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Metal shear question

RivennHewn

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Jun 4, 2011
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I'm thinking about adding a metal shear on my bench.

Seems there are two different styles. Anybody have any thoughts on pros & cons of the different styles?

Any brands stand out?
 

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Trucky

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Apr 26, 2011
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Built one of those (first style) for a project in college. It was fun. I still have the blade.. and I still have the hole in my wallet from the tool steel :lol:

Anyways, it really depends what you're going to use it for. Lots of arc's and curves? The style on the right is much better for that. Straight cuts only? (And honestly, I cut all curves and intricates with aviation snips) The first one is for you.. especially if you're cutting tough stuff.

As far as brands, I can't help you there.

Why don't you pick one up at horror freight on the cheap and give it a good try-out? :D
 
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HMCFab9

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The one on the left is more for straight cuts.
The one on the right is for curves, etc & you can also cut a pretty good straight line.
The good ones are called Beverly shears & are pretty expensive ($700 or so)
Harbor **** tools has a cheapo knockoff that may work.
Baileigh Industrial has a nicer one (MPS1) that is ok (used one several weeks ago), but still isn't a real Beverly.
 

astroracer

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Jun 22, 2005
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Mid_Michigan
What you buy also depends on what you will be cutting. The shear on the left is able to cut up to 1/4 inch plate. The Beverly will sheet metal only. 14ga is the max.
I have the shear on the left and a rotary shear I use for lighter gauge stuff. I got both from Woodward Fab. Good quality and they stand by their product.
The rotary will do 1/8th inch easily so that may prove to be more useful and the price is right from Woodward...
THROATLESS%20ROTARY%20SHEAR.jpg

Mark
 
Last edited:

fflintstone

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Jul 18, 2010
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Location
MOFnowhere Mi.
for a throatless shear beverly is the brand to get. they make three sizes the big one is over a grand and will cut thick stuff.

if you cheap out and get the HF throatless shear, remove the blade and retemper them before you use them. well documented on the web that they come too brittle.
 
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