The time has come for me to finally buy one of these things. I want to be able to use it on decals (gauges), plastic, and thin PE. About all I know is there is no such thing as an inexpensive set. I need one with a variety of sizes, obviously, and when I buy stuff I like to buy quality; if I have to spend $$$ I only want to spend it once! Given that, what do you recommend I buy?

Bill,

I'm more than happy with the punch and die sets I bought from RP Toolz,Hungary 2 years ago.
http://rptoolz.unas.hu/en/

Sometimes I also use a cheap revolving punch pliers(with sizes 2,0-2,5-3,0-3,5-4,0-4,5 mm), especially when punching out decals(gauges), as these provide much better control of the punch-out zone,

HTH

Angel, where can I find the revolving punch pliers?

Bill,

I bought mine from the DIY section of a hypermarket(costed around 5 USD IIRC), but have seen them also at DIY stores.

They are mainly used to cut new holes in leather belts...and their presence in my tool box is the only reason SWMBO is happy with my hobby

HTH

Yes, what Angel says, RP tools has one with 16 sizes up to 2mm:
http://www.rptoolz.com/?p=196
and one 2mm to 4.5 mm
http://www.rptoolz.com/?p=776

the hole punch can be found in DIY places, hardware stores - probably even the Walmart stores you guys have...

Bill,

In the US, I ordered most of my tools through UMM-USA.
http://umm-usa.com/onlinestore/index.php?cPath=21_145&osCsid=26462c0c63a570249733104b60272192

Micromark also has a set.

HTH

I have had UMM-USA recommended to me also but which of their sets would be a starter/general use set?

They do have a confusingly broad selection there. What was the most common use you had in mind ? If you want to punch a hole in a particular spot you'll want one of the sets with a clear top plate, if you only need the resulting disk than I guess any of them would do.

Sean