1/2 inch anywhere circle punch

I need to make some cards for a preschool job. The card stock cards will be laminated with 5 mil plastic. I need to cut 10 - 3/8 to 1/2 inch holes in each one. The holes are about 3 inches from the edge, so a standard punch won't work. (even if it could get through the plastic) Has anyone seen anything out there that might work? Maybe a punch head that is hammered with a hammer, or a spring punch with a 1/2 inch head?

I'm thinking of the hammered punches that come with an eyelet setting kit - I've got one that does 3/16". Let me look around the store and see if I come up with anything to link.

Hm, I don't see what I wanted to recommend here at Scrapbook.com. Search around for EK Success eyelet tools, which usually come with hole-punching tools as well as setting tools. They used to make some spring-loaded ones, and also some of the type that hammer in, but I can't think of anything larger than 3/16" to 1/4".

Sizzix used to have something called paddle punches that could punch anywhere. There were a few circles. Although I don't know the sizes I'm thinking they might have been, 1/4", 1/2" and 3/4". Problem is they aren't sold anymore so you'd have to find one on Ebay or similar.

Thanks. That looks like it would work. I spent the last half hour scouring the web for the 1/2 inch punch circle #3 38-1074, no luck. But thanks!

If you have a sewing or fabric store nearby, you can check their notions department. I was thinking an eyelet punch as well.

Would this work?

Crop-a-Dile

If you have a Silhouette or Cricut, you could cut them out with that.

The Big Bite should be able to do it. It will go in up to 6 inches and is strong enough to go through many materials.

http://store.scrapbook.com/wr-70911-4.html

I wonder what the biggest hole size a Big Bite would punch? Can anyone who has one have a quick check? I have the regular Crop-A-Dile and the biggest circle it cuts is less than a quarter inch.

I wish I had something useful to offer but I don't, so I'll just wish you good luck with your project.

It's 3/8", less than 1/4. But you can punch two or three holes next to each other to make it bigger, and that might work. That's what I did with my Big Bite when I needed to run a ribbon through the hole.

Thanks everyone for all the ideas. I know it's been a while, but I got busy. I decided against the Big Bite because I didn't want rough edges from multiple holes. I came up with a solution. I haven't tried it yet, but I got the materials to do it. I went to the hardware store and bought some copper pipe fittings. On one end is a thin wall copper pipe, and the other a thicker threaded copper pipe. $7 in all for two. I bought a 3/4 and a 1/2 inch. I plan to use a file to sharpen the pipe end, and then just place and pound to cut a circle. I am not sure how the laminate will stick with a single 1/2 hole through everything, but if that doesn't work, I will cut a 3/4 hole in the card stock, laminate, and then cut a 1/2 hole through the laminate, leaving some edge to seal the card stock in. Thanks again.

If your pipes don't work, you might try checking at a leather-working store, like Tandy's.