In general, mechanical tools have the following in common:
Cut quality
- Excellent cut quality is possible provided the operator is skilled and the cutting speeds are slow
- Operating cost
- Typically high, because cut speed is slow
- Secondary work, such as filing or grinding, is almost always required
Equipment cost
- Low; generally between $20 and $100, depending on the tool
- Low maintenance requirements
- Portability
- Very portable
Material type and ideal thickness
| Saw | Up to 25 mm (1”) thickness provided you are working with “soft” steel and have a properly specified blade for the material being cut |
| Shears | Soft sheet metal such as soft steel, galvanized steel, aluminum, copper, and stainless up to 16 gauge |
| Air chisel | Cold rolled steel, 16 gauge and thinner |
| Grinder | Steel, including stainless steel, and aluminum, typically from gauge to 25 mm (1”) |