Seeking thoughts on a tracing nibbler

[auto.pilot]

I came across this video for the Heck Trace a Punch, which looks ideal for producing small runs. Wondering if anyone has any experience and how it might perform using 12 to 10 gauge sheet metal. how clean are the cuts?

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8248566275386289557&hl=en

Would also appreciate any thoughts on hand-held electric nibblers used in a similar fashion, to duplicate from a pattern.

Thanks

jim

 

[Tom Griffin]

Jim,

I had one and was not very impressed with it. I cut mostly aluminum, but could never get it to work very well. It was slow, left a rough edge and often loaded up. Maybe it would work better on steel but I got frustrated and sold it at a big loss. If I needed something like that today I would invest in a good plasma cutter instead.

Tom

 

[goldenchips2]

Another one here,
Looking for first hand opinions on the Heck trace a punch...

 

[auto.pilot]

I just realized that Heck Industries is about a 45 minute drive from my home. I may have to visit.