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Oh Lord, I just gotta find it....
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Forums59
Topics128,108
Posts1,037,361
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Most Online1,229
Jan 21st, 2020
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 952
OP
'Bolter
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I'm contemplating buying an air shear, or air nibbler. I'm tired of doing it with hand shears. Do any of you folks have any input on this subject? It would be greatly appreciated.
Rick
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 10,804
Grease Monkey, Moderator General Truck Talk & Greasy Spoon
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From what I see they produce a bit of extra waste but sure make the job go quickly.
Martin
'62 Chevy C-10 Stepside Shortbed (Restomod in progress)
'47 Chevy 3100 5 Window (long term project)
‘65 Chevy Biscayne 4dr 230 I-6 one owner (I’m #2) “Emily”
‘39 Dodge Businessmans Coupe “Clarence”
"I fought the law and the law won" now I are a retired one!
Support those brave men/women who stand the "Thin Blue Line"! Hug a cop!
USAF 1965-1969 Weather Observation Tech (I got paid to look at the clouds)
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 24,575
Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer)
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They only work on relatively thin metal, and the cutting dies wear out quickly. Don't buy the cheap import item that Harbor Freight sells- - - -it wears out in a real hurry!
I've found that a set of LONG handled shears are best for making straight or slightly curved cuts, ones with handles 18" long or more. The extra leverage makes cutting even 16 gauge metal easy.
Jerry
"Freedom's just another word for nothing left to lose"
Kris Kristofferson
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
WAG MORE- - - - - -BARK LESS!
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Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 5,060
Mixed Up
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Nibblers work slick, but cut about 1/8 to 3/16 wide waste.
Let us know what you get.
Don
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,041
'Bolter
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I've been cutting sheet metal for 40 years, roofing and siding. For most of that time I've used electric shears, either Kett or Milwaukee brand. I tried the nibblers but they leave a lot of pieces of metal behind. The shears just leave a 1/4" strip. They will cut up to 16 or 18 gauge but I have not done heavier than 26. They are easily sharpened. The best hand shears I've ever had was an old Wiss (very old) that we got at a farm auction in the bottom of a box of junk for a buck.
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Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 975
'Bolter
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I like the Milwaukee shear for most work. I have a few sets of hand shears. I also use a nibbler....I like that for round cuts. It does cut a wider strip, works ok with a straight edge but leaves those nasty little quarter moon shapes that seem to collect anywhere there is a roll, joint or crevice in your body....lol
Dan
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 426
Shop Shark
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53Panel, if you have cut 16 & 18 gauge then you have cut heavier than 26! The larger the number, the lighter the gauge. such as... 26, 24, 22, 20, 18, 16, 14... 26 being the lighter. Retired sheet metal worker after 42 years.
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,041
'Bolter
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53Panel, if you have cut 16 & 18 gauge then you have cut heavier than 26! The larger the number, the lighter the gauge. such as... 26, 24, 22, 20, 18, 16, 14... 26 being the lighter. Retired sheet metal worker after 42 years. I know my gauges. I can tell by feel what gauge the steel is, from 26 down to 30. I have never cut heavier than 26, not sure why you think I did.
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,450
'Bolter
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I think he read your statement "they will cut 16 or 18 gauge" as that you HAD done that.
A day without laughter is a day wasted- Charlie Chaplin
When wrestling a grizzly bear, you have to keep at it until the bear gets tired, not when you get tired. 1948 Chevy 2-Ton [ stovebolt.com]
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