Abstract: Punching press apparatus including an exchangeable tool set having upper and lower punching tools movable toward one another by a pressing ram to punch parts from sheet metal material. A stacking duct extends vertically downwardly from thepunching dies to accommodate a plurality of the punched out parts, which parts are then conveyed by endless magnetic conveyor belts arranged below the stacking duct, to remote part stacking mandrels and the like. In order to accommodate exchange of the punching tools without disconnection or emptying of the stacking ducts, the stacking ducts extend downardly to a position spaced upwardly of a press table supporting a toolholding plate, which toolholding plate supports the lower punching tool. The stacking ducts are formed as inserts in the toolholding plate so that a very simple exchange of the punching tools and toolholding plates can be effected by lateral movement of the units including the toolholding plate and punching tool out of the press ram working area.