.125" stainless shear

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I'm looking to purchase a shear to cut 1/8" stainless sheet.  Not much more than a 48" cut length ( I'd like a small foot print, with in reason).  Here's the thing my budget is no more than $15000.  I've been searching the web and will be making some calls but thought I'd ask your opinions.  Figured someone has something or come across something that they can refer me to.   Thanks Guys, Steve
Reply:since you have to derate a minimum of 2 gages for stainless, that means the absolute lightest shear you can get away with for 12 gage stainless (.125) is a 10 gage shear. Heavier would be better. Cheapest you will find new are probably the Turkish and Italian models sold by places like this-http://www.comeq.com/Primeline/MechShears.htmbut I dont know if they get cheap enough for you.Used, look here-http://www.machinetools.com/us/listi...ish%3Ad&page=2bunch of 10 gage and heavier Wysongs, Niagaras, and Cinncinatis, all of which are really good machines.Short (as in 4') heavy shears are pretty rare- its much more common to find 6' and 8' shears in the heavier sizes. Of course, they are bigger, heavier, and cost more, too. But usually you pay a premium for a 4' shear.It might be cheaper just to buy a 4' plasma cutting table- and then you could cut any shape you wanted, not just straight lines. A shear that will cut 4' stainless 1/8" thick is going to weigh 5000 pounds or so, if its any good at all, and bare castings cost 3 to 5 bucks a pound these days- a really good 4' hydraulic shear, like an Amada, will run you double or triple your budget, easy. Whereas for maybe ten grand, you can get setup with plasma, and cut any metal, any shape, all day long.Last edited by Ries; 11-22-2011 at 11:51 AM.
Reply:Generally if you need to cut stainless the rule of thumb is that you need a shear that is rated to cut 1.5 times the thickness .   For example to cut 1/4 inch stainless you need a shear that is rated to cut 3/8th mild steel.  And don't think that because you are cutting only a 12 inch wide piece you should be able to cut it because the machine can cut 48 inch wide pieces.  In your case I would be looking at a 1/4 inch shear if you expect it to be cutting 1/8th stainless all day long.   I like the suggestion made by Ries.