Abstract: A machine for shearing pile fibers from the surface of a textile fabric which is conveyed over the narrow edge of a cloth holder. The cutting is accomplished by a scissors-like action between a stationary cutting blade and a plurality of helical blades which are mounted on a roll which is rotated about a horizontal axis for moving the helical blades into cutting contact of the horizontal cutting edge of the stationary blade. The stationary blade is mounted on a holder which is pivotally mounted on a horizontal axis to enable the stationary blade holder to be pivoted by a drive mechanism to change the relative position of the cutting edge of the stationary blade relative to the cloth holder. The roller for the helical blades is mounted on a rotary blade holder which is supported on the stationary blade holder for movement with the stationary blade holder so that the cutting edges of both the stationary blades and the rotary blades and the helical blades move in unison relative to the cloth holder.