Seeking metal cutting advice

Cerebus · Post by **Cerebus** » Thu Sep 25, 2003 11:49 am

Well, I'm fed up with trying to cut my 16ga sheet with my jigsaw, way too slow and noisy. So I've found a place where I can rent a pair of electric shears. Any advice on using them? Things to watch out for? This gonna be my first time with such a tool. From what I've read here they are fairly easy to use. Don't know the models they have available (THey've got three different listed on their website from 16g to 10ga) Should I try and cut curves with them or forget about it?

Kronos Weretiger · Post by **Kronos Weretiger** » Thu Sep 25, 2003 1:55 pm

Well I have an old B&D brand electric shear that is rated to cut up to 14g.I can tell you that it is HEAVY and hard to control.It is ok if your wacking your layed out pattern from a big sheet but forget cutting nice curves.

Depending on what type it is it might be worth renting if it is cheep.Makita makes a real good electric shear that cuts nice curves.

I spent $95 on a HF beverley knock off shear and it was the best money I have spent so far.(spent $150 on the electric shear from a used tool place)I feel your jugsaw pain.I used that method for years and I am so happy with my QUIET manual HF shear.(Still lust after a beverley though)
Kronos

Cerebus · Post by **Cerebus** » Thu Sep 25, 2003 3:02 pm

Thanks Kronos, From the picture they have on their site it seems to be a Bosch, so hopefully it'll cut nice curve.

Rizzo · Post by **Rizzo** » Thu Sep 25, 2003 3:52 pm

I have a Bosch at the workshop i use, and it is my first choice when cutting curves.

ItÂ´s easy to use but; be sure to secure the sheet. Be sure that you can have your eye on the left side to view the cut. The shear does not "eat away" on the metal, so you can pretty much cut as slow as you want.

Pedro Ramirez · Post by **Pedro Ramirez** » Thu Sep 25, 2003 4:51 pm

I have two sizes of Makita power shears. One is for 20-16 ga and the other will cut from 14-10 ga mild.
The smaller one is easy to use. The larger one requires the help of another to push the steel out of the way of the throat.
I love them and wouldn't be without them.

Beffan Itchyfoot · Post by **Beffan Itchyfoot** » Fri Sep 26, 2003 6:55 pm

True pain is trying to cut out 16g steel with a pair of hand snips ... then trying to get all the wrinkles out!

I asked Santa Claus for a HR Throatless Shear and if I don't get it, I'm going to sell my wife out so I can afford it!!

ArtemisGreen · Post by **ArtemisGreen** » Fri Sep 26, 2003 8:44 pm

I use wiss snips. Everyone here probably knows that i stand by them. Everything I've ever done has been cut by them. It's murder on your hands if they're not strong enough. The thickest I've done is 16 ga., so don't go crazy and try to do a 14 ga. helm!

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Artemis Green Armoury