ABSTRACT
The main function of the shaping machine is the production of flat surfaces, which are obtained by combining a line tool cut with a perpendicular feed. A feature of the shaping machine is that for each productive cutting stroke there is an idle return stroke, and the geometry of the slotted link motion is such that this return stroke occupies a shorter time and so minimises the time wasted. Shaping machine sizes are designated by the maximum stroke of the ram, the most usual ranging from 300 mm to 900 mm, with those in the 450 mm to 600 mm group being the best all-round machines for general purpose work. The general patterns of the tools used for shaping are the same as for turning, but their shanks should be a little more robust to withstand the shock each time a cutting stroke commences.
