Shopsmith Forums

I noticed on the Shopsmith website that the Shaper Table Insert they sell has two studs screwed into it, which are listed as "Two screw-in starter pins". I presume mine originally came with these as well since it has the threads on the insert but I don't have them and am not sure of their purpose (?) Any insight would be appreciated.

If you're using the shaper without the shaper fence, you use those "starter pins" so that you can pivot the work into the cutter. You put your stock against one of those pins and then pivot the work into the cutter while keeping the stock in contact with the pin until you begin cutting. If you try cutting without using a pin, you risk having the stock kicked back at you. Don't try climb cutting this way or you could have your hands pulled into the cutter.

If all of this doesn't make good sense to you, you should find someone to demonstrate the process, otherwise you risk getting hurt as shapers can hurt you very quickly.

Thanks for the explanation - I don't use my shaper very often and when I do, it's always to date been with the fence, so sounds like something I can live without. Now I know what they are for and if down the road I find the need, I'm guessing I can find studs at the hardware store that fit the threads.

Power tool woodworking for everyone has a description on pin shaping and the uses. I would copy and paste , but it is pretty lengthy. Especially, useful for shaper curves and circles.

http://www.shopsmith.com/academy/shaping/index.htm

Thanks - I have my copy right here and will check it out

Remember, it is available online on the Shopsmith web site.

http://www.shopsmith.com/academy/introduction.htm

dgale wrote:Thanks - I have my copy right here and will check it out

I also linked directly to it. It is towards the bottom half of the page.

Here's a video of them in use on a Mark VII.

http://youtu.be/4zuU0AwNXQA

lightnin wrote:What is the diameter of the pins?
Someone could make them pretty easy on an engine lathe.

I am currently one state south of 'normal', but IIRC they be 3/8" and are 3/8-16 thread. Also IIRC they differ from a 'normal' screw thread in that the 'end of thread' is undercut creating a shoulder that provides a positive 'stop' when tightened in the insert. If that second 'IIRC' is incorrect, that is the way they 'should' be!;)