Shape of HSS tool bit for shaper

[rock_breaker]

I have the impression the 7" AAMMCO shaper tool bit is not the same as that commonly used on a lathe. I can't find any literature about how to sharpen a HSS tool bit for this machine but it seems as though I have read something about it. Would certainly appreciate some help.
Have a good day
Ray

 

[buffdan]

Here is a good reference area on metal shapers: http://www.neme-s.org/shapers/shaper_columns.html
Some sections on bit profiles

 

[dlane]

There was a thread on this not long ago , have you tried the search

 

[francist]

Some of the profiles can be very simiilar to lathe tools, but generally speaking the relief angles will be less than used for lathe work. Often 4 degrees or so is sufficient. Back rake is something to watch as well -- too little and the cutter will really have to work and won't want to curl a chip, but too much and there can be a tendency to want to dig in. Like anything though, I find there is a fair amount of latitude and I personally don't sweat trying to get a relief angle right to precisely the degree shown. Seems to work for me anyway.

In addition to the link already provided, there are a number of shaper manuals and books in our downloads section here and many of them have sections on tool shapes and uses. I found them by using the Search function -- advanced search -- search downloads -- and entering "shaper" as the criterion.

-frank

Edit: added photo

 

[benmychree]

One thing, do not use lathe tool holders that have back rake, use a holder that holds the tool bit parallel to the shank of the holder. I like a shaper tool for roughing that is more or less angled on the side facing the cut, even somewhat radiused, and a small radius on the end; I use no back rake and only A few degrees of clearance on the cutting side and the end, but about 15 - 20 degrees of side rake. This tool is good for roughing and finishing, I seldom use other tools for flat work. A swivel head shaper tool is an asset, but a scarce item.

 

[Ulma Doctor]

Hi rock_breaker,
here is some other literature that may help out
i made a crummy video on youtube that may help too

 

[rock_breaker]

Thanks guys, your efforts are greatly appreciated. I enjoyed a small project to day, just learning the basics.
Todays project was removing 3/16" deep by 1-1/2" square off a 3.5" long 3/8 thick bar in order to make the hole spacing fingers (Bars) on a dividing head currently under construction. There is a lot to learn but I was also able to work on Tee nuts for my 8' rotary table. Thanks again
Ray

 

[NortonDommi]

Hello rock_breaker, As buffdan suggested the N.E.M.E.S. site has some good info.
Here's a copy of section 8 from the book 'Shaper Work' that you can find on the site.
I have an Alba 1-A and the tool shank size should be 3/4" x 5/8", being cheap,(read broke), I cheat. On Ebay you can souce some cheap 1/4" or 3/8" shank brazed Carbide lathe tools. Mill or cut with your shaper a slot in a large hunk of bar that fits your toolpost and fit the lathe tools in it. you can hold them with the clamping screw or screw/glue them in place. These tools are good value and will cut near anything and can be touched up or reshaped with a Diamond wheel or file, you just don't have the reach or quite the rigidity of the large solid shank.
A good project is the universal tool which you will find in the attached file.
Shapers love or loathe there is no inbetween.