What kinds of surfaces can a shaper cut?

A shaper is a machine tool designed to create various geometric features on a workpiece using a single-point cutting tool. By utilizing the adjustable mounting of the tool and the reciprocating motion of the ram, a shaper can produce the following types of surfaces:

• Flat surfaces: The primary function of the machine is to generate essentially flat surfaces.12
• Grooves and shoulders: The tool is capable of cutting precise grooves and shoulder features into the material.12
• Angular surfaces: Because the tool mounting is adjustable, the machine can generate surfaces at almost any angle relative to one another.12
• T-slots: Shapers are commonly used to machine T-slots, which are frequently required in mechanical components.2

While standard shapers typically feature a horizontal ram, those with vertical rams—known as slotters or die shapers—often utilize rotary tables to further expand the variety of surfaces they can machine.1