Replies

1. 
   migraine | Jun 25, 2004 05:45pm | #1

   What can be said... buy the larger H.P. shaper and you will never look back. They usually come with larger(which also means taller) spindles.  In time, you will wish you bought a 5 H.P. model.

   I have a 2hp delta which was never enough power.  Bought a 5hp Jet and it does fine.  I did a large paneling job where I needed even a larger one (9.9hp SCMI).  I regretfully sold the SCMI before I moved.

   While your add it, consider a powerfeeder to go with it.  They are alot safer and you will get a better quality cut.  I unfortunitly have worked in a shop where one guy's fingers became "red oatmeal" on the wall.  Shapers don't scare me, but a jointer still does.

   
   

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   Edited 6/25/2004 10:50 am ET by migraine

1. 
   Mackwood | Jul 06, 2004 05:10am | #10

   "red oatmeal" on the wall; that's pretty graphic!!  Reminds me of the jars of formaldehyde with ringed fingers/tendons in them that we used to see when I was a puppy in the Navy!

   Thanks, I was just getting comfortable with my jointer.  I'll reconsider my attitude!!

   Regards,

   Mack "WISH IN ONE HAND, #### IN THE OTHER AND SEE WHICH FILLS UP FIRST"

2. 
   bobJackson | Jun 26, 2004 10:09pm | #2

   I agree with migrane that if you can go for the 5hp and the power feeder. It will do your work with ease especially in hard wood ( hickory)  I have that setup and I take one pass for each process. Cope, sticking, and railed panel. I am very happy with my Delta 5hp shaper and 1hp feeder.  Bob

3. 
   robkelly | Jun 27, 2004 03:03am | #3

   3 hp is fine. I can take a full bite in one pass on raised panels with my 3 hp Delta in Oak, walnut, mahogany, maple, etc., but I usually save a few thousanths for a final clean-up pass which removes burn marks.  I have a power feed but don't use it for panels. I run the panel face up, with the bearing under the cutter, hand feed the long grain and use an Accu-miter to hold the panel for the short grain passes.

1. 
   dperfe | Jun 27, 2004 04:37am | #4

   Thanks people. One other question. Is there any reason to go with new Delta X series 3hp machine over the older version which is $400 less?

   Thanks,

   DP

1. 
   jc21 | Jun 27, 2004 05:17pm | #5

   The X machines have a longer (five year) warranty; if that is worth the extra $ only you can decide.

1. 
   sbanbury | Jun 27, 2004 07:07pm | #6

   That 5 year warranty on the X sounds nice but the older machines might not need it.

   I caught a thread here about how the new X series bandsaws had aluminum trunnions on them and how many had cracked.

   I checked it out at a local store and sure enough, their display model had cracked trunnions! 

2. 
   robkelly | Jun 27, 2004 10:29pm | #7

   I have the older model and it does everything I ask it to do, including 7/4 entry doors. I bought it used about 10 yrs ago for $700 with 2 spindles (3/4" & 1"). It was probably 10-15 yrs old at that time. The ones of that vintage have an encased worm drive system for raising and lowering the spindle so trash doesn't get in.   This feature was eliminated on later models to save money, and they do have a problem in this area. Mine is model # 43-375,  serial  number 85 M41127. If you buy used, spend the extra $$ on a better fence system and a selection of bearings to set work depth.  One great feature of the older Deltas is that one turn of the wheel to raise and lower is exactly 1/32".             

4. 
   SRToolguy | Jun 28, 2004 04:59am | #8

   Tough call... Professional grade shapers usually start at 3hp-5hp 1ph then jump right up to 5hp and beyond in 3ph. ShopFox and Jet have a smaller unit that runs 1.5hp/1ph and it may do just what you need it to do. You can swing a pretty heafty cutter with these smaller units but you do need to take a few more passes. It wouldn't be any worse than a 3hp router in a table though. Check with your local Jet or ShopFox dealer for more info.

   What you really need to think about is the price of shaper cutters vs. router bits. You may find yourself in for a bit (no pun intended) of sticker shock.

   Sincerely;

   The Tool Guy

1. 
   Mackwood | Jul 06, 2004 05:01am | #9

   Good point!  I've heard several guys say that the price of the shaper is only a down payment on the cutters!

   Mack "WISH IN ONE HAND, #### IN THE OTHER AND SEE WHICH FILLS UP FIRST"