Replies

1. 
   notDusty | Mar 03, 2005 07:19am | #1

           superfly39 ,

           IMHO the more hp the better for panel raising . When I use my 3 hp Powermatic shaper depending on the type of wood I often will take 2 passes to prevent burning and produce a smoother cut . When I use my old Davis and Wells full size shaper with a 2 hp motor , multiple passes are required for best results . Spend more and get a real machine , otherwise stick with a large router system .

                   good   luck             dusty

1. 
   superfly | Mar 03, 2005 06:00pm | #2

   Thanks for the advise.Ill propably end up with the bigger hp machine.Do you use a power feeder on your shapers or is making multiple passes take care of that?

1. 
   notDusty | Mar 03, 2005 06:13pm | #3

                superfly39 ,

       I do use a power feed . but on only one of the five shapers I have . I run moldings with the power feed. I personally do not use the PF for running raised panels, although many do . The multiple passes just means I am taking a pass then resetting to make a deeper cut and running it again , until the desired profile is there. When you do have a PF set up and wish not to use it , you simply rotate it out of your way.For long stock such as moldings the PF produces chatter free effortless results , that don't tend to wear you out pushing and pulling , really a great tool and sort of like having a silent helper on hand.

                   dusty

1. 
   superfly | Mar 03, 2005 06:36pm | #4

   I have been making my raised panels with a router table that I built.(from Hartville tool)I have been doing quite a bit of work and am ready to step up to the shaper.I have a smaller shop and a neighbor that has been here for years and is always calling zoning or the towns officials on me.I only was gonna go with the smaller machine do to space,but if its not gonna do exactly what I want then I might as well go with the bigger machine and I'll have it for my 32'x40' shop wich I hope to start next fall.Thanks again for the input,Ive never heard anyone say"I should have bought the smaller machine".

2. 
   cicero | Mar 10, 2005 12:30am | #5

   I use a sliding table for my raised panels,which has a over centre clamp.

   Slider came with my 5hp MiniMax.

1. 
   superfly | Mar 10, 2005 07:55pm | #6

   Thanks for the input.I have made raised panels on the table saw with a jig that I made that goes over the fence and has a clamp and stop on it.There is a little more sanding involved than i like.I still use it for drawer bottoms so it was'nt a waist to build.I am gonna go with a 2 or 3 hp shaper when I do buy one.