Shaping machines and slotting machines have a mounted cutting tool with a movable table so that metal or wood can be moved back and forth for shaping, slotting, or cutting. The proper selection of a shaping machine or slotting machine requires a careful analysis of product types. A metal cutting machine can create flat, metal surfaces, grooves, T-slots, dovetails and curved surfaces. A profiler follows a wooden template to cut deck and bottom curves into blanks. A pantograph uses a plug to trace the tool paths for the cutting head to shape the blank. CNC machines do not use a plug; instead, they receive the design directly from a computer. Other types of shaping machines and slotting machines are also available.

Shaping machines and slotting machines differ in terms of operation. Shaping moves a single point cutting tool in a reciprocating motion. The forward stroke is called the cutting stroke. The backward movement is completed at a faster velocity and includes the sideways feed motion. Because they provide slow cutting speeds and an unproductive return stroke, shaping machines may not be suitable for some production processes. A slotting machine is used to cut a slot or groove in a hole. For multiple grooves (splines), a broaching machine is often used. Because aluminum can build up on the edges of cutting tools, an aluminum cutting machine must incorporate appropriate tool materials and tool coatings.

Shaping machines and slotting machines have a mounted cutting tool with a movable table so that metal or wood can be moved back and forth for shaping, slotting, or cutting. The proper selection of a shaping machine or slotting machine requires a careful analysis of product types. A metal cutting machine can create flat, metal surfaces, grooves, T-slots, dovetails and curved surfaces. A profiler follows a wooden template to cut deck and bottom curves into blanks. A pantograph uses a plug to trace the tool paths for the cutting head to shape the blank. CNC machines do not use a plug; instead, they receive the design directly from a computer. Other types of shaping machines and slotting machines are also available.

Shaping machines and slotting machines differ in terms of operation. Shaping moves a single point cutting tool in a reciprocating motion. The forward stroke is called the cutting stroke. The backward movement is completed at a faster velocity and includes the sideways feed motion. Because they provide slow cutting speeds and an unproductive return stroke, shaping machines may not be suitable for some production processes. A slotting machine is used to cut a slot or groove in a hole. For multiple grooves (splines), a broaching machine is often used. Because aluminum can build up on the edges of cutting tools, an aluminum cutting machine must incorporate appropriate tool materials and tool coatings.

Shaping machines and slotting machines can be horizontal, vertical, or universal. Specifications include maximum horizontal or vertical travel of the table, maximum swivel angle with or without a vide, maximum travel of the tool head and, for shaping machines, the maximum distance from the lower edge of the ram to the table, the maximum shaping length, and the frequency of ram strokes. Specialty shaping and slotting machines may carry additional specifications. For example, a rotating shaping machine can have a rotary indexing table that is graduated in degrees for accuracy.

Shaping machines and slotting machines comply with standards published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Technical Committees TC 29 (small tools) and 39 (machine tools). Shaping machines and slotting machines are also covered by ISO 6986, dimensions of side and face milling (slotting) cutters with indexable inserts.