best 26 & 29Ga cutting tools - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

nwksremodeler · 04-22-2008, 09:16 PM

I was wondering what everyone uses for cutting strong barn tin, Imperial rib, rugged rib, or other similar metal panels, besides the standard hand tools? I inheritated a Black & Decker Rotary Power Cutter model 7975 from my great grandfather. I don't know how common these tools were, there sure doesn't seem to be any parts, hell maybe this in one of the few out there! Basically this power tool looks like a jig saw with two rotary wheels, one that is powered and the other operates by friction on the bottom side of the material being cut. These wheels act as rotary shears as it pulls its way through the material. It has been around for a long while and I am finally wearing out the rotary wheels whit running it in my construction business. Which brings me to my question of why I am asking what everyone is using for cutting such materials. I know there are power shears and nibblers out there on the market, but I really don't like the mess that they create while cutting materials. I have not been around either type but just looking at them I would guess that they wont cut profiles very well. My rotary cutter handles cutting profiles very well. Whats everyone take on what to buy, or does anyone know of another brand of rotary cutter? Thanks for the input.

**joasis** · 04-22-2008, 09:30 PM

I use Kett shears for inline cuts, and now we use Hitachi nibblers for all other cuts. The replacement punches and dies won't kill you at $40 or so, and the tool is less then $300.

KillerToiletSpider · 04-22-2008, 09:43 PM

I'd use a plasma cutter.

**joasis** · 04-22-2008, 10:02 PM

I have tried plasma, and it isn't satisfactory with the paint coating on steel panels.

nwksremodeler · 04-22-2008, 10:18 PM

joasis,

I assume that you are using the nibblers when cutting through the profiles on the tin, how do they work? Do they get hung up, and cause you agravations? Does a person have to buy a nibbler set for the particular ga of tin you are working(29&26) for or can u get something rated for bigger GA(18GA)?