PEARCO said:
Warren;
The reverse switch on a shaper is for clockwise and counter clockwise cutters for different cutting operations. For example if you are using a panel rasing cutter, you will want to refference off the shaper table top. On the next operation, you may need to feed in the opposite direction for a different cutter.
Many profiles are designed to cut from different feed directions. It also is desinged to operate with different power feeds - forward and reverse systems.
This design works with mounting of the power feeds. I assure you it is not to clear a jamb. In my forth years in the buisness I have never seen a shaper jamb or one without a reverse switch.
Jim
Thanks for clearing this up for us.
Now I was worrying about my memory.... how could I have missed this feature..... I don't remember a method of making it run anything but counterclockwise....
But as luck would have it I still have the book (not the shaper) and the book was printed in 1952 (age of the shaper unknown) and I have to tell you the old sears one did not have any method of making it run backward nor is it mentioned or shown to do so.
I don't recall that feature on the ones in school either but maybe I just don't remember..... or maybe I "knew it all" and didn't pay attention.
It makes sence that they could do that, that would also let you use a different profile on a cutter by having it "upside down" It also explains why some of the cutters I have that I never could figure out how to use the "other" profile.
I know I learned a lot from this post..... good question and even better answer..... it is good to learn from those that know.
Thank YOU!
Ed