I've always hand sheared but I couldn't tell you what make my shears are.
The best tip I can give you is keep the shears flat to the body and don't pull on the wool or you'll nick the skin. If you wait until the wool is well risen the job will be easy. The ewes will probably look as if they are wearing an Elizabethan ruff at the neck but check that the back and legs are also the same or you will find it very hard going. You know it is risen when there is a discernible 'break' or thin area between the old fleece and the new. You shear into this thin area and the job should be easy.
I have owned some electric shears for several years now and never been bold enough to use them, I've sewn up too many experienced shearer cuts and I think of electric shears as vicious and scary. I plan to try them out this year though so that's going to be a first for me but I reckon hand shearing gives you a good knowledge of a sheep's body contours so I think I'm finally ready to bite the bullet.
Forgot to say; I also have arthritis in my hands - everywhere actually, I've been known to sit on an upturned bucket to shear to spare my back - try just doing one or two at a time or your hands will be very sore the following day. Good luck