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Re: Shaper tip thickness

Author: jhoyla
Date: 2009-12-17 22:45

Bob hello,

I have been thinking about this for some time. There are many different factors to take into account when making a tip.

I like the idea of thicker stock, because the "V" at the fold would be a little less acute and this will give the folded, shaped cane a little more strength at the hinge when placed on the shaper.

Thicker stock may not slot into the commonly available handles - something else to consider.

Another factor is the curve of the shaper body. By this, I mean the convexity imparted to the metal, not the curved sides that guide the razor. This convexity should make the cane flatten a little when clamped to the shaper - but not too much. Flat shapers can cause the cane to split when clamped down, especially true for wider shapes.

I am certain that this convexity is not factored in to the width measurements published by shaper manufacturers, but it is obvious that the more curvature, the creater the overall width of the finished reed. It will also affect the angle of the shaped edge with respect to the other blade of the cane. It is worth experimenting to discover the ideal angle that seals perfectly. It may turn out to be a function of distance from the thread, and not uniform along the cut - perhaps this will require even more three-dimensional machining.

I have two tips with remarkably similar dimensions when measured with a caliper. There is however a noticable difference in shape to the finished reeds. I can only attribute this to the differences in convexity of the shaper tips.

Hope this helps,
J.

P.S., I am an extremely willing guinea-pig ... :-)

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