Which machine shop equipment can flatten surfaces on horizontal, vertical, or angular planes?

The shaper machine is designed specifically for producing flat surfaces and can work on horizontal, vertical, or angular planes. This versatility is achieved through its sliding ram that holds a single-point cutting tool, which moves back and forth over the material being machined. With the ability to adjust the machine's workpiece mounting system and toolpath, various angles and planes can be addressed, allowing for highly precise planar surfaces in metallic or non-metallic workpieces.

This capability distinguishes the shaper from other options. A welding machine is used primarily for joining materials together rather than shaping or flattening surfaces. A drill machine is focused on creating cylindrical holes and does not provide the same flat surface creation features. Similarly, a power saw is employed for cutting materials into desired shapes rather than for flattening surfaces. Thus, the specific design and functionality of the shaper machine make it the correct choice for flattening surfaces across different planes.