Thread: Shaper or slotting head

Hello all,

I have recently acquired a P.K. Douglas shaper. When I purchased my mill it came with a slotting head that I have not used.
I would like to keep the amount of machinery I own to a minimum, but not at the expense of reduced capability.
The more I own the more I have to look after. Also if I do not need the slotting head it may as well go where it is used.

Therefore is there anything that can't be done on a shaper that can be done on a slotting head, or visa versa.

Steve

What machine does the slotting head fit onto?

The slotting head came with my Kondia mill.

Originally Posted by Reidy41

... is there anything that can't be done on a shaper that can be done on a slotting head, or visa versa.

A slotting head for a mill is typically used to do keyways and that would be the main task most would use it for. A shaper can put in keyways but also surface material. When I had one I found it really good at taking the skin off castings. If I had the choice (and the room) I think I would take the shaper over the slotter.

Michael

Hmm I think I would actually keep the slotter if I was poor on space (which I am) simply because it uses close to no floorspace and does one of the most useful tasks a shaper can. Also for resale purposes a mill with a slotting head is more attractive.

Sent from my SM-G973F using Tapatalk

Hello Reidy 41.
I own a medium shaper, 18" and a slotting attachment for my mill. Love them both. The shaper is good at Brutus work and working long thin work. The slotter excells in internal keyways, splines and gears where the stroke is short. Also you use mill accessories. Both are cheap to tool up and make fixtures for.
regards
BC

Thanks for the replies so far. I am just trying to make an educated choice and may keep both. To make make the educated decision I need as much info as I can get.

One saying that I often see on the bottom of posts on various forums, and often by our American friends is "He who dies with the most toys wins". I obviously don't have the mental capacity to understand this as it does not make sense to me. If I develop an understanding of what I need and get rid of the rest I think I will win.

Steve

I once made an internal keyway that was 100mm long in aluminium, on my Douglas shaper.
That might not be possible with a typically sized slotting attachment?
Of course such a long keyway is a rare need.

For convenience a slotter's vertical action would make the job easier to set up I think.