The choice and use of scissors for cutting sheets of metal tiles

Punching (nibbling) shears with manual drive

They are used to cut mainly profiled metal and corrugated pipes, and they allow you to do this from any point. These tools operate on the principle of gouging the metal that falls into the gap, so the nibbling / punching will always be done with a drop. Some models of hand shears are supplied with a set of blades with curved edges that allow punching holes.

The accuracy of the shape cut and its complexity depend on the size of the working equipment. The cutting process takes place in the following sequence:

1. markings are applied on the contour;
2. the scissors are positioned so that the upper blade is positioned above the markings. It is worth noting that manual nibbling shears are produced in both left and right positions of the cutting tool;
3. using a drive handle or a lever, they bring the working head into action, and, moving the workpiece along the markings, cut along the desired contour;
4. after cutting, the finished product is straightened, which is always bent during the cutting process.

A special type of manual nibblers is a specialized attachment for an electric drill chuck. It includes a set "punch-matrix", which is kinematically connected to the eccentric shaft, and is enclosed in a robust split body. When the electric drill is turned on, the die-cut is performed along the specified contour. In this case, the workpiece must be securely installed on a flat frame, the opening in which must be larger than the dimensions of the shaped contour formed.

Electric shears for metal

Modern metal power tools are capable of cutting material of any thickness. There are many ways to cut metal objects, but the most famous one is scissors. They can be classified according to characteristics, depending on what goal will be set for them.

What kind of power tool is there for cutting metal?

To cut any thickness of metal, there are electric shears.

What are electric shears?

This electric tool resembles a small grinder with an elongated design and engine shape. For the manufacture of the case, manufacturers use strong structural ABS plastic. The operation of the tool depends on the mains supply for long-term operation.

Electric shears power

The type of power tool is selected depending on what type of metal cutting is to be performed. If the metal is a thick material with a lot of bends, then the tool should be of high power. It can range from 300-600 watts. The more power, the heavier, the larger the dimensions and cost of the device.

Working body speed

The quality of the cut depends on the speed of the blade. Some models of electric shears are endowed with the function of regulating the cutting speed. This allows you to get the cut necessary in appearance, and also helps to save electricity.

Maximum metal thickness

Electric shears have a lot of positive characteristics. One of them is the ability of the tool to cut at the maximum thickness of the metal. From power the length of the working stroke depends parts, which means it is possible to make cuts on thick material.

Agility

Cutting metal starts differently in every type of power tool.With sheet electric shears, it starts from the edge of the material, with punching models, cutting occurs around the cut lines, and slotted tools can cut metal in the most inaccessible places.

For your information! Equally important is the regulation of the gap between the cutting parts.

Attention should be paid to the possibility of replacing the working body in the event of a breakdown.

Benefits of electric shears

Despite all the advantages, even such modern technology is not without its disadvantages. Fortunately, there are not many of them. Read more about the types of electrical devices for cutting metal parts - below.

Repair

Over time, scissors deteriorate, and the main problem becomes their blunting.

Sharpening on a grindstone.

• If you want to sharpen your scissors, it's best to take them apart and use both sides as separate "knives." Then sharpening the entire edge will be much easier. In addition, you will ensure that you do not cut yourself with another blade when sharpening.
• The correct whetstone must be selected. If you only need to sharpen the tool a little, you can use a thin stone (1000 grit or better). If the scissors are dull enough, you must first repair the edge with a coarser sharpening stone. Think about grit sizes from 100 to 400. Considering that almost all scissors are made of stainless steel, you can use any type of abrasive.
• For a quick result, you can choose a diamond stone. Its advantage is that it will last a long time. However, if you want more accurate results, you can use ceramic or aluminum oxide.
• Next, you need to sharpen the inside of the first blade. Frequent use of scissors, during which both blades move against each other, can eventually lead to wear. This is what needs to be restored first. In addition, this way you also remove any potential rust.
• After adding water to the whetstone, place the scissor blade on its surface. The blade is moved from the point where it crosses the handle to the tip. Use the full length of the stone and do not apply too much pressure. Repeat this until all rust has been removed. You can also use a marker to mark the entire blade. And once you remove all markings, the blade is completely ready.
• Next - the edges. The advantage of sharpening scissors over a knife is that the blade is relatively wide and highly visible. As a result, the correct sharpening angle has already been selected. You place the blade on the sharpening stone at such an angle to ensure that the entire edge of the blade is in contact with the stone. Now you need to make the same movement from the center to the tip, using the entire sharpening surface.
• Repeat the process with the other half of the scissors. Fold both pieces together and make a couple of cutting strokes.

In order to save money, professionals sometimes make their own scissors. The main thing is that they are made of ultra-strong alloy and according to the corresponding drawings. For example, bearings are used to produce roller shears.

For more information on metal scissors, see the next video.

Criterias of choice

When buying electric scissors, you need to pay attention to many different factors:

1. Power. Varies in the range of 300-650 W. A powerful tool is always better because it allows you to make a deeper cut. But it must be borne in mind that an increase in the power characteristics of the motor is accompanied by a loss of maneuverability.
2. Knife stroke rate. The higher this indicator, the more accurate the cut. However, with thick workpieces, it is preferable to work at a low speed, so a tool with a function for adjusting the knife speed is the best option.
3. Maximum metal thickness. It varies from 0.3 to 16 mm. When assessing this parameter, one should also take into account what material the scissors are intended for: soft or durable steel, aluminum, composite, etc.
4. Cutting elements material. Most cutters are made from chrome-molybdenum and chrome-vanadium alloys, but the most durable are chrome-nickel blades or high-carbon steel.
5. Maneuverability. It is inversely proportional to the turning radius of the scissors: the smaller the radius, the higher the maneuverability.
6. Ergonomic The tool should be comfortable to hold with one hand. However, for processing thick metal, an additional removable handle will not be superfluous.
7. Launch node. The button for fixing the operating mode must be located in an accessible place so that it can be pressed with the finger of the operating hand.
8. Power supply:
   1. Built-in rechargeable battery. Ideal for roofing and hard-to-reach areas. In addition to ease of use, the advantage of such devices is also the absence of the risk of damage to the cord. The only but significant drawback of such devices is low power (the maximum thickness of the workpiece is 1.5-2.0 mm, recharging is needed every 50-70 meters).
   2. Mains powered. They allow you to operate with a workpiece on a workbench without thinking about charging and limiting performance.

Varieties

All nibblers are divided into 2 large groups: household and professional. Models belonging to the first type provide cutting in the range of no more than 1-3 millimeters. This will be enough only when working with thin types of corrugated board. Professional nibblers provide cutting in a range of no more than 5 millimeters. They can be used even when processing reinforcement. This variety is recommended for cutting hard metals.

In addition, such scissors can be divided into manual and electric. The first group is additionally subdivided into 2 types: mechanical shears and tools on a lever mechanism. Manual (mechanical) scissors are required for processing metal sheets with a thickness of no more than 1 millimeter. The second type has a more complex design (the handle is attached to the cutting mechanism).

Electric models of such scissors provide fast and most comfortable cutting of a metal sheet. Sometimes they are used to process metal rods. They are used both in domestic conditions and in professional workshops. Electric shears are made with a motor, a special V-belt transmission of the crank mechanism and the main shaft. Also obligatory components are the slider guides and the working table, which are located on the bed.

Also, all punching shears are divided, depending on the type of vibrational input during processing, into electric shears with a lower cut and simple shears with a lower cut.

Electric Bottom Cut Shears

Such a tool makes impacts when the punch is directed upwards. Moreover, a load acts on the matrix. The tool is equipped with a pendulum support that allows for normal curved travel.

Bottom cut simple scissors

This kind of scissors makes blows when the element moves down. The nibbling that appears during the processing of the material also goes downward. The downside of the tool is the absorption of the impact force by the matrix.

Device and principle of operation

The slicing mechanism resembles a sander. Electric shears have an elongated body made of impact-resistant plastic, which fits easily in the operator's hand. For models with increased power, manufacturers additionally install a handle.

The main parts of the device are:

• gearbox with multistage type;
• working tool (blades);
• protective screen;
• an electric motor installed in the housing;
• power cord.

A unit for converting rotary motion from the electric motor to the working tool is located in the body. The mechanical gear will reduce the speed for the metal cutting operation. The working mechanism consists of a stationary and a movable part, when the sheet is installed between them, it is divided into two parts.

Exploitation

In order not to injure yourself, to complete the work successfully, it is necessary to follow a number of rules for operating a power tool or self-made devices. These include:

1. Wear durable gloves to protect your hands from chips, cuts and sharp edges of metal sheets.
2. Use protective gloves.
3. It is advisable to fix the part motionlessly with the help of third-party devices so that you can hold and operate the power tool with both hands. This will ensure smooth cuts.
4. Clean work surfaces from foreign debris, rust, plaque.
5. Check the integrity of the wire through which the connection to the general network takes place. Do not use twists to repair it.
6. Before starting work, check the sharpening of the cutting parts of the scissors. If they are dull, or there are visible defects, it is necessary to replace the moving part. You can buy a new item at a hardware store or manufacturer's service center.
7. Do not try to cut the workpiece with a tool over the maximum thickness, which is indicated in the technical passport.
8. It is advisable to buy a new power tool. It has a warranty period.
9. If the metal is jammed between the cutting parts, you need to disconnect the electric shears from the mains, try to pull them out manually. If you cannot remove the metal shavings, you need to disassemble the working part for cleaning.
10. While cutting the part, it is required to hold the scissors perpendicular to the cutting line. Deviation in any direction will lead to irregularities, burrs, chewing.
11. Do not try to clean the cutting parts from chips when the wire is connected to the network.

You cannot start repairing an electric scissor yourself without practical experience. So you can ruin them completely. Observing the rules of operation, you can protect yourself from injuries, defective workpieces.

Photo of electric scissors for metal

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Design features

In appearance, electric shears are similar to an ordinary grinder.

The design of the electric shears includes the following elements:

• Body with an electric motor inside. It has an elongated shape, so it fits well in the palm of your hand. On models with a heavy powerful motor, an additional handle is placed on the body for convenience. Regardless of the type and cost of the tool, the body is always made of impact-resistant plastic.
• Multi-stage gearbox. Responsible for transforming the rotational motion of the motor into the reciprocating motion of the cutting head. Made of metal.
• Working node. Contains knives or die and punch needed to cut metal.
• Metal shield. Protects the operator's hand from contact with the sharp edge of the workpiece.
• Electrical cord for supplying power to the instrument.

The scheme of working with electric scissors does not differ from working with ordinary ones. The operator smoothly guides the cutting head along the intended cutting line from the start point to the end point. The main rule of work: the speed of movement of the hand should correspond to the speed of cutting the metal.

Expert opinion
Kulikov Vladimir Sergeevich

Accuracy and accuracy of cutting on any electric shears depends solely on the experience and skill of the operator.

conclusions

Electric shears can save their owner a lot of time and effort.

Shears are the simplest and most reliable, but limited in functionality.

Nibbling and slotting tools are best for making radial cuts and working with profile blanks.

For periodic use at home, a cheap tool like TITANIUM PPN55-16 will be enough.

The Fein BLK 5.0 nibbler is the best choice for professional thick metal cutting.

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