Greetings,
Sorry, I checked the archives and did not find a lot of useful information regarding my questions. I am looking into purchasing a shaper this spring and would appreciate some input from experienced shaper operators. I am a remodeling contractor with a strong interest in woodworking. I built and have used my router table for several years.
I am currently remodeling a very large house and will need to produce a major amount of custom base and casing. I have been wanting to purchase a shaper for my own enjoyment and use but have always put it off. Now looking at the amount of trim I need to produce it appears that I NEED to purchase a shaper :). I have been doing some research and have a few questions that I would appreciate input on.
1. Spindle size: from what I have read 1 1/4″ dia. are the most expensive cutters but the most robust cutter , 3/4″ are more available and cheaper. I appreciate longevity in tools and am leaning towards 1 1/4″ spindle, am I making a mistake?
2. Tilting Arbor: I have seen this available on high end Powermatics but at this level they are on 3ph power(I am limited to 220v 1ph here without converter). Is a tilting arbor worth the trouble and extra expense?
3.Subjective Judgement: I would appreciate input from shaper users out there. I would especially appreciate hearing from those with Powermatic or General shapers (I am leaning towards these two brands).
Thanks for your help,
Greg
Edited 2/5/2003 9:18:35 PM ET by Greg
Edited 2/5/2003 10:05:11 PM ET by Greg
Edited 2/5/2003 10:07:33 PM ET by Greg
Replies
For general shaping uses my opinion is that a 1" spindle is perfectly adequate . You can use 1 -1/4 " cutters if you want just use a bushing to size them down . One of my shapers is a 1" powermatic with a three horse power single phase motor . This machine is very capable of any task that you choose .If you only will have one shaper I would stay away from a 3/4" if you can.As you said the 1" and 1- 1/4 cutters seem a bit more stout and some of them have more carbide on them .
good luck
If you want it for running trim, go purchase a moulder. I have a PM26 and find running trim on a shaper is a pain compared to the moulder. Look at the small Woodmaster, does a great job. Can run multiple profils at once. I had a W&H that also does a great job. The Woodmaster has the variable speed feed and larger motor. It can be easily resold when your finished with the trim.
Dave Koury
Greg;
Copy the gibberish below, and paste it into the "go to" bar at the top of your screen. It's a previous thread about shapers.
http://forums.taunton.com/n/find/findRedir.asp?webtag=tp-knots&mg=34C33380-43D5-49F9-B67A-6E81E7F79924
Regards,
Clampman
Thanks Clampman! I appreciate your help.
Greg
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