I had acquired a used Craftsman wood shaper 15 years ago and still have not
set it up. It has a heavy cast iron table, 3 hp motor, and I believe, a
1/2" spindle.
HOWEVER, I note on all of the wood working shows that everybody (Norm, etc.)
is using router tables for their work, including raised panels.

Is this thing really worth setting up? Am I better of with a large router
table? Does one need both? If I don't plan on doing large doors, what will
the shaper do for me that a router could not?

All replies appreciated,

Ivan Vegvary