Replies

1. 
   wilkesland | Dec 17, 2006 04:55am | #1

   I'm not sure the exact machine you are referring to. I have an old Craftsman shaper with half inch spindle. While it is ok and I use it, if I had it to do over again I would not purchase it. Most shaper bits are 3/4 inch spindle and larger, so you have to purchase bits with sleeves, plus it is not really designed to handle the larger panel raising bits, which is what I really wanted a shaper for in the first place. In a do over, I would have spent my money for a good router table and a 3 hp + router. Another downside to this shaper is that it not very beefy, so vibration from the motor can give you problems. My FIL has the exact same shaper which he hasn't used in forever. He uses a larger router instead. Wish I had talked to him before I leaped into my purchase. Shaper's are great tools, this one I own is just not a "real" shaper.

   Barry

2. 
   Napie | Dec 17, 2006 06:33am | #2

   I have one from the 1950's, the motor is on the rear and I use it all the time.  I like it a lot better than a router table too.  Grizzly has a lot of ½” bore cutters for them.  It is great for pattern cutting, slotting, edges, etc.  Vertical panel raisers are fine too. If the price is right, get it.  

   
   

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   Edited 12/17/2006 5:46 pm ET by Napie

1. 
   Ron01960 | Dec 17, 2006 08:25pm | #3

   The unit I looked at has the motor mounted on the left side, not below. Its missing the pair of arms that hold the motor base and belt guard.
   Its one scarry set up now.

   I might just pass as he doesn't have the missing parts. For the money to buy it, find the missing parts and rebuild it. I can buy any number of other machines that are ready to run. I have a router table, but I just wanted a little project for a dedicated operation.Thank for your reply

1. 
   wilkesland | Dec 17, 2006 10:06pm | #4

   You are welcome. You are looking at a different model than mine. The motor on mine is mounted in the rear, belt connected to the spindle. As I said, it works and I use it, but in retrospect I would have gone a different route for what I paid. If you can find one cheap enough, I suppose they are worth it. Just expect the functionality of a router and router table, with a narrower selection of bits, than that of a shaper.

   Barry

3. 
   mrbird90 | Dec 18, 2006 01:18am | #5

   I purchased a Craftsman 113.23930 model shaper in 1973 and it worked fine for small moldings etc. Was weak on power for panel raising and you had to take several light cuts. Sold it about two years ago and got a Jet with 1-1/2hp and there is no comparison, like night and day. Howerver at the time the Craftsman was all there was available except for a very expensive Delta unit. Also the pulley kept coming loose and you had to remove the guards and motor to tighten the set screw holding the aluminum pulley in position. I would not recommend purchasing one.