Freehand Shaping; Shop Made Shaper Accessories - Grizzly G5913Z Owner's Manual

Starting Fixures
The purpose of the starting fixture is to support
the workpiece during the beginning of the cut.
The workpiece is typically placed in the starting
position using the starting fixture for support, then
swung into the cutter while holding the workpiece
firmly against the starting fixture. After the cut has
been started, the work is swung away from the
starting fixture and is supported only by the rub
collar. Always feed against the rotation of the
cutter and do not start cuts at corners.
To use your pattern jig:
1.
Remove the fence assembly. Choose the
appropriate cutter and rub collar for your
application and lock them in place. Secure
your workpiece to the pattern jig.
2.
Check cutter rotation, and adjust the spindle
height to align the cutter to your workpiece.
Clamp a starting fixture to the table surface,
using the location that best supports your
work.
3. If everything is correct and the cutter is tight,
turn the shaper ON.
4. Place your jig/workpiece against the start-
ing fixture. Using firm pressure, pivot the
workpiece into the cutter and make sure the
jig is touching the rub collar. Keep your jig in
contact with the rub collar and slowly follow
the pattern, moving against the cutter rota-
tion.

Freehand Shaping

Freehand methods are one of the most dan-
gerous operations performed on a shaper.
Although this machine is capable of performing
freehand operations, we do not recommend that
you attempt to do so. If you MUST perform free-
hand operations, get formal training and read a
book that details freehand operations, their inher-
ent dangers, and ways to avoid those dangers!
G5913Z/G7215Z Heavy-Duty Shaper
Shop Made Shaper
Accessories
There are many accessories that can be built or
purchased to increase operator. Many experi-
enced shaper users regularly use proven shop-
made fences and safety guards to augment their
shaping operations. In addition, many production
shops routinely use power feeders with their
shapers to streamline their operations.
Here are some basic accessories and their
uses:
• Zero Clearance Fence—A shop-made fence
with an opening only as large as the cutter,
so that only the part of the cutter being used
is exposed.
Box Fence—A shop-made box that com-
•
pletely surrounds the cutter. A one-piece
fence is attached that allows only the thick-
ness of the board to pass underneath, there-
by completely shielding the operator from
exposure to the spinning cutter. A clear
plexiglass window on top of the box allows
the operator to view the workpiece during
cutting.
Because of the wide range of fences and guards
that can be built in the shop, explaining their con-
struction is beyond the scope of this manual. We
strongly recommend that you read shaper books,
trade magazines, or get formal training to learn
more about these.
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