Abstract: To cut strips in the length direction from long sheet metal plates, a table upports the plate and a cutting device moves along the length of the plate supported on the table for cutting the desired strip in a series of cutting steps. The cutting device includes a bottom cutter and a top cutter with the top cutter being movable toward and away from the bottom cutter for making partial cuts across the length of the plate. The cutting device is moved along the support table in the length direction of the plate. After completing the cutting of a strip, the cutting device can be reversed to cut another strip as it moves in the opposite direction. Movable clamps hold the plate down during the cutting operation. Further, movable members are provided in the support table to support the strip as it is cut in successive steps.