- Thread starter gj1994
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KemppiFrog
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I use a Clarks air nibbler. Pretty good on 1mm sheet. I once tried a drill attachment, not impressed, but could be OK for thin stuff.
KF
KF
mike 109444
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Hi gj1994
There was a recent thread on electric metal shears which also included discussion on nibblers. I have used the hand operated (Modex I think there called) which work ok but take it out on you hand. I have also the air operated type, workes great on nice clean metal, not so good on rusty edges when cutting out rot you need to go back to an area of good metal to get a good bit when cutting. I also use a Makita electric nibbler this to is much like the air nibbler just bulker and does not cut quite so tight a curve. Both of the powered nibblers produce small nibs of metal which will fly all around the work area (think toe nail clippings only in metal!). If you have compressed air might be worth watching for Alid or Lidi doing there ari sheers. I did pickup some when they had them recently but have yet to use them in anger. Don't forget to check the thickness limit of any you buy.
There was a recent thread on electric metal shears which also included discussion on nibblers. I have used the hand operated (Modex I think there called) which work ok but take it out on you hand. I have also the air operated type, workes great on nice clean metal, not so good on rusty edges when cutting out rot you need to go back to an area of good metal to get a good bit when cutting. I also use a Makita electric nibbler this to is much like the air nibbler just bulker and does not cut quite so tight a curve. Both of the powered nibblers produce small nibs of metal which will fly all around the work area (think toe nail clippings only in metal!). If you have compressed air might be worth watching for Alid or Lidi doing there ari sheers. I did pickup some when they had them recently but have yet to use them in anger. Don't forget to check the thickness limit of any you buy.
Argos sourced Einhell air nibbler for me - thirsty on the air but totally flies through 1mm steel and aluminium. I've only done clean stuff though.
For what it's worth I clamp a piece of straight 3mm steel a few mm offset from the line I'm cutting, doing it freehand I just wander everywhere.
For what it's worth I clamp a piece of straight 3mm steel a few mm offset from the line I'm cutting, doing it freehand I just wander everywhere.
I have one of the old 'Falcon' brand nibblers which are fitted to an electric drill.
Okay for curved shapes if you can clamp the metal firmly, as it is more accurate guided with both hands. Copes with metal thickness up to about 1.2 mm. Was advertised to do up to 1.6 mm I think, but it makes very hard work of this thickness, or maybe mine is worn.
The downside is the tiny metal crescents get everywhere, particularly in shoes and socks. I rig up a small sheet of metal underneath the work area, with a magnet stuck underneath. The waste clings to the sheet, and can be brushed off into the bin.
Okay for curved shapes if you can clamp the metal firmly, as it is more accurate guided with both hands. Copes with metal thickness up to about 1.2 mm. Was advertised to do up to 1.6 mm I think, but it makes very hard work of this thickness, or maybe mine is worn.
The downside is the tiny metal crescents get everywhere, particularly in shoes and socks. I rig up a small sheet of metal underneath the work area, with a magnet stuck underneath. The waste clings to the sheet, and can be brushed off into the bin.
pedrobedro
Man at Matalan
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I have a Turner nibbler that I bought at a kit show years ago which cuts 16g sheet well.
ok cheers for the reply's, had a go with a milwaukee 240v one in school, flew through the metal and a real good tool, but was around £240 new i think :/
Only reason i was thinking of going electric as i dont yet have a compressor, otherwise i would have bought a air nibbler no doubt.
I doesnt need to be the most expensive as i'll only be using it to cut out the 'Toylander' pannels, and a few other bits and it would have payed for its self (:
Only reason i was thinking of going electric as i dont yet have a compressor, otherwise i would have bought a air nibbler no doubt.
I doesnt need to be the most expensive as i'll only be using it to cut out the 'Toylander' pannels, and a few other bits and it would have payed for its self (:
inchpincher
2-stroke terror
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How about a reciprocating saw? I don't have one yet but I have a friend that loves his for sheet work.
EBay linky
EBay linky
pedrobedro
Man at Matalan
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That's pneumatic and he hasn't got a compressor, that's why he's looking at electric (it says in the post above) and it's £128 which would buy a few nibblers. If you have a jig saw get some decent metal cutting blades if it's only for a bit of panel work. I've used mine for steel and aluminium and it's no problem.
chunkolini
celebrity artiste
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I had a drill powered nibbler.
Worked really well, a bit clumsy but did the job
I used it about three times as the tiny crescent shaped bits of metal spat out by it get everywhere, in your socks and even in the bed.
I stumped up for a set of Bosch power shears instead.
Worked really well, a bit clumsy but did the job
I used it about three times as the tiny crescent shaped bits of metal spat out by it get everywhere, in your socks and even in the bed.
I stumped up for a set of Bosch power shears instead.
droopsnoot
Member
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I've got a drill-powered nibbler, it's been pretty good for me cutting 16 and 18 gauge steel. Chunko's right about those bits of metal, especially annoying if it's the middle of summer and you're not wearing any socks as they're very hot when they fly off the drill.
For what I paid it's been very useful, I've had a couple of replacement tips under the lifetime warranty without any problems, mine came from AB Tools at the NEC show.
For what I paid it's been very useful, I've had a couple of replacement tips under the lifetime warranty without any problems, mine came from AB Tools at the NEC show.
Hi, I've got this, absolutely fantastic tool! Cost me about £350.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9KxebpRAYI&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9KxebpRAYI&feature=related
gavuk
artful-bodger
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Not cheap then
.I do like the cut off function ,my £20 aldi air version doesn't do that 
Tupers
Member
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Does anyone here use these Makita shears or something similar?
They're expensive but I've seen them sat on benches in the back ground of a lot of different hot rod shows on TV and tutorial vids on you tube.
They're expensive but I've seen them sat on benches in the back ground of a lot of different hot rod shows on TV and tutorial vids on you tube.
the snooper
getting older by the day
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i have bosch shears and another make which i have forgotten 3 letters and i wouldnt be without them
mike 109444
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£350 for a silent cutter with built in mp3 player (or am I missing something: ) )
