Anyone recognise my new shaper ??

[pgp001]

I have just arranged to buy this nice little shaping machine.
It was described to me as a pre-production prototype for the English Acorn 7" (Atlas in the USA). It does have a few unusual features including a proper clutch and gearbox for the speed change, and also a pumped lubrication system with an oil sump in the base. It has been "show" finished with all the handles having been chrome plated etc. The main body is a fabrication, but the base and ram etc are castings. It is very similar to the Atlas in many respects but obviously not the same.
I have never seen one just like it before, and would be interested to find out a bit of its history if possible.
Thanks
Phil

[G.A. Ewen]

That looks like a very solid little machine. Congrats on your purchase.

[Mike Burdick]

Phil,

That one has some nice features. It appears that the table can be rotated - is that true?

[Paul Alciatore]

That's really neat. With all that chrome, it would look absolutely fabulous painted black - high gloss black.

Paul A.

[CCWKen]

I was going to try and build one. I see another feature that I haven't heard talk on or seen before. It appears the tool post will move up on the return stroke. Is this common on all shapers? I guess I haven't been paying attention. Nice feature though.

[Al Messer]

Neat looking machine. Congratulations on your find. Do you know in what year it was made? Since it has features that were not found on the Atlas I once owned and does appear to be "atlas-ish", could someone have taken a wrecked Atlas/Acorn shaper and made this beautiful machine from the wreck? The clutch and gear box for speed change, the bed support, and the lube system is certainly like no other Atlas/Acorn machine I have ever seen. Anyway, have loads of fun with it and make lots of nice chips!!

[pgp001]

I have not actually got this shaper home yet, the guy I bought it from is due to deliver it in a couple of weeks time.
Size wise it is a baby, to give you an idea of scale the base casting is only 22" x 10".
I have posted some more photos on the Metal_Shapers_Pix Yahoo group site.

http://photos.groups.yahoo.com/group...oup/metal_shap ers_pix/lst%3f%26.dir=/%26.src=gr%26.view=t

I will give an update when I have the machine at home.
Phil

[wheatland47]

Looks like it could be related to my AMMCO (American Maintence Machine Co,) shaper, which was bought out by South Bend.
Wheatland47

[pgp001]

Has anyone ever rigged up their shaper with a grinding spindle on the end of the ram instead of the clapper box.
I fancy having a try at this, so I can do a bit of surface grinding with it on small items.
What sort of results has anyone experienced from this kind of lash up.
Phil (UK)

[tomb]

Phil,
I've never hooked up a grinding attachment to a shaper, but I recall a photo of that in the book Village Press sells on making a single shot rifle - don't know if that's of much help.

Tom B