2011 - Volume #35, Issue #2, Page #39
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Powerful Mechanical Shears Converted To Hydraulic
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"Edwards Shears were widely used in blacksmith shops and factories," he explains. "It works like a giant scissors to cut heavy flats, shafts and plates."
Gutschmidt built some heavy brackets on which to mount a 3-in. dia. by 8-in. stroke hydraulic cylinder.
The unit is capable of shearing a piece of steel that's 5 in. wide by 1/2 in. thick.
"It's quite impressive how effortless it cuts this steel," he says. "I plan to mount it on a trailer and haul it to sites where I'll chop up old equipment. Prepared scrap iron consists of 18 by 36-in. pieces and usually sells for about $50/ton more than unprepared stuff."
Gutschmidt notes that cutting up scrap with an oxy-acetylene torch works great, too, but says the gas costs a fortune at today's gas prices. He also points out that cutting with shears eliminates the dangers of sparks and hot iron.
Edwards Manufacturing Co. of Albert Lea, Minn., is still in the shear making business, but nowadays they're called "Ironworkers," Gutschmidt says.
"I own a 55-ton Edwards Ironworker. They make models up to 100 tons," he says. "I also have another antique unit that's in its original condition."
Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Gutschmidt Manufacturing LLC, Roger Gutschmidt, 6651 Hwy. 56, Gackle, N. Dak. 58442 (ph 701 698-2310; shopdoc@drtel.net).
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