Abstract: A punching arrangement has a guide assembly for guiding movement of a second die at an acute angle relative to a first die in order to punch an aperture at an acute angle in a flange of a track shoes. A positioning device moves the track shoe to a preselected location relative to the first die in response to movement of the second die toward the first die. A holding apparatus engages the track shoe and clamps the track shoe to the first die in response to further movement of the second die toward the first die. A crank mechanism breaks the second die away from binding engagement with the track shoe after punching and enables the second die to return to the initial position. The punching arrangement is particularly suited for use in a punching press.