Hi,
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I have to raise panels for kitchen cabinets. I previously used vertical bits on a router table set up. The results are quite good but the process is very slow and awkward with large panels. I was thinking of buying a shaper. I am looking at a 1 ½ or 3hp shaper? Does the 1 1/2hp shaper have enough power to raise panels efficiently? I’m a little set back on the table size of this shaper which is 20” by 18”. The 3hp shaper has a bigger table but is a bit above my budget.
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Thanks
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Renato<!—-> <!—->
Replies
If I could I would go with the 3 HP. Your are probably jumping from a 1/2" spindle to a 1" as well. 1-1/2 HP in the smaller machine is probably adequate because it uses an induction motor rather than the universal motor of the average router. They are very different animals with the induction having much greater torque. Also most shaper cutters have three wings rather than the two of the average router bit. All this lends greater efficiency. All said, I would go for the 3 HP for the larger table, greater power and I am guessing larger spindle.
With best regards,
Ernie Conover
Hi,
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The 1 1/2hp has ½” and ¾” spindles while the 3hp has ¾” and 1” spindles. The larger machine has a 28” by 30” table.
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I am inclined to go for the larger one for the various advantages. I was interested in the smaller machine due to danger these machines offer. It seems that everyone says that these are the most dangerous machines you can have in your workshop. A 3hp motor can give a bigger kickback when compared to a 1 1/2hp motor or a 2hp router. Said this I think the bigger table and power offer more flexibility in the long run. It can also accept a power feeder if needs be.
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Thanks and best regards
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Regards
Shapers are one of the most dangerous tools in the shop because most users have a poor understanding of the physics of kickbacks. What you intuitively think is far from the case, so common sense fails us. It is imperative that you at least read some books. There is no difference between a router table and a shaper other that how the cutters are mounted and the ability to reverse most modern shapers. Some also have tilting spindles. I go into kickback prevention in The Router Table Book but it is now out of print. To cut to the chase, buy the big machine and use it properly.With best regards,
Ernie Conover
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