Shears

Used Sheet Metal Shears

Sheet metal shears are designed to make straight, clean cuts in sheet and plate with speed and repeatability. In many shops,
a shear is the first step in the process, preparing blanks for press brake bending, stamping, fabrication, and welding.
This page explains how industrial shears work, what matters most in real production, and answers common questions people ask when researching
a squaring shear or power shear for the first time.


Filter by Tonnage / Size

Stroke (in Inches)

Bed Area (Inches Right to Left)

Weight Capacity (lbs.)

Width (in Inches)

Thickness / O.D. (in Inches)


What is a squaring shear?

A squaring shear is a type of sheet metal shear built to cut straight lines accurately and repeatedly. The “squaring” part comes from the
ability to use the backgauge and squaring arm to create consistent, square blanks. These machines are common in fabrication environments where accurate blank size
matters before forming on a press brake or moving parts into downstream operations.

Example of a common industrial shear

You may see machines like a 10' Wide x 0.236" Amada Mechanical Squaring Shear (example: Model M-3060).
Specs like bed length (10 ft) and thickness capacity (0.236 in) help define the class of work the shear is intended for, but the real-world capability
depends on material type, tensile strength, blade condition, and machine setup.

Mechanical vs hydraulic shears

  • Mechanical shears: Often use a flywheel/clutch style drive. They are known for fast cycling and a straightforward, production-oriented feel.
  • Hydraulic shears: Use hydraulic cylinders for the cutting stroke. They commonly offer easy adjustability and controlled cutting behavior.

What affects cut quality?

Clean cuts are not just about tonnage. Cut quality is influenced by setup and tooling. The most important variables are:

  • Blade clearance: The gap between blades. Too tight can cause heavy burrs and tool wear; too loose can tear or roll the edge.
  • Rake angle: The angle of the upper blade. Higher rake reduces required force but can increase twist on thinner material.
  • Hold-downs: Clamp the sheet during cut. Good hold-down pressure helps reduce material movement and improves edge quality.
  • Blade condition: Sharp blades with proper geometry reduce burr and improve consistency.
  • Backgauge accuracy: Impacts repeatability of blank length and squareness.

Common applications for industrial shears

  • Blanking sheet for press brake bending
  • Preparing stock for stamping and forming operations
  • General fabrication and plate cutting (within capacity)
  • Cut-to-length operations for production runs

Frequently Asked Questions (Shears)

What does “10 foot shear” mean?

It typically refers to the maximum cut length, often around 10 feet (120 inches). Actual usable length can vary by machine design and material handling setup.

Is thickness capacity the same for all materials?

No. Listed capacity is often based on mild steel at a specified tensile strength. Stainless, high-strength steel, and other materials may reduce capacity.
Softer materials like aluminum can sometimes allow thicker cutting, depending on the shear.

What is blade clearance and why does it matter?

Blade clearance is the spacing between the upper and lower blades. Proper clearance helps produce a cleaner edge with manageable burr.
Incorrect clearance can cause tearing, excessive burr, edge roll, and premature blade wear.

What is rake angle?

Rake angle is the angle of the moving blade relative to the fixed blade. It influences cutting force, material distortion, and noise.
Different rake settings can work better for different thickness ranges.

Why do some cuts have heavy burr?

Common reasons include dull blades, incorrect blade clearance, incorrect rake settings, or cutting beyond the material capacity.
Burr can also increase if the material is moving because hold-downs are not clamping effectively.

How do I get better squareness and repeatability?

Squareness comes from a solid squaring arm setup, consistent backgauge behavior, good material support, and proper hold-down pressure.
For production, consistent operator technique and material handling also matter.

What is a backgauge on a shear?

The backgauge positions the sheet so you can repeatedly cut the same length. CNC backgauges can speed up setups and allow programmed cut sequences.

Mechanical shear or hydraulic shear: which should I choose?

Mechanical shears are often chosen for fast, repetitive cutting and a traditional production feel. Hydraulic shears are often chosen for
controllability and adjustability. The best choice depends on your mix of thicknesses, throughput needs, and preferred operation.

How often do shear blades need to be sharpened?

It depends on material type, thickness, volume, and blade quality. Many blades can be rotated to use multiple edges, and then sharpened when edge quality declines.

Can a shear cut stainless steel?

Many industrial shears can cut stainless, but capacity is typically lower than mild steel. Proper blade clearance and sharp tooling become even more important.

What should I measure or know to match a shear to my needs?

  • Maximum cut length needed (e.g., 10 ft)
  • Material type and thickness range (mild steel, stainless, aluminum)
  • Production volume and throughput expectations
  • Backgauge needs (manual vs CNC)
  • Space and material handling plan (front support, rear support, conveyors)