Abstract: A device for cutting or stamping metal bars and sections comprising a machine frame having a slide which is guided for movement in a frame and which is driven in the direction of its length by an hydraulic or pneumatic drive which applies a driving force substantially along the longitudinal center line of the slide, a pair of tools one of which is connected to the machine frame, the other being carried by the slide, said pair of tools being laterally offset relatively to the line of application of the driving force, and the machine frame being provided with laterally spaced guides both above and below the tools for guiding said movement of the slide. An additional force is applied to the slide to oppose the torque which in use will be generated by the force couple which is formed by the aforesaid driving force applied by the hydraulic or pneumatic drive and the cutting or stamping reaction force which will be developed in use by the pair of tools.