A cutting tool has a cutting head, a motor and a transmission means drivable by the motor. The cutting head comprises first and second cutting members, wherein the first cutting member is pivotably moveable with respect to the second cutting member. At least the first cutting member is drivable by the transmission means between a first angular position with respect to the second cutting member and a second angular position with respect to the second cutting member, in which a space between the respective cutting blades is closed. The transmission means is a bevel gear on the output shaft of a gearbox which conveys drive power from the motor to the drive gear. The bevel gear directly engages a bevel wheel member connected to the first cutting member and which swivels with the first cutting member about the same swivel point. A controller comprises main, first and second switches which control the motor to move the first cutting member (movable blade). The main switch acts as a main power switch whereas the first ad second switches act as limit switches detecting movement of said movable blade at the limits of its intended motion. The controller exerts automatic control over movement of the first cutting member in response to inputs from the first and second limit switches.
