FILENAMES: ShapeRite1.JPG ShapeRite2.jpg ShapeRite3.jpg ShapeRite4.JPG ShapeRite5.JPG DESCRIPTION: These are photos of a Shaperite shaper and improvements. Posted by K Kreger . K Kreger provided the following description: ================================================================= These are pictures of a modification I made to my 8" Havir "ShapeRite" shaper in order to help the clapper close positively on the return stroke. Some shapers use a spring on the clapper for this; I mounted a magnet in the clapper box. This is a 1" round rare-earth (I think) magnet, 1/4" thick. I bought it on eBay for $4. I bored a 1" dia. hole 1/8" deep in the clapper box behind the clapper block. Sitting in this hole, the magnet sticks out about 1/8". The magnet is located directly behind the toolpost. The back of the clapper block on my shaper is relieved over this area, so there is a gap between the block and magnet. If yours isn't, you'd have to recess the magnet. This space is .075". I don't know how critical this clearance is, this worked for me on the first try. There has to be some gap though, or else if the magnet picks up a small piece of swarf, it will interfere with the clapper closing all the way. Also, if the clapper block is too close to the magnet, it will pull the magnet out of its seat. I was kind of skeptical that this would work, but it really snaps the clapper block back. I was also worried that the magnet would quickly foul itself with swarf, but as it turns out, the magnet has never needed cleaning. I had planned to epoxy the magnet in its seat, but found that it stays there by itself just fine. ShapeRite1 shows the magnet in its seat (the disk below the screw head). ShapeRite2 is a picture with the magnet pulled out. Its sitting on the vise. ShapeRite 3,4&5 are pictures of the indexable toolholder I made using a lathe toolholder shank with a welded-on turned head. Not pretty, but it works well. I made it for 3/8" toolbits. I think the Atlas & Logan shapers come with slightly smaller holders which hold 1/4" toolbits. Someone since pointed out to me that I didn't need to make a square hole in the bolt to hold the toolbit; the castellation in the round end of the shank will keep the bit from moving even if the toolbit hole is round. That would have made it a lot easier! kkreger4@home.com