Replies

1. 
   robkelly | Apr 12, 2004 02:01am | #1

   There are very few cutters made for a 1/2" spindle, so you have to buy 3/4" cutters and bush them. In any case the 1/2" spindle is less than half as rigid as the 3/4. A used Delta  (220v 3hp single phase) in perfect shape was just sold here in L.A. for $850, by a machinery dealer friend, including 3/4" and 1" spindles. IMHO a 1/2" shaper is a large toy, and underpowered for most work.

   
   

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   Edited 4/11/2004 7:05 pm ET by rob

2. 
   joinerswork | Apr 12, 2004 03:06pm | #2

   Lynn,

   When I set up my shop in 1975, one of the tools I bought was a Rockwell shaper with 1/2" shaft.  At that time, a pretty wide variety of cutters were available, and I took advantage of a tax refund to get a pretty good assortment of them, both from rockwell and from Sears.  I got a 3/4" shaper after I bent the 1/2"spindle raising a panel, but still have the little shaper and use it more often than the larger one.

   If the cutter shapes you think you will want are available, I see no reason to get a larger machine than you need.  If you are planning on using large diameter, or tall, cutters, you'll probably want a larger than 1/2" machine.

   Regards,

   Ray

   Ray

3. 
   Napie | Apr 12, 2004 08:01pm | #3

   I use my refurbished 1/2” Delta shaper all the time.  Beats any router table and there are quite a few cutters still on the market.  Best of all, I have only $250 invested, including a new motor.  That’s far less than a new router, table, lift, etc.  Look for a used one, the Craftsman model is about the same.

1. 
   JohnWW | Apr 12, 2004 08:11pm | #4

   As long as we're on the subject of 1/2 inch shapers I'd appreciate any information on suppliers of cutters for that size spindle.  Grizzly has a decent selection but a quick search hasn't turned up a lot of others. 

   I picked up a nearly new Craftsman that's probably 40 years old.  It is very similar to the Delta except that it doesn't have the double ended spindle that switches between 1/2 " and 3/4" diameter.

   Thanks in advance, John W.

   Edited 4/12/2004 1:16 pm ET by JohnW

1. 
   migraine | Apr 12, 2004 08:23pm | #5

   Try Ballew Saw.  Good prices

   ballewsaw.com