Hi, I am new here.
After reading some of the pioneers' post. There are lots of good experiences.
Here I want to share some of my experience.
1, for making punches, go to flea market my some used Allen wrenches, they are good steel, shape them on a grinder/sander as long as do not over heat them. Especially the little bends use it to make off center punches. The hexagon body is better to control when you hold it.