These blue boxes full of bits of metal can seem mysterious. But they are simply full of alphabet punches. Not punches in the beverage or fighting sense of the word, alphabet punches are used to make, or emboss, letters (or numbers or other symbols) in metal (or other materials). Think of something like a typewriter key that is placed at the end of a stick of metal. That is a punch. To use it, place the tip with the letter or symbol you are using in position on your metal (or leather or whatever you are embossing) and give it a firm rap or two with a hammer. When you lift your punch, the impression of the symbol should clearly show. Metal alphabet punches are available in various sizes - 2mm tall alphabet punches can be found, in those great little blue boxes, for as little as US$10.
