Any Tips For Using a Nibbler?

[Turbo]

Picked this up recently.



It's a Makita JN1601 nibbler and a 110v transformer box.

The nibbler is rated for 1.6mm mild steel but it sailed through the 2mm plate in the pic like a knife through butter. Does it cause any problems using it to cut slightly heavier plate as I would use mostly 2 & 3mm sheet?

Any other tips?

I can see this being very useful for cutting curves. The only way I could do them before was a slitting disc followed by a grinding disc or a jigsaw which eats blades.

 

[Wallace]

Cutting fluid or light oil will extend the punch and die life, heavier than specified will load up the internals and motor causing wear. There are a couple of undercut rings around the die head 1.2mm & 1.6mm wide to use as a gauge for stainless and mild steel, the die gap is the gauge for aluminium. Have fun with the chips, they get everywhere!

 

[Kayos]

I used to have the same one for fitting warm air units, need to modify sheet steel on site

Fantastic for odd shapes and tight curves, plus no sparks to upset the H&S brigade while in domestic properties. The little chips do get everywhere, often the apprentices tool box

 

[brightspark]

best tip is put a sheet down where your cutting and have a brush and shovel handy if they was enough of the chips u could use them for shotblasting

 

[julianthegypsy]

If you cut heavier than specified you might well snap the end off, I've seen it happen. I'd love one for doing 1mm sheet though, I often have to carve bits up and its a job I hate!

 

[gordon stephenson]

Definitely do damage exceeding the recommended thicknesses, And as already stated, those little crescent chips do get everywhere.

 

[pedrobedro]

I have a drill mounted Turner nibbler that cuts 16g easily enough. Oil the cut line and take your time and 2mm should be doable but as said it will probably wear the cutter a bit quicker. My theory is if it will fit in the head it should cut it, 3mm might be a bit ambitious though if the cutting die is just on the return when it hits the metal it may stall or snap it.

 

[Shox Dr]

Be very careful of the clippings, they get everywhere. They stuck in the sole of my boots, transfering to a brand new kitchen floor.


Oh and they're not much fun getting them out of your knees either