How-To:
Punch Cradle Kit

Prep Your Signatures
Make sure to fold your signatures PRIOR to trying to punch your holes.
Punching holes in an unfolded signature is a recipe for disaster. 
 

Pick Your Punch Guide
Decide which Punch Guide matches your desired sewing method. I typically use the guide with less space between the second and third holes for smaller binds, and 

 Align Your Signature
Some people like to punch one page at a time, but I like to do whole signatures (up to 8 pages per signature works best, in my opinion) at once.

To get an accurately aligned punch every time, rather than setting your folded signature into your cradle and then setting down your punch guide which can cause your signatures to sag into the cradle and misalign, wrap your signature into your punch guide, then while holding the signature snug and taut, place the punch guide. & signature into your cradle. 

Make sure the signature is pushed up as snuggly to the top of the cradle as possible.
 

Punch Your Holes
With one hand, hold the bottom of the punch guide (the side away from the magnet) snugly in place to prevent slippage. With your other hand, punch your awl through each of the holes in the punch guide. 

You shouldn't have to use much force, but make sure you push the awl completely through your signature. Double-check when you pull your signature out that you can see through all of the holes completely.
 

Repeat 3 & 4 As Needed
 

Store Your Kit
See below for information on how to properly clean and store your Punch Cradle, Punch Guides, Awl.