Replies

1. 
   tms | May 16, 2006 12:54am | #1

   Hey Michbris,

   The shaper vs router debate has raged for many years, each has it's advantages and disadvantages. If you do a search on this, or any other woodworking site, you will find lots of previous responses.

   I have both a shaper and a dedicated router table. When I can, I much prefer to use the shaper, it has more power, it's much quieter, has better dust collection, is a more massive and thus stable machine, it leaves a better surface and I believe it's inherently safer to use, besides just being more pleasant..

   All that said, I wouldn't be without the router table as well. The bits are way cheaper than shaper cutters, particularly 1 1/4" spindle sized cutters. The variety of cutters available is bigger, and I can buy them at the local woodworking store. The router table is a little bit faster to set up, but not by much.

   Many shapers come with an optional router bit collet, but usually they just don't have the speed to pull it off. The finish will be disappointing. They are just two different animals.

   If you have a small shop, I would opt for the router table first, but then you might never get the shaper. If you have the space, I would get the shaper first, because you will eventually want a router table as well.

   Just my 2¢
   Tom

1. 
   michbris | May 16, 2006 02:31am | #3

   Thanks, TMS.  I'm leaning towards the router table at the moment, although (as you said) a little searching around on my part has revealed numerous advantages that a shaper has.  As a hobbyist at this point, a router table just seems more practical.

2. 
   citrouille | May 16, 2006 03:55am | #4

   Tom,You are right the router vs shaper debate has raged.
   Yours is the best and most complete answer to it.
   It should be readily available to be pulled out when the question will arise again.C.

2. 
   dchyatt | May 16, 2006 01:59am | #2

   If you opt for the shaper you have to consider the additional cost of a power feed. I think a power feed is essential for doing most cuts smothly and safely on a shaper.

3. 
   mudman | May 16, 2006 07:54am | #5

   Weather or not you have a shaper you will need a good router. So get the router first. I have made hundreds of doors on my router table, So I dont agree with those who say (I used to be one myself) that router tables are OK for a couple of doors but you need a shaper for a "real" job.

   Also a shaper of the size you mention is underpowered for anything except round over bits and the like. You could raise a panel with it but it would be slower going than with a good router. Three horses is the minimum to be usefull and five is a lot better.

   Mike