Replies

1. 
   GJMID2 | Mar 10, 2003 02:55am | #1

   By all means, buy a shaper.   Use your router (I have several PC #690's) in a home built table for small work and use the shaper for larger objects---like raised panels, large profile trim etc.  Let me know if you have any specific questions...

1. 
   jack | Mar 10, 2003 03:06am | #2

   I was toying with the idea of a grizzly or jet shaper. Do you know these two makes. I sthere any ups and downs.

1. 
   GJMID2 | Mar 10, 2003 03:32am | #5

   I've used a Delta for years---not a very large one, but it has held up very well.  My only experience with Grizzly was OK, but the drive belt was (in  my opinion) way too small.

1. 
   jack | Mar 10, 2003 03:38am | #7

   Does the delta accept router bits as well as shaper bit.

2. 
   vacabby | Mar 10, 2003 03:16am | #3

   Jack

   The kind of work you intend to do should dictate whether you buy a shaper or router table.   Shapers will handle "beefier" work but do you need it.   Shaper cutters, good ones, are two to three times more expensive than router bits.   So is the cost of having them sharpened if you do not do your own.  

   I have both(after 25 years of WW) but I would say that a good 3-1/4 HP router in a well built table will do most of the work for most of the hobbyists I know.   If you have time build the table.   Spend the money on a good table insert.   You will end up with a great table at a fraction of the cost of manufactured tables.

   I was wrong once and may be again someday but thought I'd tell you what I think anyway.

1. 
   jack | Mar 10, 2003 03:26am | #4

   Thank you for your input. I was told that the shaper could also use router bits. ( the cost factor) I s this true.

1. 
   vacabby | Mar 10, 2003 03:38am | #6

   On Grizzly's G1035 and up you can buy an optional router bit spindle for about $60.   The G1035 is a 1-1/2 HP unit with spindle speeds of 7K and 10K.   Two spindle sizes of 1/2" and 3/4".   The G1035 lists for $425 plus freight of $55.   I have not used the router bit spindle but have had a couple of people tell me that there is some additional runout using the adaptor.   That is purely second hand information.  I have not tried it myself.

3. 
   jako17 | Mar 10, 2003 04:03pm | #8

   Running router bits in a shaper using spindle with a collet on it, works ,but the speeds on most shapers are relatively slow 10000 rpm therefore you may not be getting optimum  finish .As already mentioned in this thread shapers are expensive to tool,and can be slow to set up ,if you value your life .In my shop we run two shapers but still use a router  table with as 3 1/4hp and 1 3/4hp routers. For site work I have a fold up router table that is great.

4. 
   alanplanesaw | Mar 10, 2003 07:54pm | #9

   Jack,

   As others have indicated, it all depends on what you are going to do.  Shapers handle heavier work at slower speeds.  Routers run much faster.

   I have both.  Yes, you can put router bits (1/2 inch shank and bigger) in the shaper.  Again, depends on how fast you need the bit to rotate to accomplish your task.

   If you can afford and justify both (doesn't take much justification for a good WW), you can have the best of both worlds.

   Alan  -- Planesaw

5. 
   fdampier5 | Mar 11, 2003 05:27am | #10

   a shaper is a serious tool..  (affordable if you are a wise shopper, but  a serious tool)   a router has it's place but I've never been happy making a too small tool do the job intended for a bigger tool.

     I own  Jet.. I wish I'd bought a Grizzly.