Intro

On most jobs, clean metal cuts make or break your day. The Malco TurboShear turns a regular drill into a fast, controlled metal shear. “Malco TurboShear! Yes I loved it!” sums up how I felt after the first dozen cuts. It’s quick, leaves a workable edge, and saves real time. In this guide, I’ll show what it does, why it’s worth it, and how to get clean results. You’ll see simple steps, clear tips, and real numbers you can trust.

Quick Answer

The Malco TurboShear is a drill-powered shear for sheet metal. It cuts common materials like siding, roofing, and duct up to about 18–20 gauge (≈0.9–1.2 mm). It delivers fast, controlled cuts with less burr than snips and more mobility than big shears. It’s a dependable, job‑site workhorse.

Table of Contents

• Why the Malco TurboShear Wins on Site
• Setup and Safety in 5 Minutes
• How to Use the Malco TurboShear for Clean Cuts
• Cut Types and Tips Contractors Use Daily
• Malco TurboShear Results on Real Jobs
• Care, Blades, and Maintenance
• After the Cut: Workflow Tips That Save Time
• FAQ
• Conclusion

Key Takeaways

• The Malco TurboShear cuts 18–20 gauge mild steel (≈0.9–1.2 mm) fast and clean.
• Setup takes about 5 minutes. A 1/4" chuck drill with 1,500–2,500 RPM works best.
• Expect 10–12 ft/min (≈3–4 m/min) cutting speed with steady feed.
• Commonly saves 30–60 seconds per panel; that’s 2–3 hours per week on busy crews.

Why the Malco TurboShear Wins on Site

The Malco TurboShear brings speed and control without lugging a big tool. It attaches to your drill, so you already own half the solution. Most models handle 18–20 gauge mild steel (≈0.9–1.2 mm). That covers steel siding, roofing trims, and ductwork.

• Fast cuts: 10–12 ft/min (≈3–4 m/min) with a steady hand.
• Tight curves: down to about a 6–8 cm radius with practice.
• Portable: Tool head is roughly 1–2 lb, easy to carry on ladders.
• Clean edge: Less burr than many nibblers. Less hand strain than long snips.

If you’ve ever said, “Malco TurboShear! Yes I loved it!”, it’s probably because it balances speed and control better than most drill attachments.

This pairs well with understanding professional proposals and clear scopes. If you’re also looking to streamline professional proposals, our guide covers creating professional proposals that clients accept fast.

Setup and Safety in 5 Minutes

You don’t need a shop day to get started. Here’s the quick setup for the Malco TurboShear.

1. Pick the right model for your material (mild steel vs fibre cement vs corrugated).
2. Use a drill with a 1/4" chuck and 1,500–2,500 RPM. Variable speed helps.
3. Clamp your work. Support the drop so it doesn’t pinch the blades.
4. Mark your line with a marker or scribe. Use a straightedge for long cuts.
5. Fit the TurboShear in the drill, tighten the chuck firmly.
6. Wear gloves, safety glasses, and hearing protection. Metal sings at high RPM.
7. Test on a scrap. Check for smooth feed and clean chips.

Safety tip: Keep both hands clear of the cutting jaw. Chips are sharp. Clear them every 30–60 seconds so they don’t bind.

How to Use the Malco TurboShear for Clean Cuts

The Malco TurboShear rewards a steady hand. Follow this simple rhythm for straight, clean lines.

1. Start square. Hold the shear at 90° to the sheet.
2. Let the tool bite. Squeeze the trigger to about mid‑speed.
3. Feed, don’t force. Aim for a steady 10 ft/min (≈3 m/min).
4. Watch the line, not the chips. Keep the jaw centred on your mark.
5. For curves, pivot the tool, not your wrist. Use small 5–10° turns.
6. For notches, stop, back up 5–10 mm, and re‑enter at a corner.
7. Deburr lightly with a file if needed. Often, the edge is ready as‑is.

Pro move: Pre‑drill a 10–12 mm pilot hole for inside cuts. Drop the Malco TurboShear in the hole and follow your circle or rectangle layout.

Cut Types and Tips Contractors Use Daily

Here’s how the Malco TurboShear handles the most common jobs.

Straight Cuts on Panels

• Snap a chalk line or use a 1 m straightedge.
• Keep the off‑cut supported so it doesn’t curl into the jaws.
• On long runs, pause every 1–2 m to clear chips.

Trims and Notches

• Mark 90° corners with a square.
• Make one cut, back up 5–8 mm, then turn and finish the notch.
• For returns, leave an extra 3–4 mm and fold later for a clean finish.

Curves and Radiuses

• Aim for 6–8 cm minimum radius for smooth curves.
• For tighter turns, make a series of small relief cuts.

Corrugated and Ribbed Metal

• Cut ridge‑to‑valley, not across multiple ribs at once.
• If the jaw binds on a tall rib, tilt a few degrees to re‑engage.

Duct and Plenum Openings

• Drill a 10–12 mm pilot hole.
• Keep the tool vertical to avoid thinning the edge.
• Leave a 2–3 mm allowance if a collar will bite over the cut.

Malco TurboShear Results on Real Jobs

Real jobs sell a tool. Here’s what many contractors report with the Malco TurboShear:

• Siding crew: Trimming 30–40 panels a day. Saving 30–60 seconds per panel vs snips = roughly 25–40 minutes per day.
• HVAC tech: Cutting 6–10 duct take‑offs per job. Inside holes are 1–2 minutes faster each vs a hand nibbler.
• Roofer: Valley and ridge trims split cleanly. Less burr means 1 fewer pass with the file per 5–6 cuts.

Over a week, those gains add up to 2–3 hours saved. That’s the kind of time that wins an extra service call or finishes a small change order before dark. “Malco TurboShear! Yes I loved it!” makes sense when you see the clock.

This pairs well with understanding pricing change orders and managing project timelines effectively. For contractors dealing with invoice templates that save time, we recommend using a simple, repeatable format.

Care, Blades, and Maintenance

The Malco TurboShear is tough, but a little care keeps cuts crisp.

• Keep jaws clean. Wipe chips every 1–2 metres of cutting.
• Light oil on moving parts at the end of the day.
• Inspect blades weekly. If you see flattening or tearing, it’s time to adjust or replace.
• Store with the jaw closed. It protects the edge.
• If your drill stalls, reduce feed and increase RPM slightly.

Commonly, blades last many projects on 20‑gauge steel with good technique. Aluminium is easier; stainless wears blades faster. Replace when you notice more burr or the tool pulling off line.

After the Cut: Workflow Tips That Save Time

Clean cuts are only half the job. Document fast, send approvals, and keep cash moving.

• Snap a photo of the cut and the patch. Add a quick voice note with sizes.
• Use tools like Donizo to turn those notes into a proposal in minutes with Voice to Proposal. Send a branded PDF, get an e‑signature, and convert to an invoice in one click.
• Keep a standard parts list for trims, fasteners, and sealants. Reuse it on every metal job.

If you’re also looking to streamline client management, our guide covers change order workflows that protect your margin.

FAQ

How thick can the Malco TurboShear cut?

Most Malco TurboShear models for metal handle 18–20 gauge mild steel, about 0.9–1.2 mm. Aluminium is easier, so you can cut slightly thicker. Stainless is tougher; stick to thinner gauges and go slower.

Will the TurboShear warp or distort the metal?

With steady feed and good support, distortion is minimal. Support the off‑cut so it doesn’t bend into the jaws. If you force the cut or let the drop hang, you’ll see more curl and burr.

Do I need a special drill to use it?

No. A standard cordless or corded drill with a 1/4" chuck works. Variable speed helps. Aim for 1,500–2,500 RPM. Keep a charged 2–5 Ah battery on site for cordless work.

How does it compare to nibblers or snips?

It’s faster than hand snips on long cuts and leaves a cleaner, flatter edge than many nibblers. Nibblers excel at tight internal shapes but leave small chips. The Malco TurboShear balances speed, edge quality, and portability.

Can it cut corrugated or standing seam panels?

Yes, with technique. Follow the ridge‑to‑valley, not across multiple ribs at once. Tilt slightly to re‑engage if you bind on a tall rib. Practice on off‑cuts before touching the final piece.

Conclusion

The Malco TurboShear delivers fast, clean cuts on common metal jobs. It’s portable, simple, and saves real time across a week. To put it to work now: 1) Pick the right model for your material, 2) Practise on scraps for 10–15 minutes, and 3) Keep a charged drill and the shear in your everyday kit. When you’re done cutting, platforms such as Donizo help turn photos and voice notes into proposals with e‑signatures and quick invoicing. Use your time on site, not on paperwork. Work smarter, not harder.