A traditional machine tool that operates like a vertical shaper, driving a single-point cutting tool up and down to remove material. The workpiece sits on a rotary table below the ram. It is primarily used to cut internal keyways, splines, and sharp internal corners that cannot be machined with a rotating endmill.
Heard on the job
Set the casting up on the slotter to cut the keyway for the main drive shaft.
Also heard as
- vertical shaper
Related terms
Shaper
A traditional machine tool that cuts flat surfaces or slots using a reciprocating linear stroke.
Rotary table
A precision workholding device that rotates a part to exact angular positions.
Single-point
To cut a thread on a lathe with a single-point tool over several passes, rather than with a die or tap.