Shears are pretty simple tools, nonetheless this one is executed well. Assembly takes about five minutes (just several bolts to make the handle) and that's about it. Tips: -like with all big cast iron tools, these ship with bolts not super tightened etc. to prevent cracking. So make sure the bolts are tight, it will help keep the cuts straight when using on thicker materiale. -Make sure to use the hold-down part (the black thing that holds the metal flat) - it will help keep the metal where it needs to be, and not allow it to \"rise\" and make the cut less straight. -Several smaller cuts are always better than one big one, if you can do such. also, cutting closer to the throat / inside will result in less deviation, depending on what you are cutting. Also, as with any standard tool check if there are any cracks in the cast iron. This is rare, but these boxes get thrown around a lot, and sometimes there might be a crack you might find after it's too late.
Tbone 
