What's a good quality Tin Snip ?

FUNFER2 · #1 (**permalink**) 10-09-2012, 02:22 PM

I have a old school 12" long tin snip. I need to start cutting some aluminum sheets for the cobra and other projects. I guess I did not realize they come in straight, right & left cutting. Tells you how much I've cut metal !

My intentions are just for home projects, not a professional full time job.

Please explain how the straight, right & left cutting snips work.

For price, big dollar descent always mean great quality, so what brand is middle of the road ? For instance, I believe that "Snap On" tools are overly priced. Nice tools, but too high $$$

What type, size and brands should I check out ?

For most projects, do I need all three ?
(ebay sells a lot of 3 in a package)

Are "aviation" snips any better and what are they ?

EBAY-
tin snips | eBay

AVIATION- (on ebay)

aviation snips | eBay

I will appreciate your schooling & advise.

FWB · #2 (**permalink**) 10-09-2012, 02:38 PM

WISS number M-300

the straight won't make your work curl on the cut end

scottj · #3 (**permalink**) 10-09-2012, 02:44 PM

I've done a ton of sheet metal bodies out of .040 aluminum... I use a 14" Malco for straight cuts on large sheets. I use a Wiss shear of some sort for everything else. A quality shear makes a difference...

As an example, I just did the aluminum work for the radiator opening yesterday and I needed a right hand, a left hand, a large Malco shear, and a Wiss seaming tool.

strictlypersonl · #4 (**permalink**) 10-09-2012, 03:32 PM

For just a little more money you can buy these from Harbor Freight:
Electric shears. That's an incredible bargain. I used a similar Bosch shear (>$250) extensively when we were doing repro Porsche parts. The Bosch unit cut curves in both directions, and with the correct technique, left a flat final product.

FUNFER2 · #5 (**permalink**) 10-09-2012, 03:33 PM

Scott- To cut, I assume you start with the straight cut, then once you need to start cutting left or right, you change to the approbate left/right snip ?
Why is that, just because the straight won't cut a bend well ?

Malco is 14" long !

One of my projects is making like you mentioned, a radiator shroud, opening and one for the oil cooler. So,....learn me. lol

What about the different styles available, like the flat bottom snips ?
Since they lay flat on the sheet, are they easier to control ?

While we're on the subject, have you used and do you like the air nibblers vs the hand snips ?

When you have time, would you look at my ebay page I posted for which Wiss types I need ? I will greatly appreciate it ! (like I said, learn me) lol

Silversmith · #6 (**permalink**) 10-09-2012, 03:46 PM

Power snips are great & do alot. However, if you are also looking for hand held snips, I strongly suggest you use "MidWest" brand for left, right & strait; yes 3 seperate cutters req. for each type of cut. They are far better than Wiss, and are used by most pro tin knockers that I know. they can be bought @ most Sears/tool departments stores! For about the same price as Wiss.

FUNFER2 · #7 (**permalink**) 10-09-2012, 03:49 PM

Well I'll be damned. I watched the video and it looks like it cuts very well, and the rest part of the sheer looks like you can use it to sight where you're cutting. Do you happen to know how long (in average) the blades last ?

FUNFER2 · #8 (**permalink**) 10-09-2012, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silversmith

Power snips are great & do alot. However, if you are also looking for hand held snips, I strongly suggest you use "MidWest" brand for left, right & strait cuts. They are far better than Wiss, and are used by most pro tin knockers that I know. they can be bought @ most Sears/tool departments stores!

I like Sears products (Craftsman) and others they carry, so I'll check them out.

Here's some on ebay. Which do you recommend ? (too bad no sellers have all three)

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=...nips&_osacat=0

Thor maine · #9 (**permalink**) 10-09-2012, 07:36 PM

I have done a lot of work with guy's who do duct work "tin knockers", and they all use(and I have asked them) SEARS.They all say they work the best and last the longest.

Silversmith · #10 (**permalink**) 10-10-2012, 03:21 AM

Remember M8! MidWest is the brand of hand held snips you can get @ Sears. they might sell others, ie- craftsman, wiss, etc. I've done a lot of metal work over the years. As a rook or pro I truely feel you will do best with the Midwest brand of tin snips. I might have 6 or 8 pair of wiss & others I wouldn't give to a enemy, if I had one. Good luck with your build.

vector1 · #11 (**permalink**) 10-10-2012, 06:41 AM

i have a shear and brake that come in handy for the odd jobs. both are small and fit on top of a desk but they get used. both are around 24" in length i think. i have the right, left, and straight snips and don't use them if i don't have to. i have a large pair of straight cutters that are probably first in line than the shear. brake for bending has come in handy.