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Table of Contents

Using the Straight Shaper
Safety Instructions

Using the Straight Shaper

When shaping cane on a straight shaper, always use a razor blade or other sharp thin blade. Most reed making knives are too thick to allow you to accurately follow the curves of the straight shaper.

Be sure to soak the cane in water for 2 to 3 minutes before shaping.

First loosen the screws to open the shaper. After inserting the cane with the inside facing up, make sure the gouge is centered on the shaper. It is helpful to mark the center of the gouge at each end of the cane with a pencil to align them with the stainless steel pins on the sides.

    • Then tighten the screws again to hold the cane securely in place. The scoring knife will score the center of the cane.

      Note: The model A. Mayer does not have the center scoring knife.

    • Start shaping from the middle to the sides. Do not remove too much cane at once, but rather work layer by layer. Guide the knife parallel to the shaper so that it rests on a large surface.

    • Never jam the knife against the shaper. Applying force at only one point, especially on the edge, can damage both the knife and the hardened surface of the straight shaper.

    • The A. Mayer straight shaper does not have a scoring blade. After shaping the cane, score the center with a sharp blade.


The large resting surface on either side of the cane on the straight shapers allow for a truly symmetrical shape to be made, as well as accurate reproduction from piece to piece. This is particularly important in the blade area of the reed, where foldover style shapers do not offer enough surface to reliably guide the blade accurately.

Safety Instructions

Please always be careful while using your Reeds 'n Stuff product. The blades used in our machines, and reed making in general, are very sharp and may cause injuries and other damage.
In order to avoid negative consequences, you should follow the following safety instructions during installation, usage and maintenance of your machine:
Reeds 'n Stuff products are not a toys. They are therefore not to be used by children and persons with limited physical, sensory or mental abilities.

Reeds 'n Stuff products are intended to be used indoors.