Which statement is true about the rake on a shear?

• A. The rake is the distance between the blades
• B. The rake is the blade thickness
• C. The rake is the angle of the upper knife
• D. The rake is the machine's speed

Answer: (C)

Rake on a shear is the angle of the upper knife relative to the lower knife. This angle controls how the blades engage the metal as they shear, guiding the workpiece and helping to produce a clean edge with minimal tearing. It’s not the gap between the blades, not the blade thickness, and not the machine speed. Adjusting the rake affects burr formation and edge quality; a small positive rake helps the cut climb smoothly across the sheet and finish with a cleaner edge.