Which is better? A shear or a nibbler? What will one do that the other can't? Kind of confused.

A nibbler can go in smaller circles and do more intricate work. A shear you will have a strip of sheet metal to deal with as you cut. I think the nibbler is better on thinner metal and shear on thicker. Hope this helps.

Is there a Hard case for storage this tool

The one I bought through amazon did not come with a hard case

Will this tool easily follow a along the edge of a plywood pattern to make repetitious shapes or along a straightedge to make perfectly straight cuts?

Yes, your pattern will need to be slightly smaller than you want as a finished product to compensate for the offset between the outer edge of the tool head and the cutter, AND you will need to maintain a constant relative angle.

has anyone ever cut 16 ga. steel with this? 18 ga.?

I have cut 18ga. Very easy cuts. I feel it would handle 16 gage.

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Description

🔧 Cut sharp, work smart — the Makita JN1601 is your metal’s new best friend!

360 FLEXIBILITY - Die rotates fully for versatile cutting angles, adapting to any project with ease.
ERGONOMIC MASTERY - Slim, lightweight design with small circumference barrel grip for effortless handling all day.
WORK WITHOUT PAUSE - Lock-on sliding switch enables continuous operation, boosting productivity and reducing fatigue.
DOWNTIME NOT HERE - Quick punch and die replacement minimizes interruptions, keeping your workflow seamless.
PRECISION IN EVERY CUT - Large 1/4" stroke ensures clean, accurate cuts on metal sheets and deck plates.

The Makita JN1601 16 Gauge Nibbler is a lightweight, ergonomically designed power tool featuring a 360° rotating die and a powerful 550W motor. It delivers precise, clean cuts on metal sheets with a large 1/4" stroke, while its lock-on switch and quick die replacement system maximize efficiency for professional-grade performance.

Specifications

Brand	Makita
Color	Blue
Blade Material	Stainless Steel
Surface Recommendation	Metal
Power Source	Corded Electric
Special Feature	Lightweight
Included Components	Unit^Instruction Guide
Product Dimensions	18.25"L x 12"W x 3.25"H
Voltage	240 Volts
Item Weight	2.19 Kilograms
Speed	2200 RPM
Blade Length	6.4 Feet
Number of Batteries	1 A batteries required.
Cutting Angle	360 Degrees
Specification Met	certified frustration-free
Wattage	550 watts
Blade Shape	Round
Global Trade Identification Number	00088381015448
Handle Material	Plastic
UPC	088381015448
Manufacturer	Makita
Part Number	JN1601
Item Weight	4.82 pounds
Item model number	JN1601
Batteries	1 A batteries required.
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer	No
Size	One Size
Style	Nibbler
Item Package Quantity	1
Number Of Pieces	1
Special Features	Lightweight
Batteries Included?	No
Batteries Required?	No
Warranty Description	Manufacturer

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