Abstract: A punching and shearing machine in which a single hydraulic cylinder (1) operates alternatively the punch or the shear of the machine. When the punch is operative, a manually operated eccentric lever (16) blocks the shear carrying member (8) so that the stem (6) of the piston in the hydraulic cylinder (1) causes motion of the punch carrying member (3). If, on the other hand, the shear is to be operated, another manually operated eccentric lever (14) blocks the punch carrying member (3), so that the external part of the hydraulic cylinder, which is connected to the shear carrying member (8), causes the motion of the shear carrying member only. Safety micro-switches are provided to interrupt the hydraulic circuit controlling the cylinder (1), if the eccentrics (14, 16) are both free or both are blocking a tool carrying member.