The Armour Archive

Has anyone ever used a B-2 slitting shear from Centaur Forge? Or anywhere else for that matter? If someone has, what's the difference between a B-2 and a B-3 shear? The B-2 is more in my price range,too. Any comments?

greetings
Are you sure it is a b-2 slitting shear and not an s-2 sliting shear? To the best of my knowledge the b-# from berverly are "throatless" and the s-# are not, I believe that they are slitting shears. New the b-#series is about 600 to 1100, depending on # and location. The s-# series are much less expensive approx. 200 to 500. I haven't done a recent price check, but I should be close.
Years ago I got a b-3 for 250 afew years later I got an s-2 for $5 at a yard sale. I just saw a b-2 go for 300. When working metal I use the b-3 all the time, I seldom use the s-2.
The slit shears are good for straight cuts (slits) and outside curves. The b-# are good for much more. I would save my money or go HF for armouring, the sliting shears just can't cut it.
To answer your question about the difference between b-2 and b-3, it come down to thickness of material and radius of cut. the b-3 can cut thicker material (I've done .100 stainless in mine) but the turning radius is not as tight as a b-2. I'm sure you can find the manufacture's specs on the web. The b-2 seems to be the choice of most of the people on the archive.
Hope this helps
Jeff W

A handheld electric shear is much more practical. They're cheaper too. I got mine for about $300 new and it cuts all kinds of curves and is rated for 10ga mild.