Hello,
I will be building a cherry kitchen, about 20ft worth of cabinetry, plus cabinetry for 2 bathrooms. For the sake of efficiency and less error i am considering getting a shaper. Currently I’m using a 2hp bosch in a Rockler router table top. The problem i’ve had with it is that it is difficult to keep the alluminum plate flush with the melamine table top, and the fences sometimes move.
It’s not such a problem when doing a small amount of work. But when i have a considerable amount that i need to rout quickly in an assembly line fashion something frequently seems to move, causing error. Usually the plate at some point becomes un-flush with the table top causing the material to run over a lip.
The other issue is that i would like to upgrade to a 3hp router that will handle the material more efficiently and quickly. I am concerned that the table top and fences will not be sturdy enough to maintain cosistant work with what i have now.
I am thinking that a shaper with a 3hp motor and iron table top may be needed. And i would like to get some oppinions on this.
Thanks,
David P.
Fine Woodworking Recommended Products
Double Sided Tape
A thin woven core makes XFasten tape strong yet not too thick (0.008 in.), and helps it hold powerfully without being difficult to peel off.
Ridgid R4222 Miter Saw
Especially considering the price, among the lowest of the bunch, the Ridgid R4222 has impressive adjustability. It has the largest crosscut capacity of all the saws. And the miter and bevel settings have the largest range of travel, and a bevy of detents. However, the power switch is clumsy, a bad design especially for lefties. The adjusters are either hard to use or hard to reach. Plus, its slider needs the most room out of any of the saws.
Grizzly G0495X Industrial Helical Cutterhead 8-in. Jointer
Regardless of the board’s grain, this jointer produced excellent results. Its fence was totally flat, worked smoothly, and locked well, staying in place even after jointing multiple edges. Getting the fence to 90° was very easy, but the 90° stop was a little tricky to set and the fence did not go back to square when using it. For those who would use it, there is also a digital depth-of-cut scale.
Festool Model KS 120 REB Miter Saw
Sliding compound miter saws have become a woodshop staple. Their ability to squarely crosscut wide boards and to cut difficult miter and bevel angles is huge. Festool’s Kapex KS 120 REB fulfills these duties with aplomb. The design keeps the saw close to the wall, allowing for a small footprint. The cut is rigid and precise provided you use good technique. It accepts 20mm blades, about 10 1⁄4 in. Its maximum width of cut is 12 in..
Compass
An essential tool for drawing circles and curves accurately. Also good for layout.
Replies
One other thing. Could someone suggest a good router table top.
Thanks,
David P.
20 feet is not a lifetime of woodworking, but if it is a life time of woodworking you're facing, you should have a shaper. For some data on the issue see the shaper/RT link.
On the other hand, if the router table will do, one can be made to stand the rigors of the 20' and hell of a lot more. See the RT link for a table that will take it.
You did not say if you will be using raised panel doors in the cabinets you intend to make. But if you are, that alone would justify getting a shaper. You can certainly do raised panels with a router table, but compared to the efficiency of a shaper, it is a real slog.
RE: your questions about a router table.
Woodhaven sells a slick set of levelers that will solve your problem of keeping the plate level with the table.
If you are capable of filling your kitchen and bathroom with cabinets, why don't you make your own router table? All the necessary hardware is easily available, and with the money you save, you could buy a really good fence system that will never let you down -- Incra or Jointech.
Thanks for the help. Yes i am doing raised panel. I thought about building a table as well, but actually this is just part of the much bigger project of GC'ing my house build, and contributing to the work. In short, priorities and time play a big factor.
"You can certainly do raised panels with a router table, but compared to the efficiency of a shaper, it is a real slog."
Yes, in the past it has been a real slog. I don't have time for slog with this
Any suggestions on what shaper. I do quite a bit of wood working so it will get use. Should i go with 3hp?
Thanks,
David P
Edited 6/23/2004 10:43 pm ET by dperfe
Edited 6/23/2004 10:43 pm ET by dperfe
Edited 6/23/2004 10:48 pm ET by dperfe
David,
A three horse should be fine for you. The Delta is an easy pick if the price dosen't break you. I've had my eye on the grizzly for a while now. I think that it is $750 with two speeds, reverse, and a fence. Says that it is the "hottest selling shaper in its class" in the add! Must be good ;-) Seriously mabey someone around here has one and can give a report. If you already have a decient lift and 2 horse router a shaper is awsome. Look used as well.
Mikeplease excuse my spelling.
FYI, this is a link to a thread devoted to the same topic from a couple of years ago. Many long and thoughtful comments here:
http://forums.taunton.com/tp-knots/messages?msg=7063.1
I'm leaning toward the shaper. What are the advantages of the 3hp over the 1.5hp. I would think you would still have to take the same number of passes, or am i wrong.
thanks,
David P.
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled