Machinist's Minutes: Using shapers to cut keyways

[@Kurokimachine]

Ive always wanted one of these heads. Recently found a 12" P&W slotter that we still need to get installed and wired. Looking forward to giving it a run. Have used horizontal shapers before but the slotter will be new to me

[@mjMiller212121]

My first job was working as a machinist in the dredging industry. I cut many keyways in various parts using the very techniques you discuss here. I was always excited to learn new ways to make special parts using basic machine tools such as shapers and milling machines. The job shop I worked at didn't have special machines designed to produce parts. The task was to come up with a way to make or repair the part using standard machine tools in a cost effective manner.

[@andrewwells1386]

As I work in a jobbing shop and never know what’s coming through the door and the best thing I found for key ways were a 1/4 ,3/8 and 1/2 adjustable hss boring bar holders so it was easier to make multiple tool bits we have a vertical shaper and if the boring bar was pushing up we would use a stop to stop these the best bit is adjusting the length very easy

[@phalanyx3478]

I had to mill some blind keyways inside a 440C hardened & heat treated stainless sleeve, I used a right angle quillmaster head on a Bridgeport with a cut down 3/16 carbide end mill to finish this keyway after I roughed out the material by plunge milling the length of the keyway on another machine. I cut the end mills shorter and ground in a weldon flat with a CBN Dremel cutoff wheel in an M12 right angle die grinder with an 1/8" collet. The keyways were .375 and less than an inch long.

[@HOWEES]

Good Job!

[@ablindman0]

The classic Bridgeport keyseater! While it might not be able to hog material, damn if it isn't versatile

[@dutchgray86]

I have been looking for one of those E heads for ages, a machinest I was talking too once said they were too week and had not quite enough stroke and to get a proper slotting machine. I don't have the room for another machine but an E head on the back of the Bridgport basically takes up no extra space.

[@HOWEES]

If you don't have one on Your Bridgeport, you end up just milling a round.

[@toddmcclellan979]

I was spoiled. I would use the EDM sinker to make keyways.

[@hazendismukesjr.8319]

Why not use a broach

[@HOWEES]

Broaching requires a through hole. This is a blind Keyway, the other end is a solid shaft.

[@duron700r]

Shapers. Drool.