Steve B wrote in
rec.crafts.metalworking on Fri, 6 May 2011 20:49:54 -0700:

My wife wants me to make some sconce lights out of sheets of sheet metal. I
can get paintlock of various thicknesses, but some is rather thick for hand
punching.

I think you would be better off with a plasma cutter and a few
templates. Punch an dies will cost a lot, and the press to use them
isn't cheap either.
--

Dan H.
northshore MA.