Boxford Shaper Table Lock

[Alan Johnson 7Participant @alanjohnson7]

I have a Boxford 8 inch shaper. It has the table that can be rotated, so it is a bit unusual.

I would like to cut a vertical surface on the shaper and to do so I would have expected to find a lock on the table such that it could not move horizontally, but I can't find it!

There certainly is a table lock to stop vertical movements of the table.

Has anyone found a solution to this problem, or is it not a problem at all? Is the mass of the table sufficient to not have to worry about it moving, or do I need to make up some "table stops' that fit the horizontal dovetail slide on the machine – one for each side of the table?

Thanks in advance.

Regards,

Alan.

[Alan Johnson 7Participant @alanjohnson7]

Is there a horizontal table lock on the Boxford 8″ Shaper?

[DC31kParticipant @dc31k]

You are correct that there is no horizontal lock.

If possible, try to cut down the right hand side of the work as you stand in front of the machine. Then the cutting pressure is trying to stretch the leadscrew, nut and restraining collar. Once the lost motion is taken up, it should be solid. Exactly analogous to turning with a lathe. About the only time you need a cross-slide lock there is for an interrupted cut (hex or square turned to round) where movement is due to vibration.

Perhaps do a test piece with an indicator bearing on the side of the table and see if it moves at all.

I do not think two stops would be needed as the table should not move towards the cutting pressure. If needed at all, one should be enough.

[Author]

Posts