wrote in message
...
On Wed, 08 Jul 2009 12:29:04 -0500, Matt
wrote:

I want to cut some sheet steel. I expect I might have to make several
feet of cuts at a time, and I might need to make ten feet of cuts in a
few months. I expect the material will be 304 stainless or similar, say
around 22 ga. (0.031 inches) give or take 20%.

Would it likely be unpleasant to use a muscle-powered nibbler? Should I
just plan on a pneumatic nibbler? Would I likely see much difference
in the finished product? I'm not set up for air tools right now, but I
could probably rent something ...

Please advise.

This "might" be okay for occasional use on 22 gauge stainless.
Probably worth $50 to find out.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=92115

I don't think you are going to like trying to do what you propose with
a hand powered nibbler.

it might be just easier and cheaper to find someone with a shear that would
make a couple of cuts. perhaps where you're getting the metal in the first
place.