I did get one to demo. And while I still like the idea of the compact / 2-in-1 design, I found it awkward and difficult to use. Also slower to have to change it between breaking and spinning configurations if you are working on a number of loops.
No doubt what this guy has done is clever, smart & he will never have to buy a new punch bit again. His reason for his invention was in his words, 'no matter how careful you are, you break punches easily' then he shows you all the punches he's broke. Philbert likes the ol saying 'prevention is better than cure', so do I. Anyone who breaks chains knows how hard the rivets are and if you just go at it without preparation you WILL.break punches fast. If you grind/file/sand or whatever the rivet some prior to pressing it out the job becomes a LOT easier. Prep the rivets & a punch will last almost forever. Rivets are convex in shape & slippery this adds to the difficulty. By removing some stock off the rivet you also create a better surface for you to press out rivet. So...I like his idea, I might even make one but if he changed his method just a little, he could have prevented the broken punches pretty much all together. Its always good to have a spare or three though....and when choosing a breaker/spinner its important to buy something that will have replacement parts available well into the future. Old breakers can be great high quality tools, sometimes better than what's available new but if you can't get punches its almost useless.
