Abstract: Disclosed is a guide device for one or more character punches wherein one or more punch guide blocks are slidably mounted on a rod mounted on a base, wherein each block has a surface which slidably contacts the base and each has a punch guide slot or aperture, and wherein a series of position or ruler markings are provided on a portion of the base, and a cooperating alignment edge is provided on each block or on each punch mounted therethrough and lies contiguous the series of ruler markings, whereby each block can be precisely positioned on the base with respectively to any particular one of the markings.