Replies

1. 
   JohnWW | Apr 12, 2004 10:54pm | #1

   Tom,

   In general shaper cutters for pattern work aren't sold as sets, thats why you can't find them.  You just team up a straight bit with a ball bearing rub collar, you can mix and match the height of the bit and the diameter of the collar as the job requires.

   John W.

2. 
   Michmesquite | Apr 13, 2004 05:36am | #2

   Tom

   Here is a link to give you an idea. I picked up a 7 piece set of 3/4" bearings at a WW show for about $55 last year. http://www.weaver-sales.com/catalog-cutters-accessories-rub-collars-bbrc.htm

   __________________________________________________________

   Michael in San Jose

   Freedom from mental disturbance is the very most for which one can hope.

    Epicurus (341-270 BCE)

3. 
   migraine | Apr 13, 2004 07:37am | #3

   I have been using a rub bearing with a rabbiting bid on my shaper for the past 9 years.  The biggest problem is when you sharpen the shaper cutter, the diameter gets smaller and the matching bearing doesn't match/flush-cut any more.  The solution I have for this was to buy an insert knife shaper body(3 wing) and have a local saw shop make me a rub bearing to match it.  The initial cost was for the body, but the replacement 1 1/4" X 1 1/4" cutters are CHEAPER than sharpening.  Plus, you get 2 or 4 changes by rotating each cutter insert.  They seem to stay sharper longer than some of the other shaper cutters I have used in the past.  The replacement cutters can be bought in a 10 pack and they are always exactly the same.

   Try ballew saw and tool.  1-800-cut-rite or ballewsaw.com. 

1. 
   TomMGTC | Apr 13, 2004 02:41pm | #4

   Thanks for the info guys. I'm thinking the insert cutterhead and a matched bering collar may be the way to go. I'll check out the links posted.

   Do you think you get a better finish using the shaper over the router for this application.Tom

   Douglasville, GA

1. 
   AlanTurner | Apr 13, 2004 04:43pm | #5

   Tom,

   I am following this discussion with interest as I too will have a shaper, on May 1, and have no ecperience with them.  Part of an estate purchase.  It is a PM 26, with 1", 3/4, and 1/2" spindles.  I think I have seen helical carbide cutters which could be used with rub collars.  Perhaps Schmidt's or Ridgway is where where I saw them (in a catalogue).  I don't know the prices, and they are probbaly quite expensive, but you might only need to buy them once.  I don't know the available diameters, but I bet they give quite a good cut, and are quiet to boot.  Keep us posted on your experiences.Alan

   http://www.alanturnerfurnituremaker.com

2. 
   migraine | Apr 13, 2004 05:29pm | #6

   You get a much better finish with a shaper cutter than a router. My setup is around 4" diam with a 1 1/4" bore that I use bushings to sleeve it down to 3/4".  My feeling is the larger the diameter, the better the cut with less tear out.  Only problem is when you have tight inside radius curves.  I have yet to run across this problem. If I did, I would finish thet area up with a router/flushtrimmer.  I don't have  a helical setup either, just straight knives.