I have a 3 H.P., 1″ spindle shaper, that specifies a maximum cutter diameter of 5″. A cutter merchant told me that, if I added a sub-table to my shaper, I could then run a bigger diameter cutter, i.e. a Freud RP 2000 cutter system. Is this advisable, or must I have a 5 H.P. 1.25″ spindle shaper to handle such a cutter?
Thanks,
Dave
Replies
I'd be inclined to advise against it for two reasons, although it has probably been done often enough:
1. Shapers are dangerous enough in factory trim, modifications only increase the risk. A slightly larger cutter probably wouldn't push the machine to the point that there was extreme vibration or that the shaft would bend or break, but if that happened there would be shrapnel flying around the shop.
2. The cutter would be standing higher than normal on too small of a shaft, causing flexing that will make for a poor cut and putting an excessive load on the machines frame and bearings. Your machine's horsepower would be less than ideal, but taking light cuts could compensate.
John White
Edited 3/28/2008 9:02 pm ET by JohnWW
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