metal shaper

[the artfull-codger]

The first thing I would try is tool bit ground to a much smaller radius This will reduce loading on machine.

I only ever used a shaper for removing mill scale on tool steel or removing a lot of stock

They are not known for their superior surface finish

I've allways found them to produce a superior finish [on flat surfaces] they often get used for "roughing" before finishing by some people on maybe a milling machine but they will produce an excellent finish.

 

[ronan]

 

[Screwdriver]

Incredibly, despite the outrageous spelling I have seen that video. Unlike you it would appear because 1. it is completely inappropriate for my needs and 2. I don't currently have a shaper.

Other than that. Thanks.

 

[Gritineye]

Do you have a similar direct drive machine? What speed motor and which direction does the arm push the ram from?

No I have a 10" Alba.

You seem to be pretty well up on shapery things but something to watch out for is that when you change direction of rotation it may mean that the cut will happen when the carriage is moving across, this also happens sometimes if you alter the length of stoke. Just saying in case you get another strange pattern appearing :-)

 

[tinman123]

Slides and gibs are perfectly adjusted. The gear has a 2 inch boss machined to fit the bushing, it is all cast in one unit. The whole machine is perfectly oiled.

The large gear is currently clamped by the outer teeth in a four jaw and centred on the existing boss which I think may be out of alignment with the machining of the teeth. By probably 10 - 20 thou from my awkward effort to measure it.

I still haven't been able to look at the driving teeth which it occurs to me, will always be the same few teeth doing all the work.

S.

they would of machined it true the first day, or one would hope so at least, the tops of the teeth if the burrs were removed should allow you to dial it in on the lathe with a dial gauge, it id be slightly tedious but you could get it damn close if not the nuts.
after that you could run your dial gauge in the boss to see how far out it is.
bore it out and re bush then, mind you you will have to dial it in again so as to bore the bush but you would end up with a good job.

the jack you have under the table is a good jack, but its sitting on plywood so even tho it looks like its taking the weight, its not really as things would be able to flex, if it was happening.

i was watching that very item you bought on the bay, i thought it a bargain at the price you got it for, i didnt bid as postage would of taken the gloss off it.
i opted instead for a 9x9x12 angle plate instead, e bay have done well out of my hernia op...

 

[Bill Edwards]

Although they appear very crude machines I understand they can leave an excellent surface finish, and if you can work out how to hold a workpiece just about anything can be achieved.

It is said that with a shaper you can make anything apart from money. I would very much like to get one myself.

 

[Screwdriver]

Although they appear very crude machines I understand they can leave an excellent surface finish, and if you can work out how to hold a workpiece just about anything can be achieved.

It is said that with a shaper you can make anything apart from money. I would very much like to get one myself.

I think that's right too which is why I am chasing this up. Even if it "only" does smaller parts, I'd hope to get a really good finish. Eventually!

 

[GW8IZR]

I think that's right too which is why I am chasing this up. Even if it "only" does smaller parts, I'd hope to get a really good finish. Eventually!

Soooo.. my dad had to refurbish one as part of his apprenticeship, thats nearly seventy years ago I suppose. Anyway he maintains that the finish was excellent and far better than a milled finish but only after he hand scraped the bed and slides, before that he got lines and patterns in the finish.

Its a coincidence as I was only talking to him about it a month or so ago as I was thinking of making a small one for some tiny parts I want to make.

 

[RobWilson]

Hi Screwdriver ,


First off thats a cracking wee traveling head shaper you have there . That said your rough finish /chatter could be caused by

1 , slack belts ,make sure they are good and tight .


2, an ill fitting clapper box , there is a hole below the clapper box pivot ,get something a good fit in the hole and just try it with the clapper box locked ,light cut and a fine feed , also as others have mentioned reduce the tool radius.

this is the finish with my wee Boxford shaper , ( sadly it will be up for sale soon)


steel angle plate .









Stick with it

 

[sardine]

I like it.

I like it alot.

 

[roofman]

Ile throw something into the ring here ...the frame its sitting on looks a bit weak plus with it sitting on a wooden bench i reckon its picking up all the resonations and its showing at the tool tip. I once owned a massive Elliot shaper and had it sitting on a pallet,never cut right till i put it on the concrete floor and then i could of shaved a pin head with it.

 

[slim_boy_fat]

this is the finish with my wee Boxford shaper ....

That's REALLY impressive, I wish I had the space for a machine like that [or, a small mill]

 

[Screwdriver]

I have just had a major surgical treatment (foraminotomy) so updates are going to be some time off. Don't forget there is a massive flywheel on the drive shaft and I don't think it could slow down, speed up at the rate required to produce those markings. Similarly, I think I have ruled out a sympathetic vibration caused by flex or lack of rigidity. I don't think it can possibly be chatter because chatter would be much more random AND I believe if you look closely at the hardened jaw, there is patterning and some evidence of chatter.

I have bought a 9"x7"x6" box angle plate with T slots. Perfect for this machine except currently it's sat on the doorstep and I can't pick it up! I'm half way through machining up a new bushing (well I was until my surgery) so I am rebuilding this machine and fixing bits and bobs as I go.

I am taking all your comments on board though. Many thanks for all the replies.

S.

 

[roofman]

I have just had a major surgical treatment (foraminotomy) so updates are going to be some time off. Don't forget there is a massive flywheel on the drive shaft and I don't think it could slow down, speed up at the rate required to produce those markings. Similarly, I think I have ruled out a sympathetic vibration caused by flex or lack of rigidity. I don't think it can possibly be chatter because chatter would be much more random AND I believe if you look closely at the hardened jaw, there is patterning and some evidence of chatter.

I have bought a 9"x7"x6" box angle plate with T slots. Perfect for this machine except currently it's sat on the doorstep and I can't pick it up! I'm half way through machining up a new bushing (well I was until my surgery) so I am rebuilding this machine and fixing bits and bobs as I go.

I am taking all your comments on board though. Many thanks for all the replies.

S.

Hope you get well and recover soon buddy.

 

[slim_boy_fat]

Take it easy - trying to do too much, too soon is the enemy.

 

[Gritineye]

Suffer from a trapped nerve in neck myself so you have my sympathy, take it really easy and get well soon...

 

[RobWilson]

Screwdriver , I hope you have a speedy recovery .

Take it easy !

Rob

 

[Tigman]

Hope you feel better soon mate , Brother in law is up for the same op , hes in pain all the time !

wish you well

 

[Screwdriver]

Thanks all. I understand it was a successful OP, they found and released three trapped nerves. Be a while before I am out and about and I have installed myself on the sofa for the next few days.

 

[the artfull-codger]

Class bit of machining there Rob [as allways!!] I might have a mill but I wouldn't part with my shaper, & there's something mesmerising about it as the ram moves back & forth & the clapper box "claps" I sold my 1st shaper about 40 odd yrs ago it was an adept no 2 hand job for £18.00 & was well chuffed, & purchased an alba now they're going for 10 plus times more than that.