07-20-2014, 09:58 AM
(This post was last modified: 07-20-2014, 10:16 AM by Sunset Machine.)
I'm finally making friends with a shaper. It's an oldie, 1910 or so. Had it two years now, just holding the floor down. Finished the RPC last weekend, hardwired and hanging from the wall. Ready to make chips. The goal is keyways and internal splines.
Much to learn - Rule #1, the clapper isn't supposed to clap. Go slow. The ram should move slow enough to read and adjust the dial. It isn't supposed to make yellow chips and don't let it hit you in the nose.
Rule #2, mine feeds best at the beginning of the stroke, with the work coming towards the control side. Add about 2 inches of stroke for this to take place.
Other rules to be developed. This thing reminds me of a goat for some reason.
I'm using a right hand lathe bit, one that cuts towards the tailstock. It has a rounded nose, about 1/16 radius. Minimal rake, DOC has been .025 with the feed set as fine as it goes for a worn out antique (couple clicks of the pawl); the chips are rather thick. Obviously more to learn here as the feed is quite aggressive, as if shallow cuts (as in a DOC of .005, the minimum dial graduations) with a broadnosed tool is expected.
Looking for a Dummy's Guide to Shapers. Obligatory pic attached.
Much to learn - Rule #1, the clapper isn't supposed to clap. Go slow. The ram should move slow enough to read and adjust the dial. It isn't supposed to make yellow chips and don't let it hit you in the nose.
Rule #2, mine feeds best at the beginning of the stroke, with the work coming towards the control side. Add about 2 inches of stroke for this to take place.
Other rules to be developed. This thing reminds me of a goat for some reason.
I'm using a right hand lathe bit, one that cuts towards the tailstock. It has a rounded nose, about 1/16 radius. Minimal rake, DOC has been .025 with the feed set as fine as it goes for a worn out antique (couple clicks of the pawl); the chips are rather thick. Obviously more to learn here as the feed is quite aggressive, as if shallow cuts (as in a DOC of .005, the minimum dial graduations) with a broadnosed tool is expected.
Looking for a Dummy's Guide to Shapers. Obligatory pic attached.