Abstract: A method and apparatus for fine shearing a metal workpiece involves placing the workpiece on a stationary die surface for support and driving a single punch against the workpiece such that at least a portion of the workpiece is placed in compression. The punch is then driven into and through the workpiece along a predetermined path which has a first directional component both perpendicular to and directed toward the die surface and a second directional component both parallel to the die surface and directed into the compressed portion of the workpiece. The punch is driven with a force having components both perpendicular to and parallel to the path of the punch. The force component perpendicular to the punch path is large enough to keep the compressed portion of the workpiece in a plastic state. The force component parallel to the path of the punch is large enough to overcome the shear strength of the workpiece along the path.