Nibblers or Shears

[sparky]

Hi,
Up till now I have used Hand Shears- Gas-Grinders -Jigsaws and Fret Saw for cutting.
Looking into getting Nibbler or Electric Shears.
Have never used either.
What I want to do is cut detailed shapes from sheet metal.
For Art work and Custom Work.
The Ones I am looking at are Makita JN3200 Nibbler
And Makita JS3200 Shears.
Any thoughts would be great.

 

[fingers99]

Horses for courses really. Think of the nibblers as a quick fretsaw, the sheers as a large bandsaw. That's to say, the nibblers will do more much intricate stuff than the shears.

You can get air versions (of the nibblers, at least, not sure about the shears), or versions (see the FROST automotive catalogue) that will fit an electric drill (I want one of them!), which may save you some money (saves paying for 2 electric motors). I think you're going to need both.

Hope that helps.

I thought you were in France?

 

[sparky]

Hi,Sparkey came on line after me,Shes in France.
Think It may be the French translation Sparkeeeeey.
I am thinking of maybe compressor as well.
What are thoughts on Makita?

 

[irondarren]

Air nibblers are cheap enough you can pick up a reasonable set for 60 quid, here in the UK. They are a little slow at cutting most air sets work up to 1.2mm but with practice you can follow nicely a shape on sheet steel. definatly worth while if playing with car body thickness material

 

[fingers99]

Not used or bought any Makita stuff in the last decade, but back then, I was very impressed.

Mind you, look at Wolf now!

 

[zzr1200]

What are thoughts on Makita?

Makita are very good quality for the price.

I also consider Metabo tools good valve, both can be had on special deals at times.

 

[MrFluffy]

Good nibblers won't leave a burr either like shears tend to...

 

[chunkolini]

I'd go for power shears over a nibbler any day. Nibblers spit out tiny little bits of swarf all over the place and they get everywhere.
I have a set of these
http://www.sitebox.ltd.uk/proddetail-BSC_GSC16-bosch-gsc-16-sheet-metal-shears-240-volt-only.html
Great piece of kit, will cut 1.2mm mild steel into curves of about 40mm radius, no burr on the edge, have used them loads, pricey but well worth it. Saving my pennies for the larger version.

Chunko'.

 

[wyn]

I've got the Makita js3200........big old thing, tricky to use with one hand. As it shears one part of the sheet goes up and one goes down or stays flat so when you try to cut various curves you end up fighting the sheet and it gets real hard work. Great for srtaight lines though.

 

[chunkolini]

Wyn
Try having the sheet supported on a large bench, and lifting the shears slightly as you go.
Chunko'.

 

[Hitch]

Makita is hardworking stuff, not always the comfiest to use, but workhorses.
Thats quite a machine, been a while since i used one, i seem to remember them being quite noisey and heavy.
I wouldn't say they were ideal for intricate shapes though.

 

[nHill08]

Nibblers are good, however they take about a 8mm slot out of whatever your cutting due to the way they cut, using a die and punch, so for intricate work it would be very tricky to be honest.
And shears are near enough meaty metal scissors much better for intricate work.

hope that helps :P

nick