48" pneumatic shear

[mrmikey]

I'm looking to purchase for work a 48" pneumatic shear that will cut 16ga steel and 1/8 aluminum. The steels no problem, I'm thinking the aluminum may post a problem as it being 'sticky' to shear. Anyone know of a machine that can handle it......Mike

[forhire]

I converted my 52" shear over to pneumatic and it is used primarily for aluminum.. it shears 5052 and 6061 sheet all day easily. No gumming issues. Mostly 10 and 16 gauge (0.1" and 0.05) thicknesses. I do keep the knives lightly lubricated, but that's mostly to prevent rust. It also does 16 gauge steel sheet and a very limited amout of stainless. The aluminum shears a LOT easier than steels plus my knives stay sharp forever.

I even use it to shear cardboard...

[mrmikey]

I had seen that Forhire. If it was my shears I'd do it in a minute but unfortunately the safety police where I work would have me drawn and quartered.
Thanks for the reply..............Mike

[forhire]

I'd look for a older Pexto, or something similarly heavy. Tennsmith now owns Pexto and offer their line and Pexto. My shear was a hand me down, I'm guessing Grizzly, from the AG shop. When the AG shop called to order a Pexto the salesman talked them into the Tennsmith because they had it in stock in Seattle. When it arrived it looked exactly like the shear they gave me, just shiny and new. Garbage.

I did try to shear some mystery aluminum sheet from Boeing surplus... not sure of the alloy and temper but the shear wouldn't touch it... could have been titanium for all I know.

[Lis2323]

I bought a 52” Pexto converted to pneumatic that needed rebuilding. The design mechanism was sound but the geometry was off. Works great now.

Rated 16 gauge but I have sheared narrower pieces of 14 gauge mild steel.