Power Shears for 16 g?

[Filip]

Howdy,

I would like to pick up some power shears to cut 16 g steel. The only stuff I have found is in the 450$ range. The 18 g shears are considerably less, however they will not suffice for my project. Can anyone please make a suggestion for a possible source for this tool?

Cheers,
Filip

[losthelm]

Where are you located?
Clarke and harbor freight both have a poet shear but they are not a good option for armour work.
The harbor freight Beverly knockoff while not a power shear will preform on a budget.

Sometimes you can find used equipment on eBay or Craigslist.
I have a porter cable shear rated for 12 guage I found for less than 120.
It needed a new cord and the shell was a little marked up.
But quality tools are made to last and will save you money over time.

[Kel Rekuta]

Howdy,

I would like to pick up some power shears to cut 16 g steel. The only stuff I have found is in the 450$ range. The 18 g shears are considerably less, however they will not suffice for my project. Can anyone please make a suggestion for a possible source for this tool?

Cheers,
Filip

If you are the Filip in Ottawa, get over to Princess Auto and buy the 14ga power shear they sell. PA often puts them on for $50 or so. The one I have has been cutting 16ga mild and 18ga stainless for over five years. Not daily or even weekly but it does the trick for a hobbiest.

Harbour Freight sells pretty much the same one in the States.

[Filip]

Howdy,

I would like to pick up some power shears to cut 16 g steel. The only stuff I have found is in the 450$ range. The 18 g shears are considerably less, however they will not suffice for my project. Can anyone please make a suggestion for a possible source for this tool?

Cheers,
Filip

If you are the Filip in Ottawa, get over to Princess Auto and buy the 14ga power shear they sell. PA often puts them on for $50 or so. The one I have has been cutting 16ga mild and 18ga stainless for over five years. Not daily or even weekly but it does the trick for a hobbiest.

Harbour Freight sells pretty much the same one in the States.

Thanks - will have a look at PA. I checked out Ottawa Fastener Supply, and the stuff they had was incredibly expensive.

[whonew]

Howdy,

I would like to pick up some power shears to cut 16 g steel. The only stuff I have found is in the 450$ range. The 18 g shears are considerably less, however they will not suffice for my project. Can anyone please make a suggestion for a possible source for this tool?

Cheers,
Filip

what he said , I have 2 of the PA shears and bought extra blades when they were on sale. Both shears still working fine (with original blades) after years of "abuse"

If you are the Filip in Ottawa, get over to Princess Auto and buy the 14ga power shear they sell. PA often puts them on for $50 or so. The one I have has been cutting 16ga mild and 18ga stainless for over five years. Not daily or even weekly but it does the trick for a hobbiest.

Harbour Freight sells pretty much the same one in the States.

[losthelm]

Depending on the volume you might be better off with a good jigsaw.
The I expencive shears were discused just the other day in this thread.

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=157356

A good jigsaw is a bit more flexible for other projects and the closer you are to the cut line the less time you spend with file and abrasives dressing the edge.
It can be loud so wear you protective equipment and support the work to reduce vibration.

Someone local may already have a shear or other tools.
This would let you invest in more material and learn from others.

I learn a lot more spending an hour working in someone else's shop then spending the day in mine.