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resource for basic shaper speed/feed info?

2/12/20       
a. Member

I'm a cabinetmaker with several years of experience recently ]tasked with running and troubleshooting shapers very frequently, which is an area I haven't had much experience in. I really want to understand these machines better. I've looked around the internet for resources on shaper speeds and feeds and tried to wrap my head around the calculations for chip load, knife marks per inch, etc. and I'd like to understand it but it's all very complex. Is there a comprehensive resource for these machines out there?

I understand the concept of rim speed and the effect bit diameter has on setting RPM. In a practical sense, it would really help my day-to-day to understand 1) assuming that feed rate remainds constant, what are the consequences of increasing or reducing the RPM of the cutter?; and 2) assuming that RPM remains constant, what are the consequences of increasing or reducing the feed rate? In terms of things like cutter life, surface finish, and of course tearout. I'm guessing it's not that simple or the answer would be more readily available.

2/13/20       #2: resource for basic shaper speed/fee ...
David R Sochar Member

Bruce Hoadley's "Understanding Wood" is fundamental and will help answer some of your questions.

C G G Schmidt used to have 2-3 "Shop Manuals" listed in their catalog, mostly about shapers.

I think Linden is the best single source for the info you are requesting. Beyond that, Woodweb can provide good answers to specifics.

Manufacturers are slow to publish what can be done with their machines in fear of inviting inexperienced people into an injury.

Linden Publishing

2/13/20       #3: resource for basic shaper speed/fee ...
D Brown

Whenever possible it is helpful to have the original manuals for trouble shooting and factory specs. The shaper is not a complex machine, spindle speed feed rate and bearings for the most part. Good dust collection helps too.

2/14/20       #4: resource for basic shaper speed/fee ...
Russ

Website: http://www.mr-moulding-knives.com

This article may help you, the calculations are for industrial moulders but a shaper has the same concept.

Best of Luck
Russ @ MR

https://www.mr-moulding-knives.com/information/moulding-knife-marks

2/15/20       #5: resource for basic shaper speed/fee ...
rich c.

Information from the tooling companies should help with speeds and feeds. They are the ones that do the research and engineering, ask them for help.

2/17/20       #6: resource for basic shaper speed/fee ...
David R Sochar Member

I have found that everyone professionally engaged with the design, engineering and sales of woodworking machines and tooling are slow to discuss specifics on uses.

Back in the 1940's tool producers gladly published books of plans and techniques for "Getting the most out of your...." whatever. Today, you can spend $10,000 for a shaper and get nothing more than a parts diagram. Nothing about making tapered, fluted balusters, or other complex items. 5 speeds, and 12 hp or more, but nothing about diameter, weight, type or speed of cutters.

Split collars? Insert tooling? Brazed tooling? Little or no info on maximum speeds. What about climb cutting?

Why? Wouldn't a shaper manufacturer sell more shapers if they could show their machine making all sorts of things? My thought is that the fear of lawsuits has the manufacturers hog tied and silent, afraid to mention anything, then someone attempts it and gets injured somehow. The lawsuits follow.

2/25/20       #7: resource for basic shaper speed/fee ...
Kevin Jenness

Website: http://kevinjenness.com

A little out of date but the best book on shaper operation I have seen. It includes a table on rpm/diameter for different tooling types.

https://www.amazon.com/Shaper-Handbook-Eric-Stephenson/dp/0941936090

2/25/20       #8: resource for basic shaper speed/fee ...
Kevin Jenness

I should add, since you asked about feed rates, experimentation is the answer. Increase the feed rate until the finish quality is unacceptable, then back off. Low feed rates generate more heat and tool wear, higher rates give more tearout and more visible mill marks.


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