Shaper

     A shaper is a machine that uses linear relative motion in between the workpiece, and cuts with a single-point cutting tool to machine out a linear toolpath. A shaper cuts similar to lathe, but the shaper cuts linear, while a lathe cuts helical. The shaper is also similar to a planer, but is smaller and has the cutter run on a ram, while in a planer the workpiece runs underneath the teeth. The ram on the shaper is usually moved back and forth by a crank inside the column.


Shaper