Technical Throatless Shears

I do a lot of metal work. I have always thought I should get a throatless shear. I would like some feedback on different brands, Eastwood, Woodward, etc., what you like what you don't.

 

My personal belief is to buy the best (as I see it) That said I would only buy a Beverly, If I can't afford a new one I believe a used one is better than sending my money to China. I have also bought used Niagra, Pexto, Southbend and Bridgeport and all were less money than a new Chinese made harbor freight. Just my opinion.

Pat

 

I second the beverly. When I first started in the sheet metal trade in 1973 the beverly was one of the most common tools alongside the brake. Cut my first compound transistion out of 14 ga stainless with one and it went pretty darn smooth

 

Is there much of a difference between the B-1 and the B-2?

 

I don't have one, but the guy I took a sheetmetal class from said this was one of a few tools that you could get away with buying the cheapo HF version of and be just fine. Given the choice between HF, Eastwood or Woodward, I'd say buy whichever one is cheapest.

Personally, and for the little extra scratch over a HF throatless, I'm leaning toward the Baleigh MPS-3 Rotary shear. Baleigh is also an Alliance Vendor.

 

I can see doing some things out of the normal car hobby stuff...along with a bit of car stuff. We actually have a laser shop here so small quick jobs are common. In that text, I think I want to get something which will hold up and cut well.

 

My wife and I both use the Harbor Freight model and it seems to be working just fine. I have never used any other so have nothing to compare it to. The only maintenance has been to put in new cutting jaws since we damaged the original. She does metal sculpture and has actually used it a lot more than I and I've gotten no complaints (other than when the jaws need replacement)

 

size

 

I concur with those who said Beverly.

I have a B-1 and love it!

The "Beverly Shear" guy used to be on the H.A.M.B. pretty regular a few years back.
Wonder what happened with him?
He had mentioned at one time of giving HAMB'rs a decent break on the purchase of one, and also on blade sharpening for the same, ( which mine could use!).

 

We're also an alliance member as well if anyone decides on an Eastwood shear. I beat the hell out of my one in the shop here at work and my one at home and other than having to tune it up out of the box they work damn well for the price point (but a vintage Beverly would be nice to have at home for nostalgia purposes!).

 

Woodward Fab is junk.

 

Well, I have a Woodward straight shear and the rotary shear. I've had no complaints with them but I don't cut much thicker than 16 ga. With them.

 

I have a small hotrod shop for mine and friends use so the volume isn't high. I bought a HF open shear after being forwarned about some issues. We cut mostly 18ga. and it has worked fine. We had to shim some sloppy gaps for the handle but it works. Somewhere I found an article on hardening the cutters, but I haven't done that yet.

 

I have a HF, but if anyone wants to sell me their Beverly for what I paid for the HF (about 10 years ago), I'll take them up on it.

I don't think I've ever seen a good, useable Beverly for sale at a descent price. The HF works fine for a hobby shop.

 

Anyone know where to get the Beverly blades sharpened?
Other times that I've "Google'd" it, I always get Vic Irvan Enterprises for buying new blades.

 

Love my Beverly, got it used, and it's perfect, probably 30+ years old.

 

Beverly I have a B-1 & B-3, but I think a B-2 is the most common.

 

I have had good luck with the HF shear. I am not a big fan of HF stuff but this is one purchase that has worked out well. I have been using it for three or four years and have not had to replace the jaws yet.

 

I've used my B1 for about 25 years and never had to sharpen or adjust it. I'd say I probably got my $30 worth. ( I bought it at a auction) One of my favorite tools.

 

I have a Beverly B2 and I am very happy with it. I do have a few HF tools, but when I use them my Beverly shear laughs at me... It's embarrassing.
Seriously if you plan to use it a lot or own it a life time don't cheap out. You get what you pay for.

 

I have aB2 Got it used about 25 years ago my buddy sharpened the blades tuned it up still works fine. I love it.

 

I bought a used beverly b2 about 20 years ago. The thing is great, i find myself using it a lot more than my plasma cutter. I have a few harbor freight tools but i don't think i would buy large equipment from them.

 

I'm using a HF shear. Working well for me.

 

I have a baileigh unit. Works great,give Shane a call he's a good dude.

 

Industrial auctions and dispersal sales of companies going out of business are a great source of used high quality tools. It pays to check the listings often.

 

find one you can try out as they are all very different! i have seen top end ones not maintained operate poorly. a simple cleaning makes huge difference.