heat treating would warp any long thin shaft. I suppose it could be centerless ground afterward, but now I'm looking for a helicopter or stealth aircraft part with a lifetime measured in hours.