Replies

1. 
   Ken_Winningham | Mar 04, 2002 01:45am | #1

   *
   Jim, alot would depend on volume. In our shop we average about 75-100 raised panel doors a day. We have four 5hp shapers set-up. 5hp would be the minimum w/1 1/4 spindle, for any voulme. A feeder isnt necessary, but with any volume it sure makes it safer and gives a better product.

1. 
   a_jepson | Mar 04, 2002 05:22am | #2

   *I used to use a massive bauerle shaper in a cabinet shop i worked in. a powerfeeder is IMO necessary if your doing production work. your results will be better and it's way safer than shaping by hand. old iron shapers are nice if you can find one.

1. 
   rob.kelly | Mar 05, 2002 01:25am | #3

   *We have 2 Delta 3hp shapers. That's plenty of power for any size door. We have a 10 yr old 3 wheel feeder (comatic) and just bought a 4 wheel feeder(Sunhill) for the other shaper. The 4 wheel feeder is far superior. Both are 1/2 hp.

1. 
   hugo_barigno | Mar 05, 2002 03:47am | #4

   *Definately get a feeder, makes the shaper so much more versatile, and safer. I've got one of the generic imports, 3 wheel, can't remember whether it's 1/4 or 1/2 hp, nothing like for production work.

1. 
   Dev_Emch | Mar 05, 2002 04:35am | #5

   *Feeders are nice for a number of reasons.First, if your shaper is reversible, a feeder allows you to perform climb cutting operations.Second, if you are using 3 and 4 knife heads, a feeder will allow you to maintain the ideal feed rate without dulling and wrecking your cutters which are expensive. I typically use two knife heads when hand feeding and really prefer four knife heads with the assist of a power feeder.Third, you get more consistant quality in the cut and don't get the burn marks or other feed related defects.

2. 
   RJT_ | Mar 05, 2002 04:56am | #6

   *I'm for the feeder also, although I would add that two shapers for doing doors are a necessity, and three would be just right.

3. 
   jim_shipaila | Mar 08, 2002 01:10am | #7

   *so I'm a rotten speller up grade to a fedler shaper is what I ment

4. 
   Dev_Emch | Mar 12, 2002 04:08am | #8

   *You mean a felder? If your serious about upgrade, you may wish to consider the general SS-32 made in canada. This is a fantastic machine that is way better than the current delta and powermatic offerings but due to the exchange rate is actually cheaper than the powermatic 28, its closest competition.