ColinF Posted July 16, 2014 Report Share Posted July 16, 2014 So what exactly makes a shaper so much better than a router? I know you can get 3 hp shapers, but you can also get 3 hp routers, so what's the big difference, besides the cabinet and top? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Llama Posted July 16, 2014 Popular Post Report Share Posted July 16, 2014 If this doesn't get PB to come back, nothing will. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tpt life Posted July 16, 2014 Report Share Posted July 16, 2014 Bit shaft thickness, and cutter radius for starters. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted July 16, 2014 Report Share Posted July 16, 2014 cast iron top. more torque allows for bigger cuts. a router might have a high peak horsepower but feed it too much and it bigs down. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
..Kev Posted July 16, 2014 Report Share Posted July 16, 2014 Don's ears must be burning by now.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freddie Posted July 16, 2014 Report Share Posted July 16, 2014 I facepalmed so hard i got a concussion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post BuilderBill Posted July 16, 2014 Popular Post Report Share Posted July 16, 2014 Pair of the biggest "3HP" routers on the market, combined weight < 40 lb.: 3HP shaper, weighs in at 660+ lb.: Any more questions? 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freddie Posted July 17, 2014 Report Share Posted July 17, 2014 Well played BuilderBill. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T-astragal Posted July 17, 2014 Report Share Posted July 17, 2014 A shaper is to a router what bulldozer is to a bicycle. Steve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freddie Posted July 17, 2014 Report Share Posted July 17, 2014 But one does not simply go out for a bulldozer ride. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tpt life Posted July 17, 2014 Report Share Posted July 17, 2014 Oh Freddie, this is slightly skewed. Here in the Midwest dozers abound and I simply go for a ride every chance I get. It just exercises different muscle groups:-) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tim0625 Posted July 17, 2014 Report Share Posted July 17, 2014 So what exactly makes a shaper so much better than a router? I know you can get 3 hp shapers, but you can also get 3 hp routers, so what's the big difference, besides the cabinet and top? Shaper Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan S Posted July 17, 2014 Report Share Posted July 17, 2014 They both have benefits, what one is right for you depends on what you're making. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BuilderBill Posted July 18, 2014 Report Share Posted July 18, 2014 Shaper Good link. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TerryMcK Posted July 18, 2014 Report Share Posted July 18, 2014 Tooling for a shaper (spindle moulder in the UK) is expensive but they will run all day pushing out endless linear feet of mouldings. Router is a better choice for a home workshop. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woodieboy Posted July 21, 2014 Report Share Posted July 21, 2014 No contest. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T-astragal Posted July 22, 2014 Report Share Posted July 22, 2014 Tooling for a shaper (spindle moulder in the UK) is expensive but they will run all day pushing out endless linear feet of mouldings. Router is a better choice for a home workshop. http://www.ebay.com/itm/161345276997%20 Tons of great cutters for shapers on eBay. Get 1 1/4" shaft and 3-5 hp and you can slow down and turn a pretty big and heavy head. I've got heads that weigh 20-25 lbs. Steve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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