Replies

1. 
   DJK | Oct 24, 2004 06:27pm | #1

   $1900 for a 5hp PM shaper? Is it an import branded as a PM? Look for a used machine at http://www.woodweb.com Found my 3hp PM 26 there for $550 including cutters and a mobile base.

   DJK

2. 
   robkelly | Oct 25, 2004 12:36am | #2

   Can't talk about PM (no experience) but the best feature of Delta is that each full turn of the wheel that regulates height is exactly 1/32". I was working recently using a Davis & Wells, supposedly a superior machine but very difficult to adjust because each turn was not some easily figured fraction of an inch. I've heard from friends that there are problems getting parts from PM. Delta at least has parts, but they make you wait forever on the phone. 

   I have the 3hp Delta, and make 7/4 doors with it, as well as up to 4 1/2" moldings of various hardwoods, all in one pass. More hp at the same price is always good, if you've got the electrical supply for it, but I've never found a time that 3hp wasn't enough.

   $1877 is a lot for a small shaper, especially since the old ones seem to be better. I sold one of my 3hp Deltas for $750 about 6 months ago (I really didn't need 2 of them) and it was the newer of the two (1990). I kept the one from about 1980 because it had a better raising and lowering system (covered gears and shafts opposed to ones open to the chips and wood dust.)  Both would work all day w/o complaint.

   My suggestion would be to buy used and spend the extra $1000 on a power feeder and shaper cutters.

1. 
   dperfe | Oct 25, 2004 05:38am | #3

   Rob,

   Do you have any suggestions for where to find it used? I've done some looking, but han't been able to find a 3hp brand that is familiar.

   thanks,

   David

1. 
   robkelly | Oct 25, 2004 06:51pm | #5

   Where are you located?

1. 
   dperfe | Oct 26, 2004 01:29am | #7

   Western NY

1. 
   robkelly | Oct 26, 2004 02:05am | #10

   Can't help you there. I'm in So. Cal. I'm usually able to find what I want either by dropping by used machinery dealers (phone calls are not very helpful, since they often don't kwow what they actually have) or on the net. There are a lot of used machines out there, either from closed cabinet shops or from closed or curtailed wood shop classes at high schools and colleges. A friend of mine just paid 15K for an entire shop-full of woodworking machines from one of the local colleges, top end machines about 25 years old, in good condition, with original ticket prices over 100K. He's a dealer/refurbisher, and I'll see if he has any info on dealers in your area. 

2. 
   macalex | Oct 25, 2004 11:31am | #4

   For anyone who hasn't used a power feed. On a good shaper, there's nothing that makes you more productive, or increases safety, like a power feed.

1. 
   Michmesquite | Oct 26, 2004 12:13am | #6

   Agree 100% with recommendation for a power feeder.

   I use a Delta 36-850 1/4HP 110V ($450 +/-). Do not recommend the VersaFeeder._________________________________

   Michael in San Jose

   "In all affairs it's a healthy thing now and then to hang a question mark on the things you have long taken for granted." Bertrand Russell 

1. 
   jc21 | Oct 26, 2004 01:36am | #8

   What's the knock on the Versafeeder? Almost sprung for a recon unit ($190) but was leery- some seem to like it and some think it's worthless. I decided to wait till I find out more.

1. 
   Michmesquite | Oct 26, 2004 01:48am | #9

   It is not as substantial a unit as the bottom of the line 36-850. If you can, do a side by side comparison, it will be obvious._________________________________

   Michael in San Jose

   "In all affairs it's a healthy thing now and then to hang a question mark on the things you have long taken for granted." Bertrand Russell