In a message dated 12/2/2009 10:02:57 AM Eastern Standard Time, rotigel at me.com writes: If I'm understanding your question correctly it is so that the shingle will "fall" away from the blade properly. Rick/Dave, Or is it to provide clearance as the blade cuts thru the surface area of a shingle? Tom Schmutz Concord, Va. germoamer at AOL.com