Editing Shaper (section)

{{Short description|Machine tool which linearly cuts or grinds the workpiece}}
{{for-multi|the woodworking tool|Wood shaper|other uses}}
[[Image:ShaperSlideClapperBox.jpg|thumb|Shaper tool slide, clapper box and cutting tool]]
[[File:Shaper with boring bar.jpg|thumb|Shaper with [[Boring (manufacturing)|boring bar]] setup to allow cutting of internal features, such as keyways, or even shapes that might otherwise be cut with [[wire EDM]]]]

In [[machining]], a '''shaper''' is a type of [[machine tool]] that uses [[wikt:linear#Adjective|linear]] relative motion between the workpiece and a [[Tool bit|single-point cutting tool]] to machine a linear toolpath. Its cut is analogous to that of a [[lathe]], except that it is (archetypally) linear instead of [[Helix|helical]].

A [[wood shaper]] is a functionally different woodworking tool, typically with a powered rotating cutting head and manually fed workpiece, usually known simply as a ''shaper'' in [[North America]] and ''spindle moulder'' in the [[United Kingdom|UK]].

A metalworking shaper is somewhat analogous to a [[Planer (metalworking)|metalworking planer]], with the cutter riding a ram that moves relative to a stationary workpiece, rather than the workpiece moving beneath the cutter. The ram is typically actuated by a mechanical [[Crank (mechanism)|crank]] inside the column, though [[Hydraulic cylinder|hydraulically actuated]] shapers are increasingly used.  Adding axes of motion to a shaper can yield helical tool 
paths, as also done in [[Planer (metalworking)#Helical planing|helical planing]].