Shear flush cutters recommendations

I’ve been following the thread of how to speed ear wire production
and was very interested to see the mention of Xuron pliers as I’ve
been looking for some flush cutters. I have some Lindstrom ones
which are ok, but I would really really like some that had a better
flush cut. I still end up with a little bit in the middle of the cut
that sticks out that needs filing down afterwards. Being in the UK
it’s more difficult for me to get hold of things from Rio Grande, but
I’ve found a UK based place that sells the Xuron pliers, but wanted
some advice before I buy as they have two different types. The place
I’m looking at is

http://www.thecrystalphoenix.com/cutters--flush-cutters-31-c.asp

and they have two different sorts the double flush cutters and the
Tapered Head Micro Shear Flush Cutters. Which, if either, would
anyone recommend for as flush a cut as is possible, or could someone
recommend different flush cutters?

Thanks
Shelley

Shelley,

It depends… the tapered ones will be a little more delicate, I
think, but more precise. The taper will let you get into smaller
areas to make your cuts. The other, cheaper set will probably cut
larger wire.

Even though double flush shear cuts are square, they can still
distort the wire slightly, ovaling the cross section of soft wire,
and possibly bending the wire very slightly in the direction of the
cut. Nothing will give you perfect cuts without any downside at all,
I suspect, even when they’re close. The main problem is that the
cutting edges don’t actually meet, but pass by each other.

I’ve been using some semi-flush cutters that I like, very well made,
from Tronex. They’re the “razor flush” model, and they leave almost
no ridge at all on the working side.

Loren

Shelley,

It depends… the tapered ones will be a little more delicate, I
think, but more precise. The taper will let you get into smaller
areas to make your cuts. The other, cheaper set will probably cut
larger wire.

Even though double flush shear cuts are square, they can still
distort the wire slightly, ovaling the cross section of soft wire,
and possibly bending the wire very slightly in the direction of the
cut. Nothing will give you perfect cuts without any downside at all,
I suspect, even when they’re close. The main problem is that the
cutting edges don’t actually meet, but pass by each other.

I’ve been using some semi-flush cutters that I like, very well made,
from Tronex. They’re the “razor flush” model, and they leave almost
no ridge at all on the working side.

Loren

Hello Shelley,

I have been using the Xuron double flush cutters for… oh maybe 15
years. They work well and look just like the illustration on the
link you provided. I’d suggest that you get two while you are at it.
The ends of the cut wire are flat, but the sides of the wire get a
little mashed in. Hardly a problem. I want another pair or two.

Judy in Kansas, where we have enjoyed the most gorgeous days and
nights dropping into the 50s!! NOT normal for KS in July.

Hi Shelley,

I have been using a Swanstrom Double Flush Cutter Shear. You can cut
in two different places on the plier. They leave a nice clean cut.
No compression of the end of the wire. Plus they are adjustable. They
cost $47USD, got mine at Rio Grande.

Here’s the link:
http://tinyurl.com/nc4hxy

Trish

Shelley,

I have tried numerous flush cutters from very cheep to Lindstroms
most expensive and not been happy with the results. I finally took
one of them to my sharpening stone and ground down the working side.
It was interesting just how much they did not match up, even the
very expensive ones.

Holding them closed I placed the flat working side on the oil stone
and keeping it as flat against the stone as possible started working
it in a circular motion. As you work it will become very clear just
how fare out of alignment they are. Keep working it until the two
sides match perfectly. This will also give a razor edge to the
cutters and make it easier to cut with. I also find I can use then
on thicker materials. I now keep three different ones on my bench
for different cutting needs.

This can make a very cheep cutter into a good, usable tool. My
favorites after sharpening are the Lindstrom and the Eurotool. The
Eurotool is much like the Beadsmith Italian ultra flush cutter on
the site you were looking at.

I hope this will help.
Rick McCann

Rick,

I finally took one of them to my sharpening stone and ground down
the working side. It was interesting just how much they did not
match up, even the very expensive ones. 

Thanks for confirming that this is the way to go. I’ve been tempted
for a while to try to fix my cutters. It’s nice to see confirmation.

Jamie

Hello,

I am unsure of who started this posting, but everyone will be glad I
shared this. I have found the best and nicest flush cutters that
beat the $30-$40 cutters. I purchase them to sell to my students
because of how inexpensive they are. I dont even use my Lindstroms
anymore, and these flush cutters only cost $2. Yes, I said $2. They
are called Micro Flush Cutters and they are sold by Harbor Freight. I
have been able to cut sterling silver wire, with no problem, up to 10
gage, not that I would suggest this to be a regular gage wire that
you cut. They are so nice I couldnt believe the price. Made in India,
but made well. Every student that has tried them, bought a pair from
me. I know you will like them.

Good Luck,

Steven Brownlee
Jewelry instructor, custom work, repairs

Hi Shelley,

My favorite flush cutters are made for the semiconductor industry.
They are Wiss 605 Electronics and Filament Scissors.

They look like miniature sheet metal shears. The heavy duty blades
completely bypass each other for a true flush cut on both sides of
the metal and wire.

I have not tested them on anything over 12 gauge, but loan them out
at FSG workshops and they are always returned with a question of
where to buy them.

There is a supplier in the US on the web whose price is under $25.
You do not need to live in Florida to become a member of FSG. Check
out our website at fsg4u.com

Jean Marie DeSpiegler
Executive Director
Florida Society of Goldsmiths
fsg4u.com