need some quick advice - beverly shear

[Piper]

hey all.. happy new year

I have had my eyes open for a beverly shear for a while. Of course I've found one now that Christmas has been spent and wonder if ya'll could take a look at it for me. Here's the link.http://toronto.en.craigslist.ca/mss/tls/2730039526.html

He wants $300 for it, has no other pictures. He's said it's a B-1 which can be had new for $536. He also says that the blades are in "pretty" good shape, but as the photo doesn't reveal much I'm left wondering. Worst of all, this shear is ~200 miles away from me. I have a buddy who is much closer to the seller that'll pick it up for me but doesn't know about tools at all and I don't want him have to make the decision, nor do I want to send him if I'm not gonna buy it.

What do you think is reasonable for me to offer? I'm kind of thinking $225 with the argument that if I have to buy new blades they'd be $100 but then I think to myself I can get a NEW one for ...

Any thoughts? Is the $300 fair? I have to make a decision today as my friend can only do a pick up tomorrow and then is away.

Thanks!

 

[Crank1]

What are you planning on cutting with it? As I try to recall, there are 1,2, and 3? And they vary in capacity as the number increases, I don't know what you are trying to cut, but the B-1 could be under the capacity for what you want. I use one at work fairly often, and do not know what model it is, but even if it is a B-1, sometimes it has issues getting .090" aluminum thru it, I think the serrations on the jaws are pretty much gone and that is the issue, but just make sure you get the correct model for what you are wanting to do with it.

 

[Piper]

judging by the photo it looks like the B-1 which is what the seller "thinks" it is. The B-1 can cut up to 14 gauge steel sheet which is the thickest I need. As the B-1 is the lowest model (one which cuts the thinnest) I'm not so concerned.

I guess I'm just not sure about the $$ factor.

 

[Outlawmws]

His asking prices are all at the high end of Eprey prices, so no not a "deal" at all.

He did say "asking price" so don't be afraid to dicker,

Not sure where anything shows blade wear? no mention and no close ups.

If any wear on the blades, use that to hammer on the price

 

[mike13u]

If you can get it for $200 its about as good as you will find.. They are awesome tools and it will outlive you. They are prized and desired, so one that is in good shape will go quickly in aftermarket.
I have a B2. Blades last a LONG time. Offer him $200 or $225. If you have the dough, you will be happy with the tool. Its a beast and can do alot of nice work.

 

[oily]

I've used a notcher like that one. Very handy.

 

[Piper]

welp, I bought it. I offered $225 and after a bit of a hesitant pause the seller said ok. It sounds like the guy has well maintained it and the blades are in good shape. I'm pretty happy as I've been cutting some 14 g sheet metal with my bandsaw and that's getting pretty tiring due to the throat limit.

Thanks for everyone's quick response!

 

[Piper]

welp, I got the shear today. It's in great shape, not a nick on the blades at all. Best part, it's actually a B-2, not the B-1. So, for $225 I think a steal. Sorry for the minor gloat, but hey, every once in a while....

 

[ozyborn]

A B-2 for $225. Yep, you stole it. I used to make medieval armor in the SCA. I will never give up my B-2. but for that price i would make room for a spare.

Sweet..

 

[4x4gearhead]

welp, I got the shear today. It's in great shape, not a nick on the blades at all. Best part, it's actually a B-2, not the B-1. So, for $225 I think a steal. Sorry for the minor gloat, but hey, every once in a while....

Well Piper, you ****! thats a good find though, for the money if I was as local as you to it I would have done it in a heartbeat.

 

[autopts]

Make sure its the Chicago made Beverly. I saw an import once.

 

[geologist]

My dad used to work in an RV shop and they had a very similar Beverly. Once you get used to their subtle nuances, they can be a blast to play with.

 

[Outlawmws]

 

[fordcragar]

You got a deal. I bought a B2 about 10 years ago for $325. A couple of years ago, I picked up another B2 for $80 at a garage sale and made a friend a deal for $200. The way I looked at it, he got a deal and it made my B2 even better.

 

[mike13u]

Yes. You stole it at that price.

Post pics.

 

[kindyr]

You absolutely stole that. I thought I did ok at $650 for my B2 and still the best tool investment I ever made.

So you, sir, ****.