montea6b Posted August 13, 2009 Report Share Posted August 13, 2009 OK guys, one more: Shaper on Craigslist This just popped up on a search for lathes and mills. In reading up on home built falling block actions on another forum I saw one poster state he could have cut the inside channels of the receiver if he had a shaper, so I take it they are capable of cutting inside square corners that an end mill wouldn't be able to do. Besides this, what does a shaper do, and how does it work? Looks a bit like a mill in the photo, but appears to have a stationary cutting tool in the head. What can one do with such a machine, are they any substitute for a mill, and is this a good buy? ADDENDUM: OK, I did a quick search and saw some video of them on action on You Tube. Interesting machine. Doesn't look like any kind of substitute for a mill, but could be very useful for some things. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roscoedoh Posted August 14, 2009 Report Share Posted August 14, 2009 Monte, A shaper is a fairly specialized piece. They're kind of an automated file/chisel type contraption that's fairly precise and can cut nice squared off holes and surfaces. I believe they have also preceeded the mill. One application for a shaper would be cutting the lug ways into a receiver if the machine was big enough and you weren't in a terrible hurry. ...And that's about the scope of my knowledge. Sorry I can't be more helpful. Personally though, I think I would pass on it and wait for something a bit more useful such as a big lathe in good condition. Shapers are too specialized for me to need one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clark Posted August 14, 2009 Report Share Posted August 14, 2009 OK guys, one more: Shaper on Craigslist This just popped up on a search for lathes and mills. In reading up on home built falling block actions on another forum I saw one poster state he could have cut the inside channels of the receiver if he had a shaper, so I take it they are capable of cutting inside square corners that an end mill wouldn't be able to do. Besides this, what does a shaper do, and how does it work? Looks a bit like a mill in the photo, but appears to have a stationary cutting tool in the head. What can one do with such a machine, are they any substitute for a mill, and is this a good buy? ADDENDUM: OK, I did a quick search and saw some video of them on action on You Tube. Interesting machine. Doesn't look like any kind of substitute for a mill, but could be very useful for some things. I recognize the phone number. That guy, Drew, just bought a shaper from me. It took quite a while of looking to see that he was not just re selling mine at a loss. He upgraded. I had the shaper for 5 years and never used it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ken98k Posted August 14, 2009 Report Share Posted August 14, 2009 I've never used one but was told the good ones are capable of giving a very good finish but they are not a substitute for a mill. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
montea6b Posted August 14, 2009 Author Report Share Posted August 14, 2009 I recognize the phone number. That guy, Drew, just bought a shaper from me. It took quite a while of looking to see that he was not just re selling mine at a loss. He upgraded. I had the shaper for 5 years and never used it. That's funny! Small world isn't it... Yeah, it does look pretty specialized. The videos of it in action were intriguing, but I think it would be limited. I thought of the lug raceway use myself. I've often thought it would be fun to make an action from scratch. Bolt action or falling block. Love to build a 3/4 scale Sharps in 30-30. Maybe one day... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clark Posted August 15, 2009 Report Share Posted August 15, 2009 small world There are millions of guys with guns around the world, but the ones near Seattle get on the internet more. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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