Information Needed On A Old Nibbler Machine

chuckcobra

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A while back I acquired a "nibbler" type machine that was built probably at least 40 years ago (if not longer). It is a fabricated machine, but appears to be well built. It has a 1" thick main frame plate with approximately 30" throat and is mounted on a very substantial fabricated steel table. It is powered by a 1/4" hp motor. The only information that I have is on the nameplate, which lists the following information:
"Maximum Capacity 14 gauge stainless steel & 10 gauge mild steel
Designed & Built by Charles Ingles
3452 6th Street, Ceres, CA."

I have never used a machine of this type and would like to learn more about it and put it to work in my shop.
Can anyone suggest how to set up the tooling and provide some operational information on the machine.
I have also uploaded two photos of the machine to give you some idea of what it looks like.

This is just to nice a piece of "vintage" machinery to let sit idle.

Thanks
Chuck
Northern CA

nibbler_side.jpg nibbler_front.jpg
 
Is it a cam and linkage drive?
Could you post a picture of the drive mechanism?
Are there grease fittings for the vertical slides?

If it does not have a foot operated power switch that would be a great addition.

-brino
 
Chuck---nice shear---what tooling did you get with it---You use this just like you use a hand held nibbler or shear except you hold and guide the work with both hands instead of guiding the pneumatic hand type in one hand while being held by clamps or your other hand----much easier to hold and guide your material with both hands---I tried to buy a large one like yours at an auction but someone else had more money---I always wanted one-----Dave
 
Guys,

Thanks for the feedback.

I agree, that it probably would be more appropriate to call this a shear.

I did an Internet search on the builder and the only thing that came up was that he was the sole proprietor of a company incorporated in California. Unfortunately he also died a number of years ago. Looks like a "dead" end there (pun intended).

The machine uses two regular 1/2" square HSS tools. One tool is mounted in an upper holder and second tool is mounted in a lower holder.

The upper tool is driven up and down by the motor. The motor drives a secondary shaft which has an eccentric mounted on it. The eccentric transforms the motor's rotary motion into a back and forth motion. The eccentric is connected to the center of the main up - down mechanism with a simple ball bearing ended linkage bar. The mechanism converts the back and forth motion of the linkage bar into an up and down motion for the tool. This mechanism consists of two steel arms (each approximately 4" long). The two arms are connected to each other and the eccentric linkage bar in the center with another bearing. The upper end of the top arm has a pivot which is anchored to the machine housing. The lower end of the bottom arm is connected to the tool holder. As the eccentric moves it alternately lengthens and shortens the mechanisms two arms. Since the top arm is fixed to the machine, the lower arm moves up and down, which in turn moves the tool holder up and down in a machined slot in the frame. I've attached a photo of the machines linkage below.

The bottom tool holder is connected to a foot pedal. Depressing the pedal moves the bottom tool up toward the upper tool and into the work piece.

Unfortunately the machine only came with came with one set of very beat up tools and nothing else.

The big questions that I have concerns the tool shapes:
1. What angle should I grind the tools?
2. Should the tools have any relief angles?
3. Should the top and bottom tools be ground exactly the same?
4. Should the tool height be adjusted so that they "cut" all the way through the material or should there be some small vertical clearance between the tools?

The machine seems to run fine at the present. After I figure out how to grind and adjust the tooling, I will take it apart for an inspection and good cleaning.

A previous owner started to install some additional support plates around the lower tool holder. I also need to figure out what he had in mind with these additions. Possibly a table or a mounting point for another a cutting attachment, or ?

Thanks
Chuck

IMG_8172.JPG
 
Hi Chuck,

Thanks for the extra photo and description. I thought that the vertical throw would be bigger, it didn't occur to me that it doesn't really need very much travel.
And it is interesting that the foot pedal moves the bottom tooth up rather than being an electrical switch .....different strokes(pun also intended;)) for different folks
It is convenient that the teeth are nothing too exotic.

Sorry that I can provide no guidance on your questions about tool geometry or spacing, perhaps someone with more knowledge will chime in.

Anyhow, cool tool, thanks again for posting.......
-brino
 
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