Having broken my wrist froma board kick back I have now decided that it is time to get a power feeder to use on my shaper..
Now how I expect to work with it.
Big timbers I will continue to hand feed, their mass is great enough to prevent kick backs. However I will be doing a lot of raised panel work. most of it is going to be the same typical short stuff you guys use making doors and stuff, however I will use boards as long as 18 feet on occasion.
In addition I plan on creating my own hardwood floors again they can be rather big and long, (as long as 18 feet and as wide as 22 inches. most of it is white oak, black walnut, cherry, and rock maple..
I do have 10′ long rollers for infeed/outfeed tables so it’s not like it takes a great deal of energy to push a board thru..
My gut says that an 1/8 th and a 1/4 hp. are too small but I have no practical experiance nor can I find out much data.
my budget would like a smaller one and from a practical aspect it’s easier to use a smaller one than a bigger one..
Replies
frenchy
Sorry to hear about your wrist, I hope you're ok. I had a piece crack a rib about 10 years ago, so I know how you feel.
I went through the same process regarding power feeders last year for my shaper. After help from lots of folks here, I was wisely told that those small feeders just won't be able to cut the mustard for you. It was recommended to me by several guys here who's opinions I respect (pros) to get a 1 hp feeder. I know that's not what you wanted to hear, but I think you're asking for trouble with a small feeder on large, long stock.
Good luck.
Jeff
It will cost about a mil note ($1000), but you will love the work it will do....buy a HOLZER 1 HP three or four wheel unit. ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL...the force they have along with a bit of waxing a machine surface will make you wonder why they aren't talked about more if someone is doing much shaper work (absolutely the scariest machine in any shop, because of the force and speed withwhich they grab something from you, you're just left wondering if your just shocked or IN SHOCK and if you still have your fingers till you look, and you have to sit out for a spell till the shock to your hands, fortitude, and nerve settles down). Back before one piece cutterheads, when we used OSHA heads with screw adjusts and two highspeed steel knives inserted (we used to grind ourselves), we used to yell "shaper check" and everyone would duck down till the machine ran for a short spell whenever we changed knives. Also transfer the machine to your tablesaw for large and consistent rip runs. Well worth the price and your hands and fingers and consistent work.
Edited 2/12/2006 4:11 pm ET by zorrosdens
I have to agree about the Holzer. Or even a Holz feeder. I have owned a Jet 4 roller with no regrets. Try to go with 8 speed if you can, instead of 4 speed
Hi frenchy , Very sad to hear of your injury , I hope you heal soon .
I have an older Holz brand single phase 1 hp 3 wheeled power feeder and would not want anything smaller . Not only can the stock feeder take your hands out of danger but a huge benefit imo is the fact that the stock will have less if any chatter or ripple in the detail . Also the feeder does the work of pushing and pulling instead of you . With an adequate out feed roller or support I can actually answer the phone or multi task while running stock through the shaper .
I don't think you would ever regret buying a more powerful power feeder , in fact sometimes the least expensive way to go is to buy the best machine best suited for your needs rather than best suited for our budget and have to replace or buy another .
Get an extra base so you can use it on other machines as well .
best of wishes for a speedy recovery
dusty
Get a 1 hp feeder. Been using them for over 35 years. I prefer the 3 wheel. It will do everything the four wheel will do and it's a bit lighter to lug around. I'd look at Maggi as they seem to make most of them. We have a couple of "German" Holzer and they say made in Italy which is where Maggi is from. I would say you will spend around $1,000 or less. I'd certainly look at Sunhill, Grizzly, Bridgewood as options. http://www.westerroller.com makes replacable wheels. The stock ones aren't that good. I'd buy some extra bases to use on different machines.
Everybody seems to recommend a 1 hp. feeder..
The tightwad in me wants to consider less but I guess I shouldn't ask if I don't want to accept advise..
Besides the 1 hp Grizzly is only $30.00 more than the 1/2 hp..
I guess it's a no brianer..
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled