B. IRREGULAR SHAPING
Irregular or freehand shaping takes a high degree of skill and dexterity. This is where the real appli- cation of the shaper comes into focus. The fence assembly is not used in irregular shaping, so rub collars must be used. Choose the correct diameter for the appropriate depth of cut. See the rub col- lar section for details.
CAUTION: Freehand work is one of the most dangerous operations done on a shaper.
When doing freehand work a starting pin must be used. The purpose of the starting pin is to support the workpiece during the beginning of the cut.
1.Your shaper is supplied with a starting pin which is placed in one of the holes located in the shaper table. See the Main Body Diagram for location.
2.The work should be placed in the starting position using the guide pin for support, as shown in Figure 23. Next, swing the work into the cutter while holding the workpiece firmly against the starting pin.
3.After the cut has been started, the work is swung away from the starting pin and is supported just by the collar, as shown by the broken line positions in Figure 23. ALWAYS FEED AGAINST
THE ROTATION OF THE CUTTER.
STARTING PIN
SWING
ROTATION
WORKPIECE
FEED
Figure 23
Important: Always use a starting pin or pivot support for freehand work.
For irregular shaping:
1.Remove the fence assembly.
2.Choose the appropriate cutter for your application and lock it in place.
3.Check cutter rotation.
4.Adjust the spindle height to align your workpiece to the cutter.
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