Tin snip advise!

[grantgoold]

I will be installing a tin panel ceiling in the coming weeks. I would like input from the group of sheetmetal experts on the set of quality tin snips that I should purchase (name and brand). I have several from the HF but really want a nice snip to cut the panels. 90% will be straight cuts. I am left handed if that matters (I know if does generally!) when using a tin snip.

Any details would be appreciated.

Regards,

Grant

[Don4107]

I like Wiss M6R and M7R.  I think they would work for lefties too.  The angle keeps your hand clear most of the time.  You can cut straight with either.  One cuts to the left and the other to the right for curves.  Get both.

Mine are old enough to be good quality.  I don't know if that is still the case.  Hope they are not Chinese now.

http://www.cooperhandtools.com/brands/WISS/index.cfm?model_list=1&att_id=WIS001%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20&att1=Snips%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20&att2=Compound%20Action

Lowes and Home Depot have them for around $16-$18 i think. 

Good luck
Don 4107

[Melbo]

I don't have time to post as much information as I have available about reproduction tin ceilings -- I installed them for about 5 years. They are typically 30 gauge sheet metal which is light enough that you can use a paper style sheer to do the straight cuts. The curved cuts require a smooth snip with a long cut. As you lay the panels the overlap needs to tuck very close so as not to show the seams. When you do the layout be sure to measure from the top of the "bead" to the top of the "bead" because the panels may be 24 inches but the lay will only be 23 and 3/4. Just a couple of pointers. If you want more and specific information you can email or contact me.

HTH

Melbo

[bevans6]

I use the Wiss compound snips as well, for your application the off-set type that keep your hand above the work will do fine, but as they are intended to facilitate curves, they are harder to keep a straight cut.  The paper shear idea is the pro way to go, and with metal that light I actually very often choose my old scissor shears - the long blades keep the cut straight, and the metal is light enough so you don't need a compound shear.  In fact, I often pull out a old pair of kevlar scissors and just use them.  Just heavy duty scissors.

Brian

[NewbeeMC9]

Not an expert, however i like these

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=98580

especially since they spend more time sitting than cutting.

they worked good for cutting but not so much for slight trimming. That could have been due to the operator. 

[JohnEd]

The air powered shears do not work for trimming.  I have used them a lot.  They are a super good tool...especially for the money.  They sell replacement shears for the unit.  HF also sells a "set" of shears that I bought that seem to be of high quality.  Right, left and straight.  Only sharp shear will trim....only a sharp one.

John

[Melbo]

Just another thought -- don't plan the pattern like you do tile where you lay from the center and work your way out from there. The seams will show every where you look. It requires lots of planning but pick the spot where you want the ceiling to look perfect and work your way to that spot so when you look at the ceiling all the seams are on the side of the panels farthest away from you.

Also any trimming is best done with sharp and slow moving shears.

Melbo

[muddog16]

The M6R's are probably my favorite snips.........I have both red and green handles.  I've cut many a sheet of metal with them,  Aluminum mostly........! 

[Lee Bradley]

http://www.amazon.com/Grizzly-G9947-sheet-Metal-Cutter/

Not snips but a great tool.

[Melbo]

another thought came to mind -- watch for your pattern -- some are asymmetrical and a quarter turn will mess you up some -- sometimes for the pattern and sometimes they change dimensions from one way to the other.

Melbo