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Shaper?

2K views 16 replies 9 participants last post by  Mikeleg 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
Hi Everyone,

As probably gathered from my previous post, I am new to woodworking. Currently, I'm spending my time learning how to build completely by hand and patiently shopping for used tools. I came across a used Delta shaper today. It was in great shape and it came with good cutters. I did not buy it simply because I'm not planning on any projects this year that would require a shaper. So my question is, what would I use a shaper or other than making raised panel doors? What can be done with a shaper that can't be done with a good router? We are planning on renovating the kitchen next year but I don't think that I would buy a shaper just for one project.

Thanks,

Mike
 
#2 ·
Before we got our first molder we had seven Powermatic shapers. We used them for all sorts of things and quite often. They are a valuable machine and can take a much heavier cut than a router can. They are a dangerous machine if not used with care. However, in some ways they can be safer than a router. I don't think that a shaper should be one of the first machines a small shop should have, however, but once you get your basic machines then a shaper can be a nice addition. An automatic feeder can also make a very nice addition to a shaper.

helluvawreck aka Charles
http://woodworkingexpo.wordpress.com
 
#3 ·
How much did they want for the shaper with some cutters?

Agree with Charles, but if the shaper is at a smokin deal though it might save money now. Power feeder is a great asset to a shaper, safety wise and also in controling the feed rate.
 
#4 ·
Most of what a Shaper can do, can be done with a good Router of the 2 1/4 to 3 1/2 hp. range, using the large router bits often, would be better served by the larger hp. router, although a 2 1/4 hp. will spin the larger bits.

Shaper cutters are more costly than router bits but most profile bits/cutters are available for both machines.

Finally, Shapers are generally prefered by production shops that run their machines for hours on end and are designed for this type of continuous use.

Work Safely and have Fun. - Grandpa Len
 
#7 · (Edited by Moderator)
I'm not belittling the router. They are wonderful tools and usually anyone who has been in woodworking for any length of time will have a number of them. In my home shop I have 5 or 6 routers and no shaper right now. My home shop is so small right now that I wouldn't have room for it even if I could get my hands on one. The router is exactly why the shaper should be one of the last major stationary tools the small shop owner should get. Nevertheless, I believe the shaper is a mighty good machine to have.

helluvawreck aka Charles
http://woodworkingexpo.wordpress.com
 
#10 ·
400 bucks, I bet 350 you can take it home… Good deal if you ask me… switch from 1/4 to 1/2 router bits, or 3/4 bore shaper cutters…. Even larger if you have the t-bushings. I think 10,000 rpm is max so you just feed a little slower on the smaller bits. I paid 1500 for my Delta the guy threw in a Power feeder. You can pick up good shaper cutters at your local saw sharpening store I bet… Good dual purpose machine, a 3 1/4 PC router alone will cost you 400 bucks…....
 
#12 ·
I looked at the Delta 43-355 and it is not what I would call a Shaper but more like a Router set-up. 1 1/2 hp… When I think shaper I am thinking cabinet style 3hp and above. If your doing a shaper 3 hp and above is where you want to be. Otherwise stick with the router option. I do not have a router table anymore cause I either use the Delta 3hp one or when I feel real spunky I break out the 7hp Powermatic one. Stick a 1 13/16 head on that thing with a set of cutters it will make the hair on your neck stand up…
 
#14 ·
I did some 9 in wide crown several months back, the stock was 6/4 and had a 1 1/4 scoop out of the middle like a cove crown just a little fancier….. When I started up the moulder the guys next door rushed over to see what was going on and it did sound like a darn 747 starting up the engines. Taking a 1 1/4 cut at one time does give ya goosebumps…........
 
#15 ·
Our biggest molder was a 12 inch wide Weinig Unimat. We might go a little over 1-1/4 but when we did we would glue up the wood on the clamp carriers in a way that a lot of the stock was already gone where areas like a cove were. This way avoided a lot of stress on the knives. We've had some knives break on us with a 1-1/4 deep cut. That can hurt or kill someone and damage the head and/or the molder. We most always stayed within the limits of what Weinig told us. We've had builders and architechs always trying to push our limits but we just didn't push the limits. It's not safe and molders are too expensive. 1-1/4 was almost always ok depending on the width of the molding. However, 12 inch is a big molding so we tried to be cautio
 
#16 ·
I have two of these and use them mainly for cutting cope and stick. They work just fine. I just purchased the second one this past spring for $400. It had the router spindle and was in almost perfect shape (router spindle had never been taken out of the box). I think they are a good alternative to a router table.
 
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