flow discharge channel portions 36 34 distribute the oil over a wide portion of the upper edge of the oil delivery pad 23 the oil delivery pad 23 wicks oil from the oil flow discharge channel portions 36 34 and by the combined effects of gravity and the aforesaid wicking action oil is distributed throughout the oil delivery pad 23 contact between the oil delivery pad 23 and the oil application pad 24 allows the transfer of lubricating oil to the oil application pad 24 for application to the shearing blades 22 the metering pump 42 is cycled on and off by the microprocessor 14 to provide a replenishing supply of oil at regular intervals to the oil delivery pad 23 and ultimately to the shearing blades 22 by the present invention a controlled supply of oil is provided for lubricating shear roller blades 22 by controlling the flow of oil to the oil retention and application assembly 12 sufficient lubrication is provided while eliminating the possibility of fouling the fabric being trimmed with excess oil further the possibility of oil starvation is reduced by the use of the teflon u00ae blocking panel 28 and the felt oil pads 23 24 additionally during periods of known oil depletion e g during start up the present invention acts to provide an increased oil supply thereby maintaining sufficient blade lubrication under controlled conditions it will therefore be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art that the present invention is susceptible of broad utility and application many embodiments and adaptations of.