Manual or data sheets for a Alba A1 Shaper

Hi Stuart Not knowing your level of knowledege of shaping I will pitch the response at a low level. Basic principle is that the forward stroke takes 66% of the total stroke time the remaining 33% is for the return stroke. The place where the tool is held is called the clapper box, so called because on the return stroke the tool instead of dragging across the workpiece is allowed to lift and clear the cutting edge, creating a clap sound when free of the work as it falls back into the cutting position. When setting the stroke length allowance must be made for the clapper box to drop back into position. There are 2 places for adjustment 1) Stroke length, this is adjusted by removing the circular cover on the side of the shaper, and moving the Whitworth link to get a longer or shorter stroke. 2) The nut on top of the ram is for positioning the ram after adjusting the stroke, in other words, so that the ram clears both ends of the workpiece. Tool shape: Similar to lathe tool shapes eg. 5>8 deg front and side clearance and 10>15 degrees top rake unless on brass or cast iron when a 2>3 deg negative is required. Always machine to the jaw of the vice preferably the fixed jaw. Never machine with the vice jaws in line with the stroke unless a dead stop is fitted to prevent the job from moving. When bolting a workpiece directly to the table always fit a dead stop at the 'pushed end' of the job. Wherever possible fit a swarf deflector/catcher to prevent the chips 'pinging' across your workshop. Feed : depends upon the depth of cut but I would use 0.005" to 0.010" per stroke. Apply at the end of the return stroke, this applies for both the vertical and horizonal feeds. Do not stand in front of the shaper whilst it is in motion, swarf tends to hurt! The work must always be securely clamped either in a vice or to the table. You will soon get used to the movement of the ram and when to apply the feed and how much to feed. I wish you many hours of shaping more so because in my workshop I have no use for a shaper but is one of the machines I have always wanted. Alba manual at

"Stuart Pearson" wrote in message news:3f11538c$0$56597$ snipped-for-privacy@pubnews.gradwell.net...