Table Shaper vs. Table Mounted Router

See below link:

Ray Newman

>http://www.patwarner.com/router_or_shaper.html

Re: Table Shaper vs. Table Mounted Router

Hal Smith

>I have a router table I built from plans in Bill Hylton's book "Router Magic". Have used it for several years and am happy with it. I think a router table will suffice unless you're going to go into quantity production (sounds like you aren't). If you already have a router of at least 2-1/4hp it's obviously the least expensive way to go. Hope tis helps. Hal

Re: See below link:

Paul Leuba

>That is a very informative link on routers.

Thanks!

Re: Table Shaper vs. Table Mounted Router

Marym

>I have a 2hp Bridgewood shaper, with router collets, and no more router table. I love this option! Heavier machine, quieter, smoother, and more versatile. Easy hookup to my dust collector.

I used to have a router table, but once I started using the shaper table I never went back.

To me you are much better off with the shaper, for not much more money to spend.

Re: Table Shaper vs. Table Mounted Router

Steve Hahn

>Even if you get the shaper, you'll want to have some sort of router table. It doesn't have to be fancy. Mine is simply a 1/2 thick piece of melamine attached to triangular gussets screwed to the wall. I have a small shaper with a router collet and it's great with larger bits, but I found it to be grabby and leave a relatively poor finish when using smaller bits due to the slower speed.

Steve

Re: Table Shaper vs. Table Mounted Router

del schisler

>you will be able to do more with router's and table's than with a shaper I have 5 of each and use them all the time I got rid of my shaper It's all to do with what you do in the shop Router is my game

Same here

Bill Earl

>I got a 3hp shaper about 4 years ago and have not used my router table since.

Although I have collected a good set of shaper cutters over that time, I have also had excellent results with router bits in the router collet. The slower speed all but eliminates burning, but you may need to use a slower feed-rate with small diameter bits.

Re: Table Shaper vs. Table Mounted Router

Paul Leuba

>Thanks for the feedback on your experience with replacing a router table with a shaper table. The 2 HP shaper you chose is about the size that I am considering. As you point out, the price compared to a full table router set up is not much different.

I am interested in your experience with the smaller diameter router bits because several contributors of other messages in this thread have reported some dissatisfaction on these because of the relatively lower RPM of the shaper. What RPM does your shaper have for use with the smaller diameter bits, and is it working OK for you?

Paul in Hunt Valley, MD

Router bits in a shaper

Bill Earl

>Paul,

In my experience, most router bits perform quite well at 10,000 RPM. In fact, I prefer the cut I get using larger bits. There is no tendency to burn or glaze the surface as you get using these same bits in a 36,000 RPM router.

Bits with diameters smaller than 1/2" generally require a slower feed rate than you would use with a router. You can gauge the appropriate feed rate by the feed pressure required. In general, bits last longer because they don't overheat. Dull bits tend to give a rough cut instead of a burn.

Re: Router bits in a shaper

Paul Leuba

>Thanks, Bill, that's helpful information. I am leaning toward's the purchase of the Shop Fox 2 HP shaper with 2 speeds, 7K and 10K.

Paul in Hunt Valley, MD