Here's my thoughts... A decent router can do things that a shaper can't do
(freehand, certain profiles like non-through cuts, etc), but for certain
types of production stuff, the shaper is the way to go. If you've got tons
of raised panel doors to do, the shaper would allow you to do them faster
and possibly better.

As far as the 1 hp shaper vs. the 3 hp router, if you compare the amps used,
you'll probably find them pretty close. Then there's the difference between
the motor types, their intended use, etc. For example, my router and
tablesaw are both rated for about the same number of amps, but I'm pretty
sure that the tablesaw motor would kick the router's butt when it came to
running for extended periods at full power. So I don't think they're really
comparable.

One other note taking all router bits, keep in mind that shaper heads
are often 3 bladed, and router bits are often 2 bladed. A router will
typically spin the bit at 22,000 rpm (depending on variable speed, of
course), and the shaper will spin at around 7K to 10K. The cuts per minute
would be kept about the same, if you use the appropriate bit for the
appropriate tool (22K * 2 = 44,000, 10K * 3 = 30,000), but if you use the
router bit in the shaper, you'll get half the intended cuts per minute. The
quality of the cut will probably be reduced, and probably the life of the
bit. Check out www.grizzly.com for some available shapers, as well as bits
(I think).

If I was you and had a decent router, and I had the money, room and could
justify the bits, I'd look at getting the shaper (assuming it's priced
right, and in good shape). I'd build my own router table for the times that
makes sense.

--
Clint
"Toller" wrote in message
...
My router table is a POS, and I have been planning a new one for some time
now. While I love my Bosch 1617, I was going to buy a new 15a router for
the new table.

I just saw an ad for an old 1hp shaper. I haven't seen it yet, but they
claim it is in good shape, takes all router bits, has a 1hp motor, and
weighs 160 pounds.
I am thinking it might make a good substitute for the new router/router
table. It will certainly be cheaper. But I have never even used a
shaper, so I would appreciate some advice.

Do they take router bits and work well with them?
The 1hp motor sounds weaker than my 2hp 1617, but I suspect they can't be
compared like that. How will a 1hp shaper perform compared to a router?
Can you just compare amps, or do they not compare since the motor types
are different?