yes a 1/2 inch pipe with work, but you need to take a file and sharpen the edges of it a little so it cuts clean through the felt... Hollow hole punches can be purchased for a a couple dollars at those cheap tool stores. I got a full set for under $3.00 . Harbor Freight (on line) sells sets of them for a couple bucks too. I did the pipe routine at first, and it was a PITA.