On Tue, 27 Sep 2005 06:16:32 GMT, "Ivan Vegvary" wrote:

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


Advantages:
a) much quieter than a screaming router
b) much more precise for setup

Disadvantages
a) cutters more expensive

In both cases, safety is paramount, a router table or a shaper can throw
material with amazing results -- the shaper does have more real power
behind those throws.

For hobby use, I've found Grizzly shaper cutters to be very reasonably
priced and work very well.




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If you're gonna be dumb, you better be tough

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