A
shaper is a type of
machine tool that uses relative motion between the workpiece and a
single-point cutting tool to
machine a linear toolpath. Its cut is analogous to that of a
lathe, except that it is (archetypally) linear instead of
helical. (Adding axes of motion can yield helical toolpaths, as also done in helical planing.) A shaper is analogous to a
planer, but smaller, and with the cutter riding a ram that moves above a stationary workpiece, rather than the entire workpiece moving beneath the cutter. The ram is moved back and forth typically by a
crank inside the column;
hydraulically actuated shapers also exist.