I’m going to buy a low to moderate priced shaper, (occasional use) following advice here that it makes more sense to go ahead and buy a shaper rather than a router dedicated to a router table.
I’ve used my FIL’s very cheap router table with correspondingly cheap router with good (by my standards) results on a number of around-the house projects. This will not be a production tool for me, but I sure don’t like wasting $ on really cheap **** either.
Two low priced ones that I see are the Grizzly G0510: at $225 plus $55 shipping
| Model | G0510 |
| Item | Shaper |
| Horsepower | 3/4 Hp |
| Voltage | 110 V |
| Bit Size | 1/2″ |
| Speed | 8900 RPM |
| Table Size | 15 5.8″X17 3/4″ |
| Table Material | Cast iron |
| Warranty | 12 Months |
| Accessories | Miter gauge, stand |
| Features | Reversing switch, adjustable fence |
Or the Delta SH100 at $247, maybe could save on buying at HD
| Model | SH100 |
| Item | Bench Shaper |
| Horsepower | 9 Amp |
| Voltage | 115 V |
| Bit Size | 1/4″ 1/2″ |
| Speed | 12500 RPM |
| Table Size | 18″X20″ |
| Table Material | Aluminum |
| Warranty | 24 Months |
| Accessories | Wrenches |
| Features | Dust port, adjustable fence |
How do you compare “3/4 HP” with “9 amps” , do you really need two bit sizes, high or low RPM better? Aluminum or cast iron table? Grizzly comes with a stand.
Or should I just go with the Grizzly G1035 for another ‘couple hundred?: (Maybe overkill)
| Model | G1035 |
| Item | Shaper |
| Horsepower | 1 1/2 Hp |
| Voltage | 110/220 V |
| Bit Size | – |
| Speed | 7000/10000 RPM |
| Table Size | 20 1/4″X18″ |
| Table Material | Cast iron |
| Warranty | 12 Months |
| Accessories | Miter gauge |
| Features | Reversing switch, adjustable fence |
Given my expected usage, which one would you buy? Experiences with any of these? Should I post this over at knots too?
Replies
"following advice here that it makes more sense to go ahead and buy a shaper rather than a router"
I don't know who the crazy monkey is that told you that, but a good router and table is the best way to go for general use. Get this set up, you won't be disappointed. You can shape and remove the router for other household use:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0000226AT/qid%3D1054135144/sr%3D11-1/ref%3Dsr%5F11%5F1/104-4484740-1357564
I would go with the 1 1/2hp shaper, you can use 3/4" bore cutters or 1/2" bore.I have not used the Grizzly shaper although I have several Grizzly power tools. I did use the small Delta shaper, very surprised at what it can do. I was working on a ship that was being converted to a restaurant, we could not bring a large shaper on board because of the temporary gang planks. We had to use a shaper that was somewhat portable. The Delta did a good job making raised panels. That being said I would still opt for a larger machine.
Mike
Hey thanks for your responses....meanwhile, I learned a few additional things over on "Knots" re shaper versus router with table...as well as one on this forum.
Immediate need is to champfer a bunch of 2' x 2' oak plywood floor panels, and round edges on numerous other small projects, but long-term will probably machine T&G on DIY wood flooring as I have access to alot of dry but yet rough-sawn hardwood...as well as to an industrial style thickness planer. A good shaper seems more suited to the T&G, and certainly the shaper design seems to lean more towards lots of stock removal like for raised panels or production work with power feed.
So now I'm leaning back towards router/table combo short-term, as presently I need to borrow a router, and then feel my way towards the bigger project
Definately buy the router, or 3, before you get a shaper. And if you find you need a shaper later, make sure it is a minimum 1 1/2 hp.
WOW I have to disagree. I've got the jet version of Grizzleys G0510 and it's done real great work for me.. However like sex, drugs, and loud music -----
somes good,
Mores better,
and too much is barely enough!
for $395 I'd step up to Grizzleys G1035 and if anybody has a $100 dollar bill burning a hole in their pocket they can come by and take this one off my hands so I can get the G1035..
You run panel cutters on that thing?
Ha, what am I talkin about, of course you do, lol.
Most of my edging is done with routers, and most of that freehand or with an edgeguide. The shaper is mostly for doors and panel work, and 1 1/2 hp is minimum, barely enough.
I haven't tried panel cutters, so far all I've done is about 10,000 bd.ft of tamarck and black walnut. bothe sides abd a few odds and ends..
I will be using panel cutters at some time in a few years.. (the inside work comes last)
Do yourself a favor and keep the toy, and buy the Griz 3hp. Oh, it's on sale. It is nice to have extra machines setup, and you'll kick yourself if you get rid of it.
space the final hurdle. My shop is only 30 x50 and filled to overflowing.. I consider it a major achievement if I straighten things enough to take two steps in a row in one direction without the need to sidestep or turn sideways..
Only by diligent disposal of any tool not in immediate use can I evan achieve that.. (and do so because the floor of the breakfast room/ great room and billard room hold tools and wood..
I ruined several thousand bd.ft. of flawless hand picked white hard maple because I didn't have room to store it inside and left it out on the deck under a tarp..
mold and spalting got to it over the fall winter and spring and now I have a disposal problem rather than flooring..
ruthless discounting is the only way.. (I gave away a near new Delta contractors saw simply because I didn't have room to store it and couldn't keep it tuned up long enough to sell..)
I used to have (stolen) and have used others of the Delta, it's a great little onsite router/shaper table but I wouldn't use it as a perminate in shop shaper, post over at knots, lots of good advice there.
Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark, Professionals build the Titanic.