Electric nibbler or shears?

[dos zetas]

I am building a vehicle body from scratch- 20 ga. steel. To make the long curved cuts from a template, should I buy a nibbler or shear?
I don't have big air in my shop, so I need electric tools.
Any advice on brands?

Thanks!

 

[lametec]

For long, big curves, a shear will be best.

For tight curves, the nibbler will be best.

So it depends on your use.

 

[dos zetas]

I have all the hand tools and a bead roller, etc., just that my previous sheet metal work has been repair rather than starting from scratch. Aircraft shears was all I needed til now.
I have some tight curves so maybe a nibbler will be best for me.
Window shopping I see a vast price range for electric nibblers- $87 to $475.
Any good ones in the $200 range?
This project isn't too monumental, but it needs to be done correctly and accurately- google: "Steib TR500".

 

[rlitman]

I have a few of both, but would probably use my shear. My Bosch 1500C (which I highly recommend, and got for $160 on eBay which is a REALLY good price, but a $200 budget should bag you one if you have patience) will easily cut out a quarter in one direction, and something like a coffee can lid in the other direction. Those curves tight enough for you?

Just remember that a bypass shear will curl the edge of the metal a tad (especially on that supertight turn). A nibbler will leave a rougher edge (except for the dang needles a shear makes when you adjust directions), but nibbler cut edges will be flat in the up and down direction.

 

[Monte]

if possible i would try to avoid nibblers. They produce these tiny metal chips which get stuck everywhere...in your shoes, under your shoes, in your air hoses etc.
Common brands: Trumpf, Draco, Fein, Bosch, Makita, Kett...



btw.: if you need a replica: http://www.ideal-seitenwagen.eu/English/Seitenwagen_e.htm

 

[bsg]

My first choice would be a Beverly shear, you can cut straight or curved cuts and its easy to operate, plus its manual.
If you buy a used one make sure the blades don't have any nicks in them, they can be sent back to the factory for sharpening if needed.

Kevin

 

[dos zetas]

i got my shutzblech from Ideal, but I decided to build my own boot. They are good people to deal with.

 

[jakemac]

I know some guys here will hate me for saying it, but -

If your budget is tight, and you won't be using these tools much after this project is done, then I would recommend getting both at Harbor Freight. Both would cost the same as just one of the name brand tools.

I have their electric shear and I've haven't had any problems with it. But then again, I've only used it on 2 quick jobs on light material.

If you plan on using this often at work, then I'd go with the other recommendations.

 

[dos zetas]

thanks, I'll look at the flanger. I have a box of clecos, they are really good to have, and cheap.
Appreciate all the input.
I have had this sidecar outfit since 1982, and lots of years it was my only transportation. I took the body off to paint it and was horrified to see that my old patches had rusted away. time for a new body.
It's the fourth complete restoration-

1964 Triumph T120R
Steib S-350 sidecar
1971 5-speed motor
Earles forks which I built.
Borrani alloy rims
320mm TLS Grimeca front brake

Every single part of this machine has been soooo massaged over the decades, and this body has to be really nice because the machine deserves it.