To shaper or not to shaper ?
 

Ok, $200 for a shaper of question but probably decent quality. $600 to
ship. I know absolutely nothing about shapers but have always wanted to
experiment with one. Any comments on whether I should spend the money or
wait for one that is closer to me?

"AL" wrote in message news:%eznd.54985$V41.17660@attbi_s52...
Ok, $200 for a shaper of question but probably decent quality. $600 to
ship. I know absolutely nothing about shapers but have always wanted to
experiment with one. Any comments on whether I should spend the money or
wait for one that is closer to me?



Suggest is to wait.

--

SVL

"AL" wrote in message news:%eznd.54985$V41.17660@attbi_s52...
Ok, $200 for a shaper of question but probably decent quality. $600 to
ship. I know absolutely nothing about shapers but have always wanted to
experiment with one. Any comments on whether I should spend the money or
wait for one that is closer to me?


All depends on the size of the shaper and the number of machine tools that
may be available locally. The idea of spending three times a purchase
price for shipping tends to make my head hurt. Do keep in mind I'm tight
with money, usually don't **** it away.

If the shaper is a 12" model, that might be a damned good deal. I've not
seen too many of that size. They're large enough to do some serious work.
Does it come with the clapper box and a vise? Motor? If so, is it the
right size for the machine? Many have had the original 3 phase motors
replaced with small single phase motors. I'm not nuts about that.

I think you'd be upside down on a smaller one, and a larger one would be a
big PITA to house and handle.

More information might be useful for an accurate opinion (what ever that
means! g)

Harold

AL wrote:
Ok, $200 for a shaper of question but probably decent quality. $600 to
ship. I know absolutely nothing about shapers but have always wanted to
experiment with one. Any comments on whether I should spend the money or
wait for one that is closer to me?



Shapers are very versatile, dirt cheap to operate, and fun to watch.
They will do a few jobs that common milling machines cannot do. The
downside is that they are also slow, and potentially dangerous.

The versatility and low cost tooling is a big plus in the average home
shop. Just be CAREFUL! It's always best to hand crank a shaper (smaller
ones anyway) through one complete cycle BEFORE turning it on. "Wrecks"
on a shaper can be spectacular (and expensive)!

Dan Mitchell
Owner of a Logan 8" shaper.
============