Abstract:
A portable apparatus for shearing workpieces has a housing defining an interior to enclose a cutting head assembly during storage. During use, an actuator erects the cutting head into an operative position and the cover of the housing defines a planar work surface adjacent to the cutting head fixed thereto. The portable apparatus includes a portable power supply for remote operation.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]    This patent application claims prority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/278,094, filed Mar. 23, 2001 and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/337,700, filed Nov. 6, 2001, and is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/658,353, filed Sep. 11, 2000, entitled “Apparatus For Shearing Multi-Walled Workpieces”, co-pending herewith, and each application is hereby expressly incorporated by reference as part of the present disclosure. 
     
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    The present invention relates to a portable apparatus for cutting sheet-like material, and more particularly, to an apparatus for shearing workpieces which can be easily and safely transported, assembled, and disassembled.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    Metal framing studs are used in the building industry, and particularly the commercial building industry, for constructing framework and mounting thereto wallboards formed of sheet rock and other types of materials. Although framing studs may be formed in a variety of different shapes and configurations, a common type of stud is formed of metal, and defines a back wall and two parallel side walls forming a generally U-shaped cross section. Commercially available studs are supplied in standard lengths, and therefore if a non-standard length is required, a standard stud must be trimmed to the desired length. Stud trimming is often performed at job sites by employing a chop saw having an abrasive wheel, disk or like rotatably-driven blade, which is pivotally mounted on a base for movement into and out of engagement with a workpiece. The chop saw blades can wear relatively quickly, particularly when used to cut heavy-gauge workpieces. In addition, because of limitations in blade size, many chop saws cannot cut through relatively large-width studs with a single cutting stroke, but rather require the stud to be flipped over after cutting through one side, and then cut again in order to cut through its entire width. Use of a chop saw to trim framing studs or like workpieces can therefore be a relatively time-consuming, labor-intensive and expensive operation, particularly at large job sites or jobs otherwise requiring a large number of studs or like workpieces to be trimmed.  
           [0004]    Manufacturers of framing studs, eavestroughs or like workpieces have employed machines for shearing such workpieces to their desired lengths at the time of manufacture. A typical such machine employs a guillotine-like cutting blade slideably received within a blade gap, and a pair of die plates mounted on opposite sides of the guillotine relative to each other for slideably receiving and supporting the workpiece during a cutting operation. Each die plate defines an aperture which is shaped to conform to the shape of a respective type and size of workpiece for conformably engaging the workpiece. A typical such apparatus is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,218,946 to Witzler, entitled “Cutter Assembly For Eavestrough-Forming Machine” and is incorporated herein by reference.  
           [0005]    One of the drawbacks of these types of conventional shearing machines is that they cannot be conveniently transported and employed for cutting a variety of different pre-manufactured studs, eavestroughs or like workpieces. Each die plate typically forms an aperture defining a fixed shape and dimension conforming to a manufacturer&#39;s particular type and size of workpiece, and therefore can only be used with the respective type of workpiece. Moreover, trimmed portions can stick in the shearing mechanism preventing further operation of the machine. In addition, framing studs and like workpieces frequently become bent or otherwise slightly deformed during transportation or even worse during shearing, thus preventing such workpieces from being received within their corresponding die plates. Accordingly, although such a machine could be used to cut a variety of framing studs or like workpieces by providing a variety of die plates having apertures of different shapes and configurations, this would not only be relatively expensive, but any slightly deformed workpieces could not be received within the die plates, and thus could not be cut by the machine. Another drawback of the conventional shearing machines is the relatively short lifetime of the blade. It would be desirable to have a machine that is designed for an improved blade life, and that further allows for a smooth finish on the cut surfaces of the workpieces.  
           [0006]    An additional drawback of these typical shearing machines is their lack of portability. As noted above, it is highly desirable to have an efficient shearing machine at the job site. Although several systems have been developed to facilitate moving a shearing apparatus, the intended moves are merely from one location to another in the same room. Some examples are U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,012,934 to Stone et al. and 3,678,724 to Stone et al., each of which is incorporated herein by reference. There are problems associated with the teachings of both Stone et al. patents. In particular, simply providing casters on an otherwise stationary shearing apparatus does not facilitate transporting the machines between job sites. A majority of the operative components remain exposed and therefore subject to damage during transport. A difficult manual adjustment is required to erect the cutting mechanism to a shearing position. Additionally, the apparatus of Stone et al. are bulky and cumbersome for moving in any manner except across a level floor with ample clearance. There is a need, therefore, for an improved portable shearing apparatus which permits easy transport, aids in assuring undamaged transport, easy assembly and disassembly, proper shearing of the workpieces and proper ejection of the trimmed portion of the workpiece.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0007]    Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to overcome the drawbacks and disadvantages of the above-described machinery for cutting metal studs, eavestroughs or like multi-walled workpieces.  
           [0008]    It is one advantage of the subject disclosure to provide a self-contained portable unit which allows for easy set up at job sites without facilities.  
           [0009]    It is another advantage of the subject disclosure to provide an efficient, long-lasting safe shearing apparatus for cutting workpieces to desired measurements.  
           [0010]    It is an advantage of the subject disclosure to provide an integrated apparatus for shearing workpieces which can be stored and/or transported securely.  
           [0011]    It is still another advantage of the subject disclosure to provide an apparatus for shearing multi-walled workpieces with a work surface which is convenient, durable and replaceable.  
           [0012]    It is another advantage of the subject disclosure to provide an apparatus for shearing multi-walled workpieces which ejects the trimmed portions to prevent jamming of the apparatus.  
           [0013]    Preferably, an apparatus for shearing workpieces includes a housing defining an interior and a work surface. A cutting assembly is pivotally coupled to the housing, and pivotable between a storage position located within the interior for storage of the cutting assembly and transport of the apparatus, and a shearing position wherein the cutting assembly is adjacent to and substantially perpendicular to the work surface.  
           [0014]    Another embodiment is a portable apparatus for shearing workpieces having at least two sides formed of sheet-like material. The apparatus includes a housing defining an interior and a cutting assembly attached to the housing. The cutting assembly has a first support defining an elongated edge and being engageable with a first side of the workpiece for contacting and supporting the first side of the workpiece along a line defined by the first elongated edge wherein a first section of the first elongated edge adjacent to the workpiece is angled with respect to the line. The cutting assembly also has a second support defining an elongated edge and being engageable with a second side of the workpiece for contacting and supporting the second side of the workpiece, the second support being spaced apart from and facing the first support and defining a channel therebetween for receiving the workpiece, wherein a first section of the first elongated edge adjacent to the workpiece is angled with respect to the line. A blade is slideably received within a gap formed adjacent to the elongated edges of the first and second supports and being movable between a first position spaced away from the workpiece within the channel and a second position in engagement with the workpiece for shearing the workpiece along a line of contact and a base support defines a support surface extending between the elongated edges and being engageable with a third side of the workpiece. An actuator is operatively connected between the cutting assembly and the housing for fixedly moving the cutting assembly between a transport position and a shearing position and a plurality of wheels depending from the housing for transporting the apparatus.  
           [0015]    These and other unique features of the system disclosed herein will become more readily apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0016]    [0016]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus embodying the present invention illustrating the housing in the transport position in accordance with the subject disclosure.  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 illustrating the housing in the open position in accordance with the subject disclosure.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 illustrating the erection of the cutting head assembly in accordance with the subject disclosure.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 illustrating the cutting head assembly oriented in the cutting position in accordance with the subject disclosure.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 illustrating the cover in the closed position and defining the workpiece supporting surface, and illustrating the cutting head assembly in the upstanding cutting position in accordance with the subject disclosure.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the cutting head assembly in accordance with the subject disclosure.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line  7 - 7  of FIG. 6 with parts removed for clarity in accordance with the subject disclosure.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 8 is a side elevational view with the right support of the frame removed for clarity in accordance with the subject disclosure.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 9 is a partial, front elevational view of another embodiment of the present invention including angled blade supports that are laterally movable in accordance with the subject disclosure.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 10 is a partial, front elevational view of the apparatus of FIG. 9 illustrating in further detail the lubricating components in accordance with the subject disclosure.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 11 is a plan view of the support illustrating the channel for receiving lubricating fluid and an angled surface in accordance with the subject disclosure.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 12 is a front elevational view of another embodiment of a blade wherein the blade includes ejection hooks in accordance with the subject disclosure.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 13 is a side view of an adjustable material stop in accordance with the subject disclosure. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0029]    In FIG. 1, an apparatus embodying the present invention is indicated generally by the reference numeral  10 . The apparatus  10  comprises a housing  12  including a base  14  and a top  16  pivotally mounted to the base  14 . The housing  12  includes a lock  15  for securing the top  16  during transport. A plurality of wheels  18  depend from the base  14  for portability. Additionally, the apparatus can be moved by forklift or boom truck. In the transport position, the closed housing  12  allows employing the apparatus  10  at a job location without excessive difficulty or manpower.  
         [0030]    As shown in FIG. 2, the apparatus  10  includes a cutting head assembly  20  pivotally mounted at hinges or pivot joints  22  within an interior  24  of the housing  12 . The head assembly  20  comprises a frame  26  including a pair of vertical or upstanding supports  28  spaced laterally relative to each other and pivotally connected to the base  14  by respective hinge supports  30 . As can be seen, each hinge support  30  is pivotally mounted to the base  14  by a respective hinge or pivot joint  22 . The frame  26  further includes a first laterally-extending or horizontal support  32  extending between the upper portions of the upstanding supports  28  and fixedly secured thereto. A second laterally-extending or horizontal support  34  is spaced below the first support  32  and also extends between and is fixedly secured to the upstanding supports  28 . A cutting base assembly  36  is spaced below the second laterally-extending support  34  and is fixedly secured to the lower portions of the upstanding supports  28 . A typical cutting head assembly  20  may weigh 300 pounds.  
         [0031]    An actuator  38  is drivingly connected between the frame  26  and the base  14 . As shown in FIGS. 2 through 5, the actuator  38  is actuated to pivotally move the cutting head assembly  20  between a storage position and a cutting position for easy set up. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the cutting head assembly  20  is located in the storage position contained within the interior  24  of the base  14 . Then, upon opening the cover  16  into the position shown in FIG. 2, the actuator  38  may be actuated to drive the cutting head assembly  20  upwardly, as indicated by the arrow A in FIGS. 2, 3 and  4 , into the cutting position of FIG. 5. In a preferred embodiment, springs are attached to the cutting head assembly  20  to counterbalance the weight and allow manual rotation of the head assembly  20  between the storage and operating positions.  
         [0032]    As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the base  14  defines a stop surface  41  that engages the supports  30  to erect the cutting head assembly  20  in an upstanding cutting position. Upon moving the cutting head assembly  20  into the upstanding cutting position of FIG. 5, the cover  16  is closed, and the upper surface  40  of the cover  16  defines a planar work-supporting surface for supporting the workpieces (not shown) to be fed, or being fed through the cutting head assembly  20 .  
         [0033]    In a currently preferred embodiment, a sheet  42  of suitable material, such as steel, is fixedly secured, such as by screws or other fasteners, to the top side of the cover  16  to form a durable, replaceable workpiece supporting surface. In a preferred embodiment, the sheet  42  is heavy gauge diamond plate aluminum. Preferably, the sheet  42  includes ruled marks for allowing the user to measure the workpieces.  
         [0034]    Referring now to FIG. 13, preferably an adjustable material stop  180  is provided. The adjustable material stop  180  includes a pipe  182  for securing a linear member  184  a desired distance from the cutting head assembly  20 . The linear member  184  provides a reference surface for allowing repeated cuts of workpieces to the desired length. The pipe removably engages the cutting head assembly  20  to allow for removal during transport. Preferably, the components of the adjustable material stop  180  are securely stored within the housing  18  during transport but it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the pipe  182  may be of any desired length. The pipe extends along the top  16  parallel to the elongated workpiece. The linear member  184  slidingly attaches to the pipe  182  at any desired location. Preferably, a V-shaped cradle  186  couples the linear member  184  to the pipe  182 . The V-shaped cradle  186  forms a triangle with an end of the linear member  184  and the pipe  182  easily slides through such triangle. A locking bolt  188  passes through a threaded hole  190  in the linear member to frictionally engage the pipe  182  and fix the adjustable material stop  180  thereto.  
         [0035]    A blade actuator  43  is located slightly under the housing  12  to insure against accidental activation and remote from the cutting head assembly  20  in the cutting position to insure the operator is at a safe distance during operation. Preferably, the blade actuator  43  is a foot stirrup design. In another embodiment, the blade actuator  43  is a remote control which activates the cutting head assembly  20  by infra-red signal as would be known to those skilled in the pertinent art. In still another embodiment, the blade actuator  43  is a push-button switch connected to the apparatus  10  by an electrical cable. A console  47  contains an emergency off push-button switch. Preferably, the console  47  also includes a keyed ignition for starting the motor assembly  44 , an automatic cut counter and warning lights for the oil pressure, alternator and the like. In another embodiment, the console  47  also includes an hour meter for tracking the hours of operation to notify the user that a portable energy source, such as a battery recharge, may be required. It is also envisioned that the portable energy source may be gasoline, a solar cell and the like as would be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art upon review of the subject disclosure.  
         [0036]    Upon completing the cutting operation, the cover  16  is lifted into the open position of FIG. 4, and the actuator  38  is operated to pivotally drive the cutting head assembly  20  back into the enclosure of the base  14 , as illustrated in FIGS. 2 through 4. Then, upon moving the cutting head assembly  20  into the storage position of FIG. 2, the cover  16  is moved into the closed position of FIG. 1, and the apparatus  10  may then be moved for storage or transported to another job site.  
         [0037]    In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the actuator  38  is in the form of a hydraulic cylinder. However, as may be recognized by those skilled in the pertinent art based on the teachings herein, the actuator may take the form of any of numerous different actuating mechanisms that are currently or later become known for performing the functions of the actuator described herein, such as a pneumatic cylinder, an electric motor or other type of motor, with or without a suitable gear train or linkage mechanism.  
         [0038]    As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the base  14  includes a motor housing  44  containing a motor (not shown) for driving a pump for the hydraulic components or otherwise for driving the various components of the apparatus  10 . In the currently preferred embodiment of the present invention, the motor is gasoline powered to allow the apparatus to be operated at job sites without electricity. However, as may be recognized by those skilled in the pertinent art based on the teachings herein, any of numerous different types of drive sources that are currently or later become known for performing the functions of the motor may be equally employed, such as an electric motor.  
         [0039]    Turning to FIG. 6, the base assembly  36  of the cutting head assembly  20  includes a first base support  46  and a second base support  48 , each of which define an elongated edge separated by, as shown in FIG. 8, a blade gap  50 . As shown in FIG. 6, a first support  52  is movably mounted on one side of the first and second base supports  46  and  48 , respectively, and a second support  54  is movably mounted on the opposite side of the first and second base supports. The support  52  defines two first support surfaces  56  for engaging a first side of a workpiece (not shown), and the second support  54  defines two second support surfaces  58  for engaging a second side of the workpiece. Each base support  46  and  48  similarly defines a third support surface  60  extending between the first and second support surfaces  56  and  58 , respectively, for engaging and supporting a third side of the workpiece. The first support surfaces  56  are spaced apart from and face the second support surfaces  58 , thus defining a channel  62  therebetween for receiving the workpiece. At least one of the first and second support surfaces  56  and  58 , respectively, is movable relative to the support surface on the opposite side of the channel  62  for adjusting the width “A” of the channel to thereby engage with each support surface the respective sides of workpieces of different widths.  
         [0040]    Referring to FIG. 6, the first support  52  will now be described in further detail, although it will be understood that the second support  54  may be similar and for clarity the second support will not be described in detail. The first support  52  may be composed of a suitable metal and comprises a pair of upstanding members  64  that are interconnected or secured together via fasteners  66 . The upstanding members  64  are disposed about a shim  68  which, as shown in FIG. 7, defines a thickness (t) of a blade gap  50 . It will be appreciated that the thickness (t) of the shim may be varied depending on the size of a shearing means or blade  70 . The shim  68  may be formed from a piece of metallic flat stock having a generally rectangular outer configuration and may comprise apertures (not shown) wherethrough the fasteners  66  may extend. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, the shim  68  terminates in a locking device  72  which may include a threaded rod  74  connected thereto by suitable means, such as welding. A nut  76  may be employed for securing the first support  52  into engagement with the first and second base supports  46  and  48 .  
         [0041]    As further shown in FIG. 8, each locking device  72  defines a slot  80  for receiving therein the lower end of the shim  68  fixedly secured to the threaded rod  74 . The slot  80  is generally an elongated rectangular channel. A pair of coupling members  82  and  84  are employed that may be connected via fasteners  86  to the base supports  46  and  48 . A pair of second base members  88  and  90  are disposed on the base members  46  and  48 , respectively, and together comprise the third support surface  60 . The base members  88  and  90  are secured to the shim  68  via, e.g., set screws  92 , each located on a respective coupling member  82  and  84 , to thereby define the width of the blade gap  50  extending through the third support surface  60  and to secure the base members in place.  
         [0042]    As shown typically in FIG. 9, a portion  94  of the first support surface  56  may be angled at an acute angle, preferably approximately 45°, relative to the plane defined by the blade  70  in order to provide for angular cuts as described in the above-mentioned co-pending patent application. Correspondingly, the second support surface  58  preferably comprises another angled portion  94  located diagonally opposite from that of the corresponding angled portion  94  on the first support surface, such that a workpiece may be accommodated for an angular cut. It will be recognized that the portions  94  may be angled at any particular angle in order to accommodate a variety of workpiece shapes and to permit a predetermined range of angular cuts to be made. It also will be recognized that four angular surface portions, rather than two, may be employed. In order to adjust the contact location between the angled portion  94  and the workpiece, a segment  96  of the each support  52  and  54  may be separately movable therefrom. To allow separate movement and locking of each segment  96 , a slot  98  is formed in the segment wherethrough the respective fastener  66  is disposed. As indicated by the arrow in FIG. 9, each segment  96  may be moved laterally relative to the remainder of the support  52  or  54  and then locked in a selected position by adjusting the respective fastener  66 .  
         [0043]    As shown typically in FIG. 9, the blade  70  comprises a support flange  100  affixed by, e.g., fasteners  102 , to the blade. The blade  70  includes detents (not shown) corresponding in position to each of the fasteners  102  to locate the position of the blade in the support flange. In addition, the blade defines a recess  103  (FIG. 10) in its upper edge, and a locating pin  104  extending through the flange is received within the recess in the upper edge of the blade to further locate the blade in the flange.  
         [0044]    The blade  70  is generally planar and has a transverse axis that is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the support flange  100 . The blade  70  includes a cutting edge  106  that comprises multiple planar surfaces  108 ,  110 ,  112 , and  114  each of which comprises cutting side edges on the front and back sides of the blade. The surfaces  108 ,  110 ,  112 , and  114  are illustrated as planar, although, it will be appreciated that a serration or relatively small teeth may be disposed on the surface. Each surface is separated by cutting tips  116 ,  118  and  120 . It will be recognized that while three cutting tips are preferable, additional cutting tips such as five or seven may be employed. The multiple surface and cutting tip configuration of this embodiment of the cutting blade functions to apply additional pressure adjacent to each of the cutting tips  116 ,  118  and  120  beyond that of the surfaces  108 ,  110 ,  112 , and  114  for puncturing, cutting and/or creating multiple fractures through a workpiece. In addition, as shown in FIG. 9, cutting tips  116  and  120  are advantageously located such that they may act to puncture and shear the outer flanges of a workpiece (not shown). This multi-tip structure has been found to be particularly advantageous since the outer flanges are supported at only one end and thus may tend to bend rather than be cut when less than three cutting tips are employed.  
         [0045]    Each of the tips  116 ,  118  and  120  is formed by the intersection of planes defined by surfaces  108 ,  110 ,  112 , and  114 , respectively. The intersection of such planes defines angles A, B, C, and D as shown in FIG. 9. The secondary angles C and D are preferably substantially the same and are greater than the primary angles A and B, and may be within the range of between approximately 45° and approximately 75°, and in the illustrated embodiment, are approximately 60°. The primary angles A and B may be within the range of approximately 15° and approximately 45°, and in the illustrated embodiment is approximately 30°. As may be recognized by those skilled in the pertinent art based on the teachings herein, the greater the secondary angles, the less cutting force (or hydraulic pressure) required to cut the workpieces. One advantage of the compound cutting blade  70  of the present disclosure is that it permits a more compact head assembly  20  in comparison to one employing only two cutting edges, and thereby allows a shorter cutting stroke of the blade  70 .  
         [0046]    A blade drive  122  is mounted between the first and second laterally-extending supports  32  and  34 , respectively, and is drivingly connected to the support flange  100  of the blade  70  to drive the blade upwardly and downwardly through the blade gap  50  to cut the workpieces. In the illustrated embodiment, the blade drive  122  is in the form of a hydraulic cylinder. However, as may be recognized by those skilled in the pertinent art based on the teachings herein, the actuator may take the form of any of numerous different actuating mechanisms that are currently or later become known for performing the functions of the actuator described herein, such as a pneumatic cylinder, an electric motor or other type of motor, with or without a suitable gear train or linkage mechanism.  
         [0047]    An upper mounting plate  124  secures the upper end of the actuator  122  to the first laterally-extending support  32 . A pair of jack bolts  126  (only one shown) are mounted on the upper side of the mounted plate  124  such that the free ends of the bolts  126  engage the adjacent wall of the laterally-extending support  32 . As indicated by the arrows in FIG. 6, the jack bolts  126  are adjusted to, in turn, adjust the position of the actuator  122  and thereby move the blade  70  forward or backwards for alignment of the blade.  
         [0048]    As further shown in FIG. 6, a plurality of secondary jack bolts  128  (only two shown) are each mounted on a respective side at the base of the actuator  122  for engaging the adjacent face of a base plate  130  of the actuator. The secondary jack bolts  128  are adjusted to, in turn, adjust the final position of the actuator and thus of the blade within the blade gap. As shown in FIG. 10, a shaft  123  of the cylinder  122  is secured to the support flange  100  to drivingly connect the blade to the actuator. The shaft  123  is rotatable within the cylinder thus converting the pivotal adjustment of the jack bolts in the forward and backward movement of the blade within the blade gap.  
         [0049]    As shown typically in FIG. 6, the base portions  132  of each support surface  56  and  58  are angled inwardly at an acute angle “E”. The base portions  132  is provided to allow the workpiece to flex outwardly upon cutting the workpiece with the blade  70 . As a result, the cutting position of the blade  70  shifts laterally along the cutting edge of the blade  70  as the blade  70  moves downwardly through the workpiece and the sides of the workpiece flex outwardly toward the base portion  132 . A significant advantage of base portions  132  is to allow for significantly improved blade life since a greater surface area of the blade  70  is being used to cut, for example, the upstanding flanges on metal building studs or like workpieces. Another advantage of the base portions  132  is to allow for a smoother finish on the cut surfaces of the workpieces. Yet another advantage of the base portions  132  is that it provides a wider channel  62  in the vicinity of the workpiece, and thereby facilitates insertion of the workpieces into the apparatus  10  and removal of the workpieces therefrom.  
         [0050]    In the preferred embodiment, the angle E is determined to provide inward travel of a distance  133  for each vertical displacement distance  135  of the blade  70 . For example, if the inward travel distance  133  is approximately ¼ inch, the vertical displacement  135  would be approximately 3 inches. However, as may be recognized by those skilled in the art based on the teachings herein, the angle E may be any of numerous different angles depending, for example, on the shape and/or size of the workpieces, or the material from which the workpieces are made. In any event, the space between the adjacent sides of the workpiece and the base portion  132  is preferably within the range of flexibility of the workpiece without causing permanent deformation of the workpiece.  
         [0051]    As further shown in FIG. 6, the cutting head assembly  20  comprises a gravity feed oiling system including a pair of oil reservoirs  134  (only one shown), each mounted on the second laterally-extending support  34  over a respective support  52  or  56  and filled with a suitable lubricating oil or other liquid for lubricating the respective side of the blade  70 . As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, each support  64  defines a respective elongated channel  136  thereby forming a fluid conduit extending between the oil reservoir  134  and the portion of the blade gap formed between the respective supports  64 . An inlet hole  138  is also formed in the opposing surfaces of the supports  64  to thereby define an inlet conduit connected in fluid communication between the oil reservoir  134  and channel  138 . A second reservoir  140  is formed at the junction of the inlet channel  138  and elongated channel  136  and may be formed by a round hole in each support  64 . In operation, the oil is released by gravity from the reservoir  134  into the inlet channel  138  and second reservoir  140 , and in turn flows by capillary action through the elongated channel  136  and onto the surfaces of the blade  70  received within the portion of the blade gap  50  formed between the opposing plates  64 . As a result, the oil effectively lubricates the marginal portions “E” of the blade  70  and thereby ensures adequate lubrication of the cutting surfaces of the blade  70  (i.e., the surfaces cutting the upstanding flanges of the metal framing studs or like workpieces). As shown typically in FIG. 10, the surface  132  may define a chamfer  142  to prevent chipping.  
         [0052]    In the operation of the cutting head assembly  20 , the workpiece is located in the channel  62  and the first and second supports  56  and  58  may be moved into engagement therewith after loosening of nuts  76 . As indicated in phantom in FIG. 6, threaded rods  144  with adjustment wheels  146  may extend through the upstanding supports  28  and engage the supports  56  and  58  to laterally adjust the supports by rotation of the wheels and rods. The blade  70 , driven by the drive actuator  122 , may then puncture and shear the workpiece by driving the blade downwardly through the workpiece and then returning the blade to the non-cutting position, as shown in FIG. 6. If it is desired that the workpiece be cut at a particular angle, e.g., a 45°, to the longitudinal axis of the workpiece, the lower fasteners  66  in FIG. 9 may be loosened and segment  96  may be moved laterally to engage a side of the workpiece. The shims  68  located between the upstanding members  64  may be replaced, e.g. depending upon a thickness (t′) of the blade  70  as described above, via removal of the fasteners  66  and nut  76  and loosening of set screws  92  of the base members  88  and  90 . As shown in FIG. 6, the base assembly  36  may be provided with indicia indicating the width of the channel  62  and the locking members  72  likewise may be provided with pointers for aligning the locking members with the desired measured indicia to thereby precisely set the width A of the channel.  
         [0053]    Referring now to FIG. 12, another preferred blade  230  of the cutting head assembly  20  is generally planar and has a transverse axis that is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the support flange  234 . The blade  230  includes a cutting surface  260  that comprises multiple planar segments  262 ,  264 ,  266  and  268 . The segments  262 ,  264 ,  266  and  268  are illustrated as planar, although, it will be appreciated that a serration or teeth may be disposed on the surface thereof. The segments  262 ,  264 ,  266  and  268  are separated by cutting tips  270 ,  272  and  274 . It will be recognized that while three cutting tips are preferable, additional cutting tips such as five or seven may be employed by creating additional segments. When the blade  230  shears a workpiece (not shown), a portion or slug approximately the width of the blade  230  is removed from the workpiece. Typically, the slug remains in the blade gap  50 . Eventually, the slugs may collect in the blade gap  50  to prevent further operation of the cutting head assembly  20 .  
         [0054]    The distal ends of segments  262  and  268  of the blade  230  define ejection hooks  280  for facilitating removal of slugs by engaging thereof. Each ejection hook  280  forms a cavity  282  defined by a linear portion  284 , a rounded portion  286  and a point  288 . In another embodiment, the points  288  of the ejection hooks  280  are rounded. In still another embodiment, the rounded portions  286  of the ejection hooks  280  are a flat line. Such a flat line portion may be parallel to the transverse axis or at an angle as would be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the subject disclosure. The ejection hooks  280  force the slugs out of the cutting path, thereby preventing interference during subsequent shearing action.  
         [0055]    As may be recognized by those skilled in the pertinent art, numerous changes and modifications may be made to the above-described and other embodiments of the present invention, without departing from its scope as defined in the appended claims. For example, the cutting head assembly may include a blade with ejection hooks, supports with angled base portions, a fluid conduit and combinations thereof. The housing may include handles, locking casters, low friction pads, a combination thereof and the like to facilitate movement. Accordingly, while the invention has been described with respect to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various changes and/or modifications can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.