Bessey Snip Review

A few weeks ago Danette from Bessey mentioned on twitter that she was looking for testers for some new sheet metal tools they’re introducing. I spoke with her about the sheet metal fabrication we do at work and how I like to mix sheet metal into my projects when I can. She was nice enough to send me a set of their new snips for testing.

The new Bessey snips lined up next to my existing snips.
The Besseys are on the right of each pair. Theyre the one that look German.

Out of the box, the snips look great and come with a healthy coat of oil, which ensures that they’re rust free. The handles are well sized and the cutting heads appear to be well machined with micro serrations on some of the blades. This gives a reassuring zipper like feel when cutting.I tested the snips out on some copper, aluminum and steel sheet metal scraps we had in our metal shop. I also gave them to Rich, our lead metal mechanic, for a week of use in the field.We found that in practice the long, straight snips work fantastically. The cut smoothly and straight with an easy mechanical action provided by the snip’s built in mechanical advantage. The Bessey straights are the best straights that I’ve ever used.The right and left offset snips are also good performers, though not quite up to the standard established by the straights. While they cut smoothly and the same mechanical action is evident, I found that the heads of the right and left offset were a bit too big. While I was able to make tight radiused cuts, I could only do so after prying open the metal to allow the head to fit in. In thick materials, this would make using the snips quite difficult.

Bessey to the left, MidWest to the right.
The difference may not look like much, but it does matter in thick materials or tight curves.

In these photos, you can see the difference in head size between the Bessey and an equivalent snip from MidWest Tool & Cutlery (the current snips I have in my tool bag and have been satisfied using). The smaller head means the metal doesn’t need to be bent open as much to allow the snip in.Regardless of head size, the Bessey’s cut quickly and cleanly. I will certainly continue to use them for all but the tightest curved cuts.My mechanic, Rich, was impressed enough that he’s looking to buy a pair for himself. I think think that says all there is to say about the Bessey snips. If you work with sheet metal, they’re definitely worth trying out.

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Blurry In The Shop Too Many Projects To Focus

Ive got too many projects open right now, and I cant seem to focus.

Sheathing . . . finally.

The shop itself has been an open project since the fall of 2008 when I tore out the garage. Ive been actively working on the shop since returning from Woodworking in America 2011. In that time Ive managed to super insulate the walls (R-40), run the new wiring and sheath with 3/4" OSB. With the installation of outlets, Im closing in on a functional space.

This tree house isnt going to finish itself.

As the shop puts me in a honey do deficit, I also have the requisite family project going on. Since last summer Ive been working on a tree house for my kids. At this point its fully framed and sheathed. I just need to roof it, deck it and build a ladder. As the weather is breaking and the kids are ever anxious for their tree house, this is probably where most of my time will go for the foreseeable future.

Some day, this will hold a glue gun.

Currently on my bench there is a half finished glue gun rack. Its made of walnut with ebony accents as most glue gun racks are. Its a design as I go project. While this method usually works for me, the design process for this project isnt holding my attention and the rack is beginning to stall.

Some day, this is going to be an ass kicking bench.

The bench itself is another open project. Im still using a Whiteside bench I bought off Craigs List many years ago. In 2011 I began working on my Clockwork Bench. Ive gotten as far as rounding up my vise hardware (and having it custom milled). Ive also picked up the lumber for the bench.Its waiting patiently in my attic.

Also in my arrive is a chair my Aunt & Uncle have asked me to fix. Its a relatively generic piece of commercially made oak furniture. I need to make a missing arm and reattach a loose one. Luckilly, Ive been told by my uncle that the shape of the new arm doesnt need to be perfect, just the color & tone of the finish.

Those five (5) projects are probably enough to keep me busy through the end of 2013. Yet, its not the glue gun rack or my bench details that Ive been sketching lately. Ive been scribbling achoice on chair designs like mad over the last few week. I’ve got a sinking suspicion that this sixth project may end up being the first one finished.

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