"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?

The one in the shaper is rated at average power. The one in the router is
rated at maximum power. As the maximum power is twice the average, the two
motors are about the same.
However, the one in the shaper is rated for a much higher duty cycle, hence
it will last longer. In additon, the induction motors have no brushes to
wear out. About all that ever breaks are the capacitors.

Jim