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How to Buy a Benchtop Metal Shear

10 min read

Introduction

Benchtop Metal Shears for DIYers Table

Benefits Reason
Durable Benchtop metal shears are constructed with a sturdy frame that allows you to make precise cuts.

| | Accessible | Benchtop metal shears are easy to use and store in your home, so you always have them nearby when needed.

| | Versatile | With a benchtop metal shear, you can tackle projects of all shapes, sizes, and materials, including wood, plastic, and metal.

| | Cost-Efficient | You get the same professional-grade cutting capabilities at a fraction of the cost of an industrial metal shear.

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Benchtop metal shears are the perfect tool for the DIYer.

They’re durable, accessible, versatile, and cost-efficient.

With a benchtop metal shear, you can tackle projects that might have seemed too difficult before with confidence.

Cut precisely with minimal effort and own the home improvement projects you’ve been dreaming of.

Defining the Benchtop Metal Shear

A benchtop metal shear is a power tool used to make straight cuts in metal.

It’s a type of shear, meaning it’s designed to cut metal by clamping it between two blades and force the blades together.

Metal shears are also available as part of larger and more powerful machinery.

Benchtop metal shears are smaller, and are designed to be used mainly on thinner sheets of metal.

They’re also more affordable than large shears and offer the convenience of portability.

Benchtop metal shears are ideal for do-it-yourself projects and hobbies that require straight and accurate cuts in metal.

Our Goal

Our goal is to help home DIYers buy the best benchtop metal shear to fit their needs.

We’ll discuss the right kind of shear for every project, from small craft items to large professional projects.

We’ll also talk about the features to look for and how to use a benchtop metal shear safely and accurately.

Finding the right shear can help you save time and money by completing a project in a fraction of the time it would have taken to do it by hand.

With the right benchtop metal shear, you’ll have the confidence and know-how to make any project easier and better.

What Sets Benchtop Metal Shears Apart

Advantages

Benchtop metal shears have many advantages over other types of tools.

They offer a precise cut and are very versatile.

This means you can cut different types of metal with ease.

They are also typically easier to handle than bigger shears, giving you better control and comfort.

Thanks to their smaller size, you can use them in space-limited areas many other tools cannot access.

They also save time since they are able to quickly cut through various materials.

Benchtop metal shears are a great choice for anyone looking for an effective and easy-to-use cutting solution.

How Benchtop Metal Shears Work

Benchtop metal shears are a great tool to cut through thin material.

They are powered by electricity and work by using a motor and blades.

The blades rotate rapidly against each other, powered by the motor, to cut through the material.

The blades are designed to stay sharp for a longer period of time, which shifts the focus of the shears away from sharpening and more on the speed and accuracy of the cuts.

These shears are easy to use and provide consistent results.

They come in different sizes to accommodate different types and thicknesses of material and can cut straight or curved lines.

They are versatile and powerful tools for any hobbyist or professional.

Features to Look For

When shopping for a benchtop metal shear, find one with adjustable blades.

Allowing for different settings provides more accuracy for the project you’re working on.

Look for a model with a foot control guard to protect your hands while in use.

It should also have an easy-to-use clamping system so you can keep your material secure while cutting.

Additionally, pick one with a squaring arm that moves quickly and precisely for accurate straight cuts.

Lastly, a benchtop metal shear should have a large throat size to support a wide variety of materials.

When to Use a Benchtop Metal Shear

Common Applications

Benchtop metal shears are great for a variety of different applications.

One of the most common uses of this tool is cutting sheet metal.

Many metal craftsmen, such as carpenters and metalworkers, rely on these tools for cutting sheet metal into precise shapes.

Additionally, benchtop metal shears are great for cutting thicker metal bars and ideal for intricate curves and angles.

They are also great for creating decorative designs in metalwork.

Lastly, benchtop metal shears are often used in metal fabrication and making ornamental designs.

All in all, benchtop metal shears can be extremely helpful when it comes to metalworking projects.

Benchtop Metal Shears In Your Workshop

Benchtop metal shears are a great addition to any home workshop! They quickly and accurately cut through flat sheet metal, making them perfect to use in place of saws or tin snips.

They make it much easier to make neat cuts at just the right angles.

You can easily cut square, round, or rectangular shapes to fit specific measurements.

Plus, benchtop metal shears are much easier and safer to use than saws and other more dangerous power tools in your workshop.

They also don’t require any heavy lifting, which is an advantage when it comes to metallic materials.

With a benchtop metal shear in your workshop, you’ll be able to quickly make precision cuts in any shape.

Techniques and Tips

When using a benchtop metal shear, it’s important to follow certain techniques and tips to get the job done correctly and safely.

Make sure to use the correct blade size for the material you are cutting - a small blade for heavier materials and a larger one for lighter materials or to help avoid blade breakage.

When shearing, there should be an adequate distance between the edge of the material and the edge of the machine to allow for a clean cut.

Use the shear at the right speed for the material - slow for thin material and faster for thicker material.

Don’t forget to check all blades and screws before operating the machine.

Lastly, if you use the machine for multiple thicknesses of material, take the time to adjust the blade clearance once in a while.

Following these tips can make metal shearing and easier and safer process.

What To Look For In A Benchtop Metal Shear

Benchtop Metal Shear Options

When using a benchtop metal shear, there are several techniques and tips you can use to get the best results.

When selecting a blade, opt for one with a beveled edge.

This type of blade will make it easier to slice through thicker metals.

Also, make sure to lubricate your blade before each use.

This helps ensure that it is cutting cleanly and that the blades are working together as intended.

Additionally, when using your shear, make sure to apply even pressure on both sides of the shear handle to get an even cut.

Finally, be sure to set the shear down on a flat surface to increase stability.

Following these tips and techniques will help you get the most out of your benchtop metal shear.

Choosing the Right Benchtop Metal Shear

When buying a benchtop metal shear, there are a few things to consider.

First, decide what type of metal you need to cut the most.

Different shears are made for cutting different types of metal, so be sure to find the right one for your needs.

Second, check the size of the shear.

Some are larger than others and can cut bigger pieces of metal.

Third, decide whether you need adjustable blades.

This is important when needing to cut heavier pieces of metal, as you can adjust the gap between the blades for a clean cut.

Finally, don’t forget to check the speed and power of the shear.

This will determine how smoothly and quickly it can cut the metal.

By taking these considerations into account, you should be able to find the perfect benchtop metal shear for your needs.

Brand Reliability

When considering what benchtop metal shear to buy, checking customer reviews and brand reliability is key.

Look for known and trusted brands that are known to be reliable and durable.

Some suggested brands are Proto, Malco, and Bessey who all have a great track record for quality metal shears.

Proto leads the pack when it comes to reliability, offering a one-year warranty on some of their models.

Customers also report that Malco’s shears conduct their job well and are built to last.

Bessey warrants their benchtop shears for up to three years.

Investing in a solid benchtop shear from a reliable brand will ensure you get a quality shear that will last for years to come.

Safety Measures and Precautions

Troubleshooting

Benchtop metal shears can sometimes have issues.

One common issue is when the blade gets dull or bends.

To fix this, you should replace the blade with a new one.

If the blade is still in good condition but not cutting properly, check to make sure the blade bolt is tight and the blade is properly aligned.

If the blade is stuck, you should check the spring that controls the opening and closing of the blade to ensure that it is working properly.

If the blade is still not cutting properly, the blade may need to be sharpened.

You can sharpen the blade with a metal file, but be sure to go gently, as too much pressure can damage the blade.

Maintenance and Upkeep

Having a benchtop metal shear is exciting, but it does take some upkeep.

Remember to keep it clean by wiping it down after each use and using a soft cloth.

Parts may loosen over time, so make sure to check tightness regularly.

It is also important to check the blades and make sure they are sharp.

It is smart to have extra blades and parts just in case problems should arise.

Don’t sweat it - just make sure regular maintenance is done that you can have a smooth operating metal shear for years to come.

Staying Safe

Always stop and think before operating a benchtop metal shear.

Wear protective gear such as safety glasses, hearing protection, and heavy work gloves.

Make sure the workbench and its surrounding area are clean and clear of obstacles.

Read the user’s manual before you start and follow all instructions closely.

Be sure to check the shear for worn parts or broken springs that could cause kickback.

Turn the shear off and unplug it when not in use.

Make sure the blade is sharp and firmly secured in place.

And lastly, never leave the shear unattended and keep children and pets away from the work area.

These are all important safety precautions that need to be followed when working with a benchtop metal shear.

Conclusion

Buying Your Benchtop Metal Shear

When buying a benchtop metal shear, make sure to consider the size, weight and price of the machine.

Take into account the type of metal projects you plan to work on and choose a machine with enough power and features to get the job done.

Consider the durability of the equipment and make sure it’s well-made with the best materials.

Make sure you have a sturdy base to set the machine on, and all the necessary safety features like an ON/OFF switch and emergency stop button.

Finally, don’t forget to factor in the cost of replacement parts and a manual that covers all the how-to information you may need.


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