Hi,
First off, let me say, I have never used a router table or a shaper before.
I have an old Craftsmen router that I have used as a handheld tool for many years.
I am looking to change that situation now.
router table and shaper are completely different animals. If you are making flooring, commercial moldings, etc… get a shaper, otherwise a router table is much more flexible and economical.
Just my opinion, but I'd stay away from anything Craftsman.
Now after that blast, I use a router table instead of a shaper 'cause I feel the router gives me more flexibility as to less expensive cutters, routing tennons, rabbets, finishing inside circles, etc.
The shaper is more of a commercial heavy duty device, and the cutters are a bunch more pricey.
You didn't state what kinda work ya wanna do.
I built my router table, fence with dust collection, and have been well pleased with the end product. It is equipped with a Freud soft start router with 1/4" and 1/2" collets. It'll do what I need.
Bill
I wouldn't pay $1500 for a shaper with a 3/4" spindle. If you have that
much to spend, get a used one with a 1" or bigger maximum spindle size -
most will come with 1/2" and 3/4" spindles as well.
You can run router bits in many shapers and get good results - maximum
speed on a shaper is usually 1/2 or less the max speed on a router though,
so cuts that benefit from the high speed of a table mounted router
may come out better on a router table. Having a router, a table can be
made in a pinch with a flat board with a hole in it.
I almost always buy machinery used. You can get your tools for 1/2 price or
less usually that way.
my vote is for the router table, I use it alot more then my shaper . I have the Grizzly G1035 and I am very happy with it . I use the G1705 bit spindles if needed. The Grizzly is around $545.
Allright, thanks for the opinions guys.
After reading the link that NBeener gave me, I think that the safety issues with a shaper alone will direct me to the router side.
I guess my main reason for looking at shapers was that they are all inclusive and more or less ready to go.
I do like the idea of combining a router table with my Table saw.
KMT
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