Events Calendar
Shapers
Saturday 24 June 2006, 08:00am - 09:30am
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Ron Brown reshaped our thinking a bit today with his introductory class on shapers. Why would you want one and what should you look for if you do? The first level of Ron's reasoning centered on the cost tradeoff. If you are looking for a larger router and router table with a router raiser you will spend close to $1000 for current new top-of-the-line equipment. If you buy a shaper you'll spend about the same amount of money. But, how do they compare.
Ron pointed out that most shapers offer two speeds somewhere in the 7000 RPM and 9000 RPM range. They come with usually an easy to use bit height adjustment and most come with a reasonably large cast iron table and fence system. Since most newer shapers also can accommodate collets for standard 1/4" and 1/2" router bits they should be able to do most of the same jobs as your router. So where are the tradeoffs?
Shapers are better suited for larger jobs, larger cutters, and larger (i.e. production) runs. Shapers don't do as well with smaller bits such as typical dovetail bits because their slower speed can lead to more tear out. Larger routers (2.25 HP and above) can run some of the larger cutters such as panel raiser bits, but they don't have the flexibility in dealing with cutting direction because they only run in one direction. Most shapers can run in either direction allowing more setup options. And, router bits are generally at least half as expensive as shaper cutters.
Ron's bottom line is that if you don't already have a high end router setup, get that first because it will serve you in other capacities where a shaper would be of no use - especially in any hand-held jobs. However, even the 1.5 HP shapers can be useful for many routing and shaping jobs. The slower speed of the cutters often means less burning especially in easy-to-burn woods like cherry and purpleheart. Most shapers will handle 1/2" and 3/4" cutters. Some come with multiple spindles while others offer them as options. What's one of the really nice-to-have accessories for your shaper? An automatic stock feeder that will keep the stock moving at a constant rate past the cutter which offers a more consistent cut and smoother finish.
Thanks Ron for an excellent introduction to shapers. Makes me wish I hadn't passed on a good deal on a shaper two years ago.
Paul Proffitt - President
Ron pointed out that most shapers offer two speeds somewhere in the 7000 RPM and 9000 RPM range. They come with usually an easy to use bit height adjustment and most come with a reasonably large cast iron table and fence system. Since most newer shapers also can accommodate collets for standard 1/4" and 1/2" router bits they should be able to do most of the same jobs as your router. So where are the tradeoffs?
Shapers are better suited for larger jobs, larger cutters, and larger (i.e. production) runs. Shapers don't do as well with smaller bits such as typical dovetail bits because their slower speed can lead to more tear out. Larger routers (2.25 HP and above) can run some of the larger cutters such as panel raiser bits, but they don't have the flexibility in dealing with cutting direction because they only run in one direction. Most shapers can run in either direction allowing more setup options. And, router bits are generally at least half as expensive as shaper cutters.
Ron's bottom line is that if you don't already have a high end router setup, get that first because it will serve you in other capacities where a shaper would be of no use - especially in any hand-held jobs. However, even the 1.5 HP shapers can be useful for many routing and shaping jobs. The slower speed of the cutters often means less burning especially in easy-to-burn woods like cherry and purpleheart. Most shapers will handle 1/2" and 3/4" cutters. Some come with multiple spindles while others offer them as options. What's one of the really nice-to-have accessories for your shaper? An automatic stock feeder that will keep the stock moving at a constant rate past the cutter which offers a more consistent cut and smoother finish.
Thanks Ron for an excellent introduction to shapers. Makes me wish I hadn't passed on a good deal on a shaper two years ago.
Paul Proffitt - President
Location Stone Mountain Power Tool Corporation / Kentec, Lilburn, GA