Two cutter options - what are your recommendations?

Hello everyone,

I found an old abandoned cutter that I might be able to buy for about $400 dollars. It’s a 32” inch, old style and certainly needs some restoration.

On the other hand I’m given an option to buy a working one that’s 26.5” inches in good condition, it’s a Craftsman. They want about $1,100 dollars for it.

I didn’t get to photograph the Craftsman but I’m attaching a similar photo.

What do you think? Get the bigger cheaper one and restore it or fork out for the smaller and better condition?

Prices of cutters here are usually high.

ALSO: There is a little 8x12 C&P Old Style that I might be able to buy for $100 dollars. I’d love to restore that little one.

image: IMG_9652.jpg

IMG_9652.jpg

image: craftsman.jpg

craftsman.jpg

image: IMG_9648.jpg

IMG_9648.jpg

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If you enjoy the restoration process of old machinery like I do, or you don’t want to spend that extra $700, then get the old style cutter.

If you have space and the C&P isn’t going to be trouble for you to relocate, for only $100 I would definitely jump on that. If nothing else, you can part it out, or you can restore it and use or resell it.

Seems high to me. I just scooped a 26.5 Challenge for $350 and probably could have gotten it for a bit less. Its in MUCH better condition than the ones pictures above.

Yeah, Scotty, where are you located?
cutters are scarce around here they never go for cheap.

Im in Louisville Ky but picked one up while passing through Chicago.

Where are you located?

My shop is in Monterrey, Mexico.
So, yeah Chicago seems like it has a never-ending supply of old machinery.

I’ve owned several cutter through the years…. ranging from a P Schniewend 26” to an 18” Par-a-Gon….. and they all work well if well cared for. For you use, only you can decide which is best. The large cutter will be better if you cut down large sheets a lot….. and the smaller might be better if all you do is small stuff. It’s your call.

which ever one you get, you need to always be aware of the dangers of lever-cutters, and NEVER, EVER operate one that does not have a safety catch. The worst accident I ever saw in a shop was caused by a 23” Reliant that chopped at the wrong time…… and took off one hand, and four fingers from the other. The cutter did have a retrofit safety catch, but the operator removed it, along with the counterweight….. I’m not saying not to get a cutter, just to treat it with a LOT of respect.

You can cut 26.5 inches with a 32” cutter, but not vice-versa. And you can bet your last quoin your first cutting job will require the larger equipment. :o)

Hi Enriquevw:
I would buy the 32” for THREE hundred dollars.
The 26” at $1100 is grossly overpriced.
The 8x12 C&P has the nameplate missing, that is the plate that connects the two roller arms. You’ll have a heck of a time finding one as they made a great display hanging in a shop or on a cyclone fence!

Winking Cat Press: Thanks for your advice on safety, I will keep it in mind at all times. Thank you.

Forme: Thanks, that’s wise.

Stanislaus: True, but still need to add the cost of disassembling, moving it, and restoration.
The C&P has the nameplate removed, but it’s there, I saw it myself, and the throw-off lever is also removed, but it’s there. So it’s actually complete… Actually you can make it out in the photo, it’s on that cabinet in the background laying flat.