A couple of questions from reading Schmitz catalogue.
1. Ignoring 'special bevel' option, their cutters are available in no bevel, fine bevel, 'normal' bevel - I think I'll go for fine bevel. I am worried that the no bevel version will die very quickly.
2. Relieved jaws or not?
3. What's your opinion of the oblique tip cutters (p.11 in catalogue) and the SMD stuff (p.16-17)?
4. What's your opinion of 4217HS22 (non-serr microfine jaws), 4416HS22 (long jaws bent at tip), 4337HS12 (wire-benders - cute)?
My shopping list so far:
3122HS22 or 3132HS22
3222HS22 or 3232HS22
4212HS22
4214HS22
Maybes:
4416HS22
4217HS22
4337HS12
oblique tip cutters and SMD stuff (never owned, hence open to suggestions/advice)
Did I miss anything obvious?
Thanks!
Fine Bevel is a good call.
I dont see any need for relieved jaws. I'd prefer a little more meat in the blades for extra strength. If you find your having issues in tight areas, get a small jaw set later - more useful I have found.
Oblique cutters? My theory with tools is; if you cant think of a need for them then you probably wont use them. I have a pair and have never used them more than a few times. Your needs might be different.
SMD? I have always found good tweezers to be more useful...that's just me. I'm not sure if I would be comfortable "cutting" a SMD from a PCB - too much risk to the tracks. Having said that though I have never used them. As I said, tweezers and iron on SMD re-work for me. Others here with more SMD rework experience might like to comment...
The 4217HS22 would be a good investment if you are doing fine work.
If you feel the need for the bent jaws (I have them and have found them useful), think about your application and also consider the 4413HS22 (the one above it in the catalogue
). I have found the bend further down the jaw more useful. Think: inserting or removing a small ceramic cap into a PCB with taller components around them. You know what I think about smooth jaws too eh?
I have also had wire benders (a bit different to the ones you mentioned) for a long time - never used them! Tools for jewellers, not technicians!
As mentioned...the golden rule is; if you cant see a glaring need or application for a tool then it will probably sit in you case and do nothing. Not that there is anything wrong with this, sometimes its nice to own and fondle tools.
But you have to be a bit of a nut bag like me! Are you a collector? Are your tools a hobby? Are they a passion? If not and you just want nice quality tools to help you earn a living or enjoy a hobby then I say follow the golden rule.
Most people would be happy with:
3222 HS 22 Tapered head side cutter.
4212 HS 22 Short nose snipe, serrated jaw
4412 HS 22 Long nose snipe, serrated jaw (or smooth if that's the way you slide)
And might chuck in a bent jaw if the individual sees a need for it and maybe a smaller head cutter as well.
Tungsten carbide are only needed for cutting harder materials like Kevlar, optic fibre (?) or various steel wires.
Dont listen to me though, buy what you think you need. You can always buy more later and ping what you dont like/use on ebay.
Or you can just keep them and fondle.
Cheers