In what way do shaping and planing operations differ fundamentally?

The distinction between shaping and planing operations fundamentally lies in the movement of the workpiece and the cutting tool. In shaping, the workpiece remains stationary while the cutting tool moves back and forth across it, creating the desired shape. This is typically used for making flat surfaces, contours, and grooves on smaller workpieces.

On the other hand, in planing operations, the workpiece is generally fixed, and it is the cutting tool that moves. Planing is primarily used for larger surfaces and can handle more significant amounts of material removal compared to shaping.

Thus, the statement that shaping involves a stationary workpiece while planing involves a moving tool accurately captures the essence of the two processes. It highlights the key operational difference regarding which component—either the workpiece or the tool—is mobile during the machining process, clarifying how the two operations are applied differently in manufacturing.