Abstract: A hydraulic punch press having a base adapted to receive a workpiece and a cylinder axially disposed opposite to the base. The cylinder includes a first and second piston slidable defining within its interior, a first chamber formed between the surface of said first piston and one end of said cylinder and a second chamber formed between the first and second pistons. The pistons have coaxial rods extending outwardly of the other end of the cylinder in opposition to said base. The rod of the first piston extends axially through the rod of said second piston and carries at its end a tool while the rod of the second piston is tubular and is adapted to carry at its end holding means for the workpiece blank.