Sheet Metal Shears

A Sheet Metal Shear is a must have tool in any fabrication workshop that is looking to cut down larger sheets of metal and ensure nice straight edges. 

There are a number of different types of Sheet Metal Shears depending on your cutting requirements:

Foot-operated or Stomp Shears

Theses are the most common type of shear for smaller fabrication shops or home-garage choices due to the simplicity and lower cost and can usually support up to 16 gauge mild steel. The user simply places the sheet metal on the work-table and lines up the cut, then presses down or stomps with their foot on a large pedal to move the cutting blade resulting in a clean straight cut. 

Pneumatic Shears 

These shears are powered by your shop air, requiring 90-115 psi to operate and have the main benefit of reducing the effort and allowing you to make multiple cuts per minute, speeding up the process. These are ideal for workshops that are cutting sheet metal more often or continuously cutting 16 gauge steel with the aim of a higher production through-put. 

Hydraulic Shears

Hydraulic Shears are usually powered by an electric-hydraulic pump  and due to the extra pressure / force that can be generate by the hydraulics, are suitable for workshops needing to cut thicker material than can be handled by either foot or pneumatic shears.