Abstract:
A single station shaper sander that uses a quick change retractable shaper and a quick change retractable profile sander is described. The shaper generates a profile in a substrate, and then the sander sands the profile in the substrate without intermediate removal of the substrate. Both the shaper and sander are retractable, moving away from the substrate when retracted, and are moved into contact with the substrate when engaged. Either an operator or automatic controls may be used to engage and retract the shaper or sander, so as to minimize operator access to dangerous moving surfaces on either. Further, each sander or shaper may have removable tools that are temporarily affixed to a spindle, affording tool changes of 15 seconds or less.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a nonprovisional of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/691,069 filed on Aug. 20, 2012, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable 
     INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC 
     Not Applicable 
     NOTICE OF MATERIAL SUBJECT TO COPYRIGHT PROTECTION 
     A portion of the material in this patent document is subject to copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States and of other countries. The owner of the copyright rights has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the United States Patent and Trademark Office publicly available file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. The copyright owner does not hereby waive any of its rights to have this patent document maintained in secrecy, including without limitation its rights pursuant to 37 C.F.R. §1.14. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention pertains generally to shaping stations, more particularly to shaping stations that allow shaping and sanding in consecutive operations with a single substrate setup, and still more particularly to shaping and sanding stations that allow for any number of sanding passes with a single substrate setup. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Typically, shaping requires generation of a profile, then sanding of the profile to a desired degree of smoothness. This is commonly done by hand sanding, and typically done at a location different from the profiling so that the sanding station is not uselessly occupied. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is a shaper sander station comprising a retractable shaper and a retractable sander. The retractable shaper generates a profile in a substrate and then retracts from the substrate. The retractable sander then sands the profile in the substrate. This is accomplished without the need for removal of the substrate between the shaping and sanding steps. 
     Accordingly, an aspect of the invention is a shaper sander apparatus. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a frame; a shaper attached to the frame, the shaper having a shaper engaged position; and a sander attached to the frame, the sander having a sander engaged position. The shaper is configured to cut a profile in a substrate when the shaper is in the shaper engaged position, and the sander is configured to thereafter sand the profile in the substrate when the sander is in the sander engaged position. The apparatus allows for shaping and sanding the substrate without intermediate removal of the substrate. Sanding may require from one to many passes, and perhaps even different sanding grits as a customer requires. 
     Another aspect of the invention is a shaper sander station. In one embodiment, the shaper sander station comprises a frame; means for shaping a profile, said means for shaping attached to the frame; and means for sanding the profile, said means for sanding attached to the frame. 
     A still further aspect of the invention is an improved method for shaping and sanding a substrate. In one embodiment, the method comprises providing a retractable shaper; providing a retractable profile sander; initially mounting a substrate; shaping a profile into the substrate with the retractable shaper, and then retracting the retractable shaper; and then sanding the profile previously shaped in the substrate with the retractable profile sander. In this method, the substrate may be mounted on a slide assembly just once during the shaping of one edge. Also in this method, the retractable shaper may be removable and replaceable to allow for different cutting profiles in the substrate. Furthermore, the retractable profile sander may be removable and replaceable to allow for different sanding profiles in the substrate, or different grits of sander. 
     In another embodiment, a method for shaping and sanding a substrate may comprise: providing a retractable shaper and a retractable profile sander; positioning the retractable shaper in a shaper engaged position; positioning the retractable sander in a sander engaged position; moving the substrate past the retractable shaper to generate a profile in the substrate; retracting the retractable shaper to a shaper retracted position; and sanding the profile in the substrate with the retractable sander; whereby the substrate is only removed after the profile has been cut and sanded. 
     In a still further embodiment, a method of shaping and sanding may comprise: providing a retractable shaper; providing a retractable sander; initially mounting a substrate; then shaping a profile into the substrate with the retractable shaper, then retracting the retractable shaper; and finally, sanding the profile previously shaped in the substrate with the retractable profile sander. 
     Further aspects and embodiments of the invention will be brought out in the following portions of the specification, wherein the detailed description is for the purpose of fully disclosing preferred embodiments of the invention without placing limitations thereon. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S) 
       The invention will be more fully understood by reference to the following drawings which are for illustrative purposes only: 
         FIG. 1A  is an isometric view of a prior art shaper with a permanently affixed tool that cuts a profile in a substrate. 
         FIG. 1B  is an isometric assembly view of the spindle previously shown in  FIG. 1A  with the detached quick change shaper tool capable of cutting a profile in a substrate, as well as a quick change sander matching the profile formed by the quick change tool. 
         FIG. 2  is front perspective view of an operator working a substrate on a prior art shaper device with a fixed cutting tool. 
         FIG. 3A  is an isometric view of a prior art single station table shaper, with an electrical cabinet area below the active table area. 
         FIG. 3B  is a rear view of the prior art single station table shaper of  FIG. 3A . 
         FIG. 4A  is an isometric view of a single setup shaper sander frame, which uses modifications of the frame of  FIG. 3A  and  FIG. 3B  to allow for simultaneous retractable mounting of both a shaper and sanding tool, where the shaper and sander may be independently retracted. 
         FIG. 4B  is a rear view of the single setup shaper sander frame of  FIG. 4A , indicating where the frame width has been widened to allow room for a sander to be mounted in addition to the shaper. 
         FIG. 4C  is a right side view of the single setup shaper sander frame of  FIG. 4A , indicating where the frame depth has been deepened to allow room for a rail assembly to be mounted. 
         FIG. 5A  is a rear isometric view of the single setup shaper sander, which uses the modified frame of  FIG. 4A  through  FIG. 4C  to allow for simultaneous mounting of both a retractable quick change shaper and a retractable quick change sander, and shows the major subassemblies present. 
         FIG. 5B  is a front isometric view of the single setup shaper sander of  FIG. 5A . 
         FIG. 5C  is a partially exploded rear isometric view of the single setup shaper sander of  FIG. 5A  and  FIG. 5B , where a quick change retractable shaper, a quick change retractable sander, a rail assembly, and a sliding table assembly are shown, and where an optional size square assembly is shown mounted to the sliding table assembly. 
         FIG. 6A  is an isometric partial assembly view of the quick change retractable shaper of  FIG. 5A  through  FIG. 5C , showing the retractable quick change shaper with an air cylinder actuator and a cylinder mount. 
         FIG. 6B  is a detailed top view of the cylinder mount of  FIG. 6A . 
         FIG. 6C  is a side view of the fully assembled quick change retractable shaper of  FIG. 6A , ready for mounting to the frame. 
         FIG. 6D  is an isometric assembly view of the carriage mount plate, which is previously shown attached to the retractable shaper of  FIG. 6A  and  FIG. 6C . 
         FIG. 6E  is an isometric assembly view of the carriage mount plate of  FIG. 6A  and  FIG. 6D , as well as a carriage rail assembly. 
         FIG. 6F  is an isometric assembly view of the carriage rail assembly of  FIG. 6E . 
         FIG. 7  is an isometric partial assembly view of the retractable sander assembly of  FIG. 5A  through  FIG. 5  C, showing the retractable quick change sander with an air actuator cylinder, cylinder mount, carriage mount plate, and carriage rail assembly. 
         FIG. 8A  is an isometric assembly view of a rail assembly, as previously shown assembled in  FIG. 5A  through  FIG. 5C . 
         FIG. 8B  is side view of a rail channel, which is used as a mounting base in the rail assembly of  FIG. 8A . 
         FIG. 8C  is a top view of the rail channel of  FIG. 8B . 
         FIG. 8D  is a cross-sectional view of the rail channel of  FIG. 8C . 
         FIG. 8E  is a bottom view of the rail of  FIG. 8A . 
         FIG. 9A  is an isometric view of a sled assembly without the size square assembly previously shown in  FIG. 5A  through  FIG. 5C . 
         FIG. 9B  is a partially assembly isometric view the sled assembly of  FIG. 9A . 
         FIG. 9C  is a top view of the table surface plate of  FIG. 9B . 
         FIG. 9D  is a side view of the table surface plate of  FIG. 9B . 
         FIG. 9E  is a top view of the table fence of the sled assembly of  FIG. 9B . 
         FIG. 9F  is a side view of the table fence of the sled assembly of  FIG. 9B . 
         FIG. 9G  is a top view of the table handle of the sled assembly of  FIG. 9B . 
         FIG. 9H  is an isometric view of the hold down assembly of the sled assembly of  FIG. 9B . 
         FIG. 9I  is an isometric partial assembly view of the hold down assembly of  FIG. 9H . 
         FIG. 9J  is a side view a hold down frame of the sled assembly of  FIG. 9A . 
         FIG. 9K  is a top view the hold down frame of  FIG. 9I . 
         FIG. 9L  is an end view the hold down frame of  FIG. 9I . 
         FIG. 10A  is a top view of the single setup shaper sander  500  previously described in  FIG. 5A  through  FIG. 5C , where a cover plate protects the shaper and sander from ejecting sawdust to the operator. 
         FIG. 10B  is a top view of the single setup shaper sander  500  previously described in  FIG. 5A  through  FIG. 5C , where an operator has engaged the retractable quick change shaper assembly and the retractable quick change sander assembly so that a substrate may be shaped and subsequently sanded. 
         FIG. 10C  is a top view of the single setup shaper sander  500  previously described in  FIG. 5A  through  FIG. 5C , where an operator is beginning to shape and sand a substrate in a single setup 
         FIG. 10D  is a top view of the single setup shaper sander  500  previously described in  FIG. 5A  through  FIG. 5C , where an operator has completed shaping a substrate, and is nearly finished sanding the substrate in the same pass, and still in a single setup. 
         FIG. 10E  is a top view of the single setup shaper sander  500  previously described in  FIG. 5A  through  FIG. 5C , where an operator is repeatedly sanding the substrate to a desired smoothness in a single setup. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Refer now to  FIG. 1A , which is a perspective view of a prior art shaper  100  that comprises a spindle  102  with a permanently affixed shaper tool  104  mounted to the spindle  102 . When the spindle  102  is turning, the shaper tool  104  then is able to cut, with cutting inserts  106  a profile  108  in a substrate  110 . The substrate  110  is typically placed upon a stationary table  112 . The substrate  110  may be wood, a plastic, or other material capable of being cut by the cutting inserts  106 . In this figure, the substrate  110  already has a previous profile  114  cut into it. 
     Although  FIG. 1A  shows a prior art permanently affixed tool  104  mounted to the spindle  102 , a quick change tool may alternatively be used. 
     Refer now to both  FIG. 1A  and  FIG. 1B . Here,  FIG. 1B  is an assembly view of a quick change spindle  118 , where a detachable quick change shaper tool  120  is capable of cutting a profile  122  in the substrate  110 . If sanding is required, then a detachable quick change sander tool  124  matching the profile  122  of the detachable quick change shaper tool  120  is used. 
     In the assembly view of  FIG. 1B , it is apparent that the same spindle  118  may be used interchangeably with either the detachable quick change shaper tool  120  or the detachable quick change sander tool  124 . Furthermore, matching shaper/sander profiles may be developed for a large variety of profiles. 
     Refer now to  FIG. 2 , which is a front perspective view of an operator working a substrate on a prior art shaper device  200 . This prior art shaper  200  does not have a sanding capability. 
     Refer now to  FIG. 3A , which is an isometric perspective view of a prior art single station table shaper  300 , with a frame  302  having a recessed electrical cabinet area  304  below the table  306  area. Here, the table  306  is stationary, and generally made from cast iron. This particular device also has a power feed  308 . 
     Refer now to  FIG. 3B , which is a rear view of the prior art single station table shaper  300  of  FIG. 3A . Here, a fixed shaper  310  is the cutting tool used for shaping a profile in a work piece that is placed upon the table  306 . 
     Refer now to  FIG. 4A , which is an isometric view of a single setup shaper sander frame  400 , which uses modifications of the frame  302  of  FIG. 3A  and  FIG. 3B  to allow for simultaneous retractable mounting of both a shaper and sanding tool, where the shaper and sander may be independently retracted. 
     Refer now to  FIG. 4B , which is a rear view of the single setup shaper sander frame  400  of  FIG. 4A , indicating where the frame width has been widened  402  to allow room for a sander to be mounted in addition to the shaper. 
     Refer now to  FIG. 4C , which is a right side view of the single setup shaper sander frame  400  of  FIG. 4A , indicating where the frame depth has been deepened  404  to allow room for a rail assembly to be mounted. 
     Refer now to  FIG. 5A , which is a rear isometric view of a single setup shaper sander  500 , which uses the modified frame  400  of  FIG. 4A  through  FIG. 4C  to allow for simultaneous mounting of both a retractable quick change shaper assembly  600  and a retractable quick change sander assembly  700 . Also present is the rail assembly  800  attached to the modified frame  400 , and a sliding table assembly  900  slidably attached to the rail assembly  800 . 
     Refer now to  FIG. 5B , which is a front isometric view of the single setup shaper sander  500  of  FIG. 5A . Here, one may view the front of the modified frame  400 , which provides tool shelving  502  for the various shapers and sanders (previously shown in  FIG. 1B ) used in the single setup shaper sander  500 . This front view allows for better viewing of the rail assembly  800  attached to the modified frame  400 , as well as the sliding table assembly  900  slidably attached to the rail assembly  800 . It is apparent from this view that the sliding table assembly  900  translates in an {right arrow over (X)} direction  504  along the rail assembly  800 . 
     Refer now to  FIG. 5C , which is a partially exploded rear isometric view of the single setup shaper sander  500  of  FIG. 5A  and  FIG. 5B , where a quick change retractable shaper  600 , a quick change retractable sander  700 , a rail assembly  800  are shown detached from the modified frame  400 . Here the sliding table assembly  900 , has had an optional size square assembly  506  attached to it. 
     Although not detailed at this time, the optional size square assembly  506  is capable of translation in a {right arrow over (Y)} direction  508  by following a removable template  510  as the sliding table assembly  900  travels along the {right arrow over (X)} direction  504  along the rail assembly  800 . In this manner, the sliding table assembly  900  essentially achieves precise two dimensional profile cutting and sanding by following the template  510 . 
     By mounting a substrate (not shown) on the sliding table assembly  900  with the optional size square assembly  506 , if the quick change retractable shaper  600  is in the engaged position, the profile will be cut in the substrate. Similarly, if the quick change retractable sander  700  is in the engaged position, the profile will be precision sanded in the substrate. This will be better appreciated later during the description of  FIG. 10A  through  FIG. 10E  below. 
     Refer now to  FIG. 6A , which is an isometric partial assembly view of the quick change retractable shaper  600  of  FIG. 5A  through  FIG. 5D , showing a modified shaper  602  with a cylinder mount  604  and an air actuator cylinder  606 . The cylinder mount  604  attaches to the modified shaper  602  so as to actuate the modified shaper  602  between an extended and a retracted position. This actuation is accomplished via the air cylinder  606 , which attaches to the cylinder mount  604  via air cylinder mounting nut  608  on one end, and to the modified frame  400  (not shown here of  FIG. 4A  through  FIG. 5C ) on the other end. 
     Refer now to  FIG. 6B , which is a detailed top view of the cylinder mount  604  of  FIG. 6A . The cylinder mount  604  has one or more mounting holes  610  to allow for a threaded mounting to the modified shaper  602 . The cylinder mount  604  is generally 0.250″ thick aluminum. A clearance hole  612  allows for the clearance of a rail (to be described later). Another hole  614  provides for the mounting of one end of the air cylinder  606 . 
     Refer now to  FIG. 6C , which is a side view of the fully assembled retractable quick change shaper  600  of  FIG. 6A . Here, we see a carriage rail assembly  616  ready for mounting to the single setup shaper sander frame  400  (not shown here). A carriage mount plate  618  is mounted to the modified shaper  602  to provide for translational motion between the carriage mount plate  618  and the carriage rail assembly  616  through actuation of the air cylinder  606  as it attaches through the single setup shaper sander frame  400  (not shown here) at its other end  620  with another nut  622 . 
     Refer now to  FIG. 6D , which is an isometric assembly view of the carriage mount plate  618 , and previously shown attached to the retractable quick change shaper of  FIG. 6A  and  FIG. 6C . Here, VXB SW12-OP ¾″ Linear Ball Bushings  624  (VXB.com Ball Bearings, NationSkander California Corp., 2165 S Dupont Dr. Unit F, Anaheim Calif. 92806, USA) are retained in the carriage mount plate  618  by spiral internal snap rings  626  UR-125 (American Ring &amp; Tool Company, 30450 Bruce Industrial Pkwy, Solon, Ohio 44139). 
     Refer now to  FIG. 6E , which is an isometric assembly view of the carriage mount plate  618  of  FIG. 6D  and the carriage rail assembly  616 . 
     Refer now to  FIG. 6F , which is an isometric assembly view of the carriage rail assembly  616  of  FIG. 6E . Here, rails  628  are attached to a traverse plate  630  by flat head screws  632 . 
     Refer now to  FIG. 7 , which is an isometric partial assembly view of the retractable sander assembly of  FIG. 5A  through  FIG. 5D , showing the retractable quick change sander  700  with a carriage mount plate  618  mounted to the modified sander  702  to provide for translational motion between the carriage mount plate  618  and the carriage rail assembly  616  through actuation of the air cylinder  606  as it attaches through the single setup shaper sander frame  400  (not shown here). 
     Refer now to  FIG. 8A , which is an isometric assembly view of a rail assembly  800 , as previously shown assembled in  FIG. 5A  through  FIG. 5D . Here, a rail channel  802  is used as a mounting base for rails  804  that are secured through a series of rail mounting screws  806 . 
     Refer now to  FIG. 8B , which is a side view of a rail channel  802 , which is used as a mounting base in the rail assembly of  FIG. 8A . The rail channel  802  is basically a long straight geometry in this view. 
     Refer now to  FIG. 8C , which is a top view of the rail channel  802  of  FIG. 8B . Precision referencing holes  804  and  806  are used to locate the rail channel  802  relative to the single setup shaper sander modified frame  400  (not shown here). 
     Refer now to  FIG. 8D , which is a cross-sectional view of the rail channel  802  of  FIG. 8C . Here we see that the rail channel  802  is actually more of a U-shaped geometry. 
     Refer now to  FIG. 8E , which is a top view of the rails  808  of  FIG. 8A . Here, the 0.750″ rail  808  is shown with a series of blind threaded holes  810  for mounting. These blind threaded holes  810  have a diameter of 0.150″ to a depth of 0.589″, and are tapped 10-24 UNC to a depth of 0.380″. 
     Refer now to  FIG. 9A , which is an isometric view of a sled assembly  902  (without the size square feature  506  previously shown in  FIG. 5A  through  FIG. 5C ) that traverses the rail assembly  800  (not shown here) of  FIG. 8A . 
     Refer now to  FIG. 9B , which is a partially assembly isometric view the sled assembly  902  of  FIG. 9A . Here, a table surface plate  904  forms the base of the sled assembly  902 . To the table surface plate  904  is attached a hold down assembly  906 . A square fence  908  is used to position work pieces so that they are perpendicular to the direction of motion (as shown previously in  FIG. 5B ) of the sled assembly  902 . A table handle  910  serves as a convenient place for a worker to move the sled assembly  902  forward and backward as they slide via linear bushings  912  over the rails  804  of rail assembly  800 . 
     Refer now to  FIG. 9C  and  FIG. 9D , which are respectively a top view and a side view of the table surface plate  904  of  FIG. 9B . 
     Refer now to  FIG. 9E  and  FIG. 9F , which are respectively a top view and a side view of the table fence  908  of the sled assembly  902  of  FIG. 9B . 
     Refer now to  FIG. 9G , which is a top view of a table handle  910  of the sled assembly  902  of  FIG. 9B . The table handle  910  is shown as cylindrical, although it may be any other geometry comfortably conforming to a hand for holding. 
     Refer now to  FIG. 9H , which is an isometric view of the hold down assembly  906  of the sled assembly  902  of  FIG. 9B . 
     Refer now to  FIG. 9I , which is an isometric partial assembly view of the hold down assembly  906  of  FIG. 9H . Here, a hold down frame  914  is actuated by actuators  916 , such as BIMBA-311.5-DXP air actuators (Bimba Manufacturing Company, P. O. Box 68, Monee, Ill., 60449-0068), to cause movement up or down of the hold down frame  914 . When a work piece or substrate (not shown) is placed between the hold down frame  914 , hold down belt  918  and the table surface plate  904  (of  FIG. 9B ), then the actuators  916  serve to hold the work piece in place, relative to the table surface plate  904 . The hold down belt  918  may preferably be glued to the hold down frame  914  to preclude marring of a relatively soft work piece. 
     Refer now to  FIG. 9J  through  FIG. 9L , which are respectively a side view, a top view, and an end view of the hold down frame  914  of  FIG. 9I . 
     Refer now to  FIG. 10A  through  FIG. 10E , which are sequential frames of usage of the single setup shaper sander  500  previously described in  FIG. 5A  through  FIG. 5C . Note that in this series, the size square feature  506  of  FIG. 5C  is used, as opposed to the previous set of figures,  FIG. 9A  through  FIG. 9L , where the size square feature  506  was not present. 
     In  FIG. 10A , a substrate  1000  is positioned in the single setup shaper sander  500 . Since the sliding table assembly  900  is slidably attached to the rail assembly  800 , then when the operator  1002  moves the substrate  1000  forward, multiple and accurate sanding passes may be made after the shaping process. Protective cover  1004  protects the operator  1002  from the sharp spinning surfaces of the retractable quick change shaper assembly  600 , and the retractable quick change sander assembly  700 . 
     The substrate  1000  is positioned on the sliding table assembly  900  by a hold down assembly  906 . The hold down assembly  906  clamps the substrate  1000  securely to the sliding table assembly  900  and also acts as a protective barrier, shielding the operator  1002  from the rotating tools covered by the protective cover  1004 . When the operator  1002  pushes on the sliding table assembly  900 , the rail assembly  800  guides the sliding table assembly  900  in a desired back and forth direction that is tangent to the retractable quick change shaper assembly  600 , and the retractable quick change sander assembly  700 . The sliding table assembly  900  restricts the table  1006  from moving in any other direction then what is desired for accurate shaping or sanding. 
     In  FIG. 10B , before cutting the substrate (typically, but not exclusively wood), the operator  1002  positions the retractable quick change shaper assembly  600  in the extended or cutting position. 
     In  FIG. 10C , the operator has pushed the substrate  1000  past the retractable quick change shaper assembly  600  and a cut has been made in the substrate  1000 . Since the retractable quick change sander assembly  700  is also engaged, sanding of the profile is also taking place. In this manner, with a single forward motion, the operator  1002  achieves both profiling, and a first pass of sanding. 
     In  FIG. 10D , the operator  1002  then retracts the retractable quick change shaper assembly  600  away from the engaged cutting position allowing the operator  1002  to move the substrate  1000  back and forth in front of the retractable quick change sander assembly  700 , without having the substrate  1000  be cut once again by the retractable quick change shaper assembly  600 , and thereby possibly marking the substrate  1002  after sanding. 
     In  FIG. 10E , the operator  1002  can optionally repeat the back and forth motion in front of the retractable quick change sander assembly  700  to produce the desired sanding result on the shaped substrate  1000 . 
     From the discussion above it will be appreciated that the invention can be embodied in various ways, including the following: 
     1. An apparatus for shaping and sanding a substrate, the apparatus comprising: a frame; a shaper attached to the frame, the shaper having a shaper engaged position; and a sander attached to the frame, the sander having a sander engaged position; whereby the shaper cuts a profile in a substrate when the shaper is in the shaper engaged position; whereby the sander sands the profile in the substrate when the sander is in the sander engaged position; and whereby the substrate may be shaped and sanded without intermediate removal of the substrate. 
     2. The apparatus of any previous embodiment, wherein the shaper is retractable from the shaper engaged position to a shaper retracted position. 
     3. The apparatus of any previous embodiment, wherein the sander is retractable from the sander engaged position to a sander retracted position. 
     4. The apparatus of any previous embodiment, wherein the shaper and sander are independently retractable from their respective shaper engaged position and sander engaged position to a respective shaper retracted position and a sander retracted position. 
     5. The apparatus of any previous embodiment: wherein the substrate is removably affixed to a movable table assembly; whereby the movable table assembly moves the substrate into contact with the shaper to cut the profile; and whereby the movable table assembly moves the substrate into contact with the sander to sand the profile. 
     6. The apparatus of any previous embodiment, wherein the shaper comprises a removable shaper removably attached to a spindle. 
     7. The apparatus of any previous embodiment, wherein the sander comprises a removable sander removably attached to a spindle. 
     8. A shaper sander station, comprising: a frame; means for shaping a profile, said means for shaping attached to the frame; and means for sanding the profile, said means for sanding attached to the frame. 
     9. The shaper sander station of any previous embodiment, wherein the means for shaping comprises a means for retracting a shaper from a shaper engaged position to a shaper retracted position. 
     10. The shaper sander station of any previous embodiment, wherein the means for sanding comprises a means for retracting a sander from a sander engaged position to a sander retracted position. 
     11. The shaper sander station of any previous embodiment, wherein the shaper and sander are independently retractable from their respective shaper engaged position and sander engaged position. 
     12. The shaper sander station of any previous embodiment: wherein a movable table translates relative to the frame; and wherein a substrate is removably affixed to the movable table; whereby the movable table moves the substrate into contact with the shaper to cut the profile; and whereby the movable sled moves the substrate into contact with the sander to sand the profile. 
     13. A method for shaping and sanding a substrate, the method comprising: providing a substrate, a retractable shaper and a retractable profile sander; positioning the retractable shaper in a shaper engaged position; positioning the retractable sander in a sander engaged position; moving the substrate past the retractable shaper to generate a profile in the substrate; retracting the retractable shaper to a shaper retracted position; and sanding the profile in the substrate with the retractable sander; whereby the substrate is only removed after the profile has been cut and sanded. 
     14. A method of shaping and sanding a substrate, the method comprising: providing a retractable shaper; providing a retractable sander; initially mounting a substrate; shaping a profile into the substrate with the retractable shaper; retracting the retractable shaper; and sanding the profile previously shaped in the substrate with the retractable profile sander. 
     15. The method of any previous embodiment, wherein the substrate is mounted on a sliding table assembly once during the shaping of one edge. 
     16. The method of any previous embodiment, wherein the retractable shaper is removable and replaceable to allow for different cutting profiles in the work piece. 
     17. The method of any previous embodiment, wherein the retractable sander is removable and replaceable to allow for different sanding profiles in the work piece. 
     18. The method of any previous embodiment, wherein the retractable shaper and the retractable sander have the same profile. 
     19. The method of any previous embodiment, wherein the initial mounting of the substrate step comprises: holding the substrate with a hold down assembly by actuating one or more air cylinders; whereby the air cylinders exert a force on the substrate between a sled assembly and the hold down assembly. 
     20. The method of any previous embodiment, wherein the sled assembly comprises a size square feature. 
     Although the description above contains many details, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. Therefore, it will be appreciated that the scope of the present invention fully encompasses other embodiments which may become obvious to those skilled in the art, and that the scope of the present invention is accordingly to be limited by nothing other than the appended claims, in which reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless explicitly so stated, but rather “one or more.” All structural, chemical, and functional equivalents to the elements of the above-described preferred embodiment that are known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the present claims. Moreover, it is not necessary for a device or method to address each and every problem sought to be solved by the present invention, for it to be encompassed by the present claims. Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element, component, or method step is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element herein is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for.”