More efficient bolt croppers?

[Wallace]

Is a short cutting torch with a biggish nozzle quick enough to gas through them? Haven't you got oxy prop already? Used with an economiser should be ok for stop start stuff?

Might leave a slightly burnt edge to the measuring tool being used, also a little expensive cutting for 6mm bar.

 

[chunkolini]

6mm and croppers is fine, 8mm okish until I have done a heap of them really it is 10mm and bigger.
Gas cutting them? too much faffing about and probably not accurate enough.
The tool on fleabay is on my watched items list, I have to speak to the cash fairy first though. But that does indeed look the ticket.

 

[normspanners]

How about making a frame / stand that holds your big bolt croppers, jaws towards you and a chain linkage to a foot pedal with a two to one ratio so that you can hold the bar with one hand keep the measurement with the other hand and do the cutting with your foot, the cut piece then remains in the one hand ready to place in position and be tacked ?you could have a spring return on the linkage so it is ready to cut again no power just the muscle in ya right leg that can move a greater distance with less force ??

 

[normspanners]

would be quite simple to make an electric one with motor and crank using a 40 to one reduction gear

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAW0xT18wSU
One of these Mcintires are very good (for doing fingernails) but very expensive

 

[chunkolini]

Thats the kind of thing, a mini version of that.
I have played about with foot power on bolt croppers, not practical.

 

[oddbob]

Just came across these... http://www.chestermachinetools.com/bolt-shear-6052-p.asp
...not a bad price either.

 

[Pete.]

What's wrong with a bottle jack and some home made jaws in a small frame?

 

[wyn]

If you go with something hydraulic powered you could also make up some sort of jig to attach to it to form rings, if you are still using a lot of them.

 

[PhillipM]

Apprentices are cheap, so are hacksaw blades. Plus, you don't have to stop to make a brew either.

 

[chunkolini]

AAAAaaannnd the VIRRRTual pint goes to Mr Oddbob!!
Spot on old bean.
I will have to speak to the cash fairy first of course.

 

[normspanners]

If you want me to go and look at the quality/test it for you they are only 4mls down the road?

 

[chunkolini]

If you could do that that would be great,
They look ideal but the price is a bit too right.
Tell you what, put your left pinkie in the jaws and give the lever a pull.
Seriously a test drive or at least a quick glance would be helpful.

 

[normspanners]

Ok will do, I have to go down there in the next few days will let you know if its ok.
and if you pay over the phone I could get parcel monkey to deliver it I think it it is 7.50 for up to 25kg

 

[chunkolini]

Get on your bike.

 

[brightspark]

AAAAaaannnd the VIRRRTual pint goes to Mr Oddbob!!
Spot on old bean.
I will have to speak to the cash fairy first of course.

wots one of them if u want something just get it our lass pays for my stuff on ebay and i just say nowt unless she asks

 

[normspanners]

Right I've been down to Chester Machine Tools to have a look and it seems a solid bit of kit, if you PM me I will send my number and we can chat (quicker than messaging)

 

[chunkolini]

Norm, that is very civilised of you, then again a chance to fiddle with new tools is always to be taken advantage of.
I have PM'ed you my phone number.
Nice one, Mrs C says you are all a nice bunch of guys.

 

[chunkolini]

Norm, just had an idea, just post me the finger, that will tell me enough, sharpness etc and saves a phone call.

 

[normspanners]

Cant phone now coz it was me dialin finger !!

 

[Wallace]

Cant phone now coz it was me dialin finger !!

I can hear the Dictaphone joke hurredly being typed somewhere......