Replies

1. 
   jako17 | Nov 17, 2005 07:56am | #1

   There are none so blind as those who will not see

2. 
   notDusty | Nov 17, 2005 08:14am | #2

   Hi P3Driver ,

            Routers and shapers each have a place in a wood shop . The application should dictate  the proper tool to use . Safety is job # 1 regardless of which tool you are using . Believe it or not the worst injury I have received in over 30 years was from a chisel , yup ! I run a small one person custom production shop and have 5 shapers and just as many routers . An example of application would be to create a 2" bullnose for an edge treatment would be best suited for a shaper , especially if you needed a large amount of footage . Or a huge raised panel profile or many others . You will need both a router and a shaper for serious work eventually . Look into used heavy duty older shapers for sale either at auctions or when shops close or thru equipment houses . You may find a used Powermatic or Davis and Wells or Delta for about the same as a new import machine . Just my opinion .

                          good  luck       dusty

              

3. 
   Routerman | Nov 17, 2005 04:00pm | #3

   Router or Shaper?

4. 
   Napie | Nov 17, 2005 05:37pm | #4

   I have an old (1950's) Craftsman 1/2" shaper that I rebuilt.  It has a 3/4 hp motor and is up to 90% of the shaping jobs I do.  I have a total of $200 in it, plus a couple hundred in cutters.  But you still need a router... 

5. 
   ring | Nov 17, 2005 07:10pm | #5

   I have to agree with Dusty on this.  If you're doing this thing seriously you need both.  The type of work you commonly do will determine which router and which shaper.

   DR

6. 
   WillGeorge | Nov 18, 2005 06:02pm | #6

   can easily top $600.. I add $400.00 US for luck and I'd probably be off by 1!

1. 
   philip_r | Nov 21, 2005 08:56pm | #7

   I have a 3hp shaper (jet)  and a router table (rockler).  Both are useful tools.  I'd suggest starting with a less-expensive router table and upgrade to a shaper, if necessary. 

   If you're looking at cost, you need to look a little further - An extensive router bit collection is far more useful, portable and less expensive than a shaper cutter collection...  I have a few bits that ran over $250, each...  A smaller router bit would have ran around $100. 

   Shapers can run all day... but ask yourself - are you going to be running yours all day?  I'd take the money and invest in a good tablesaw, jointer (big one),  bandsaw or a plainer... but if you already have these...  go for it.  either way, you wont be disappointed.

    

7. 
   cutterhead | Nov 23, 2005 08:02am | #8

   The other thing to consider is the cost/availability of cutters for the shaper; more expensive and less variety.  I think a router can do most of the things a shaper will do, but it will take more time.  If you're building a cabinet with a couple of doors the router is good enough.  If you're building a kitchen, go with a shaper.  Running boards through my 5hp shaper with a power feed is a thing of beauty.  Very consistent cut and much safer.