A popular selling feature of a Shaper is the ability to reverse the motor's direction. This allows for greater use of the cutters' profile, by turning the cutter over. In the workshop the shaper is used for straight and irregular shaping, matched shaping, tonguing and grooving, fluting and decorative molding. It is simple to operate and does superior work quickly and accurately.
High speed is an important factor in assuring clean cutting performance on any shaper.
When preparing the shaper for use, use a cloth soaked in kerosene to remove any pitch build up on the edge of the knife. Fasten the fence and lock in position. The shaper, if possible, should be set up in a central location in the workshop, as the length of the work that it can handle is limited by the distance from the spindle to the walls or other machines. The cutter must be put on to the spindle so that the cutting edge faces in the direction of rotation. A thin coat of paste wax will keep the ground table surface free from rust.