The 9 Best Sheet Metal Notchers 2026: Manual, Pneumatic, and Hydraulic Bernardo

The best manual notching machine for value for money is the Bernardo AK 100 (€950): the only one in its category that can work with thicknesses up to 3mm, with micrometric stops for repeatable cuts. For those looking for the lowest price, the AK 125 (€429) cuts 125x125mm angles on sheets up to 1.5mm. Those who work in series on medium-high thicknesses will find 2-ton power and foot control in the AK 130 PT pneumatic (€3,233). For heavy carpentry up to 6.5mm, the HA 250 x 6.5 hydraulic (€8,003) is the only choice.

In this guide, we compare 9 Bernardo notching machines from €429 to €12,500: 4 manual, 2 pneumatic, and 2 hydraulic, plus an electric tube notching machine. You'll find technical specifications, real differences between the models, and guidance on choosing the right machine for your work.

A notching machine (or angular notcher) removes triangular or rectangular portions from the corners of a metal sheet. This operation is essential when you need to bend a metal sheet 90° without material overlaps, or when preparing sheets for boxes, containers, frames, or paneling.

The mechanism is simple but effective: two sharp blades, one upper and one lower, meet with a shearing motion. The metal sheet is positioned against the reference stops, the machine is operated (manually, with a pedal, by compressed air, or hydraulically), and the corner is sheared instantly.

The advantages over manual cutting or cutting with an angle grinder are evident:

• Perfectly square and repeatable cuts
• Clean edges without burrs or deformations
• Incomparable execution speed
• Constant precision even on long series
• No slag or heat that alters the material

Notching machines are divided into three categories based on their operation: manual (lever or pedal), pneumatic (compressed air), and hydraulic (for heavy thicknesses).

Manual Notching Machines

Model Price Max thickness Max cut Weight Feature

Pneumatic Notching Machines

Model Price Max thickness Max cut Power Weight

Hydraulic Notching Machines

Model Price Max thickness Max cut Extra

Bernardo manual notching machines are the most accessible choice for those working with thin metal sheets (up to 1.5-3 mm) at medium-low volumes. They do not require electricity or compressed air, work anywhere, and cost from €429 to €949.

The AK 125 weighs only 28 kg and is designed to be easily moved between construction sites, workshops, and different workstations. Its compact structure makes it perfect as a benchtop notching machine, without the need for a dedicated base.

It cuts angles up to 125 x 125 mm at 90° on sheets up to 1.5 mm (400 N/mm² steel). The 20 mm stroke ensures a clean and uniform cut, while the 365 x 265 mm worktable provides a stable surface for workpiece positioning.

The equipment includes a set of blades, side guides, and safety protection. It is the ideal choice for technical schools, small artisan workshops, and anyone needing a reliable entry-level machine.

Strengths: unbeatable price, lightness, easy transport, large cut for its category

Limitations: thin sheets only (1.5 mm), manual lever operation

Recommended for: training, small workshops, occasional work, mobile use

The AK 80 F introduces foot pedal control, a convenience that makes a difference when you need to position the metal sheet with both hands. The included floor stand ensures absolute stability during cutting, while its 74 kg weight provides robustness to the cast iron structure.

It cuts angles up to 80 x 80 mm at 90° on sheets up to 1.5 mm. The smaller cutting dimensions make it suitable for precision work on medium-small parts, typical of window and door manufacturing and sheet metal work.

Hardened steel blades ensure long life and clean cuts. The mechanical eccentric transmission guarantees constant power without excessive effort on the pedal.

Strengths: foot pedal control, hands-free, stand included, robust construction

Limitations: reduced cutting dimensions (80x80 mm)

Recommended for: window and door manufacturers, sheet metal workers, repetitive work on small parts

The AK 150 offers the largest cutting capacity among manual notching machines: 150 x 150 mm at 90°. This means you can work with wider angles without having to resort to pneumatic or hydraulic models.

The maximum thickness remains 1.5 mm (400 N/mm² steel), but the increased cutting surface makes it versatile for paneling, metal roofing, and jobs requiring generous notches.

The cast iron body and hardened blades ensure precision and durability. The lever operation is smooth thanks to the eccentric mechanism that multiplies the applied force.

Strengths: 150x150 mm cutting dimensions, affordable price, professional structure

Limitations: max thickness 1.5 mm, manual operation

Recommended for: paneling, roofing, light carpentry with wide angles

The AK 100 is the most powerful manual notching machine in the range. It works with sheets up to 3 mm thick (400 N/mm² steel), twice that of other manual models. The 85 kg weight and torsion-proof cast iron structure provide the necessary stability for these thicknesses.

The maximum cut is 100 x 100 mm at 90°, a good compromise between capacity and maneuverability. Adjustable stops with micrometric adjustment allow for serial processing with constant precision.

Play-free adjustable guides eliminate inaccuracies over time, while the robust eccentric force transmission delivers the necessary power without operator fatigue.

Strengths: 3 mm thickness unique among manual machines, micrometric stops, professional precision

Limitations: higher price in its category, significant weight

Recommended for: metalworking, workshops working with medium-high thicknesses without compressed air

Bernardo pneumatic notching machines eliminate the fatigue of manual operation and ensure constant power for continuous use. They require a compressor (6-8 bar pressure) but offer superior speed and convenience.

The AK 130 PT combines the convenience of pneumatic operation with a remarkable cutting capacity: 3 mm thickness on sheets up to 130 x 130 mm at 90°. The high-quality pneumatic cylinder develops a cutting force of 2 tons.

The foot pedal control leaves hands free to position the material, while the cast iron body and sheet metal base ensure stability during work. It is designed for continuous use without operator fatigue.

Hardened steel blades guarantee clean and repeatable cuts. An excellent choice for those who regularly work with medium-thick sheets and seek high productivity.

Strengths: 3 mm thickness, 2 t power, continuous use, hands-free pedal

Limitations: requires a compressor, professional category price

Recommended for: metalworking workshops, regular production, thicknesses up to 3 mm

The AK 150 P offers the largest cutting dimension among pneumatic notchers: 150 x 150 mm at 90°. The cutting power increases to 2.2 tons, compensating for the larger surface to be cut.

The maximum thickness is 2 mm (steel 400 N/mm²), which is less than the AK 130 PT but sufficient for most medium sheet metal applications. The weight of 165 kg ensures absolute stability.

The 595 x 455 mm work table offers ample space for positioning parts. Like its smaller counterpart, it is foot-operated and requires compressed air (6-8 bar).

Strengths: 150x150 mm cut, 2.2 t power, large work table

Limitations: max 2 mm thickness, requires compressor

Recommended for: paneling, metal roofing, wide angles on medium sheet metal

Bernardo hydraulic notchers represent the top of the range for those who intensively work with thick sheet metal. Power, precision, and cutting capacity make them industrial production machines.

The HA 250 x 6.5 is the notcher with the largest cutting capacity: 250 x 250 mm at 90° on sheets up to 6.5 mm thick. These are heavy-duty carpentry figures, where other machines stop.

The hydraulic system ensures constant and controlled power, ideal for precise cuts even on thick material. The foot pedal with emergency stop ensures safety in daily operations.

The industrial structure and precision guides allow repeatable work on long series. It is the choice for those who want no compromises on capacity and productivity.

Strengths: 250x250 mm cut, 6.5 mm thickness, hydraulic power, industrial construction

Limitations: significant price, dimensions, and weight

Recommended for: heavy carpentry, industry, thicknesses over 4 mm, intensive production

The HA 200 x 6 VSW is a double machine: hydraulic notcher plus a round punching machine. It cuts angles up to 200 x 200 mm and punches sheets with the included punch (Ø 12 mm as standard), all in a single workstation.

The maximum thickness is 6 mm on standard steel (400 N/mm²), 4 mm on high-strength steel (600 N/mm²). Its versatility makes it ideal for workshops that perform both notching and punching.

Adjustable stops with integrated scales allow precise and repeatable positioning. The plexiglass protection and the emergency foot pedal complete the safety features.

Strengths: notcher + punching machine, 6 mm thickness, positioning scales, emergency foot pedal

Limitations: high price, requires dedicated space

Recommended for: comprehensive workshops, combined cutting+punching operations, industrial production

In addition to sheet metal notchers, Krollit also offers Bernardo tube notchers, specialized machines for creating saddle notches on tubes for 90° joints.

The MRA-Pro is the only electric notcher in the range. The 1.1 kW (230V) motor allows continuous use without fatigue, working with tubes with an outer diameter from 16 to 60 mm.

It processes steel tubes up to 3 mm wall thickness, aluminum up to 4.5 mm, copper and brass up to 4 mm. The edges come out clean and ready for welding, without the need for rework.

It is the choice for those who regularly work with frames, tubular structures, handrails, and railings.

The manual notchers RA1 (€269.62), RAA (€300.12), and RAB (€359.90) offer the same functionalities at lower costs for smaller volumes.

The most important parameter. All Bernardo values refer to steel with a strength of 400 N/mm²:

• Up to 1.5 mm: AK 125, AK 80 F, AK 150 (economical manual)
• Up to 2 mm: AK 150 P (pneumatic)
• Up to 3 mm: AK 100 (manual), AK 130 PT (pneumatic)
• Up to 6-6.5 mm: HA 200 x 6 VSW, HA 250 x 6.5 (hydraulic)

For aluminum and non-ferrous metals, the capacity increases by 30-50%.

Determines how large an angle can be removed:

• 80x80 mm: precision work on small parts (AK 80 F)
• 100x100 mm: standard applications (AK 100)
• 125x125 mm: good versatile compromise (AK 125)
• 130x130 mm: standard pneumatic (AK 130 PT)
• 150x150 mm: paneling and roofing (AK 150, AK 150 P)
• 200-250 mm: heavy carpentry (HA 200, HA 250)

• Occasional (< 1 hour/day): manual (AK 80 F, AK 100, AK 125, AK 150)
• Regular (1-4 hours/day): pneumatic (AK 130 PT, AK 150 P)
• Intensive (> 4 hours/day): hydraulic (HA 200, HA 250)

If you don't have a compressor, the choices are:

• Manual: AK 80 F, AK 100, AK 125, AK 150
• Hydraulic: HA 200 x 6 VSW, HA 250 x 6.5 (electric power supply)

Pneumatic machines require compressed air at 6-8 bar.

Which notcher to choose?

It depends on the thickness you work and the production volume.

For hobbyists and small workshops working thin sheets up to 1.5mm, the AK 125 (€429) offers the best price with a 125x125mm cut. Those who prefer hands-free operation will find the foot pedal of the AK 80 F (€586) makes a difference for repetitive work.

For carpentry and window/door manufacturers working thicknesses up to 3mm without compressed air, the AK 100 (€950) is the only manual with this capacity. The micrometric stops ensure precision for long series.

For regular production with a compressor available, the pneumatic AK 130 PT (€3,233) and AK 150 P (€3,294) eliminate fatigue and maintain constant speed. The AK 130 PT handles 3mm, while the AK 150 P offers a wider cut (150x150mm) on 2mm.

For heavy carpentry and industry with thicknesses over 4mm, the hydraulic HA 250 x 6.5 (€8,003) and HA 200 x 6 VSW (€12,500) are the only options. The latter also includes an integrated punching machine for drilling.

The notcher integrates with other sheet metal machines: shears for linear cutting, bending machines for bends, rolling machines for curves. Those who also work with tubes will find the MRA-Pro (€3,087) electric tube notcher for saddle joints.

All notchers are available on Krollit with shipping in Italy, technical assistance, and original Bernardo spare parts. Official distributor since 2007. For advice on selection, contact our team at +39 0825-1494022.

Discover the full range: Bernardo Sheet Metal Notchers.