Main Page | See live article | Alphabetical index A shaper is a machine tool used for shaping metal and other materials. It operates by sliding a hardened cutting tool backwards and forwards across the workpiece. On the return stroke, the tool may cut on its opposite edge, or may be lifted clear of the piece so it only cuts in one direction. The tool may be slowly driven across the workpiece using a screwthread so as to plane off a surface. Cutting fluid may be employed. Shapers have been largely superseded by milling machines or grinding machines in modern practice. See Also Metalworking CNC This article is from Wikipedia. All text is available under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License.