rstermer

Forgive me for yet another newbie question. In looking through various catalogs I see that cutters to make identical profiles are available for both the router and shaper. Please explain to me when one tool would be preferred over the other. In general, it seems that shaper cutters are more expensive than router bits, so there must be some non-obvious reason for using a shaper over a router for some jobs, yes?
Thanks,
rstermer

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bobj3

HI rstermer

Just my 2 cents,,,, pros. and cons. on both...

Most shapers spin the bit at 10,000 rpm's..unlike many of the routers that can spin the bits the same plus up to 28,000 rpm's..Most of the shapers are 3/4HP the norm but they can have bigger motors also...
Most shapers have a cast iron top and the fence as well.
Most of the shaper cutters don't come with bearing, rub colliers yes,that do like to burn the wood
plus you can get more patterns in the router bits without taking out a 2nd on the house...unlike some of the shaper cutters.
Most of the cutters for shapers are high speed steel unlike most of the router bits now days are carb.tiped...

So I would say you'er best off to get a router that can do many jobs..like plunge router jobs that the shaper just can't do...not to say anything about a dado slot , dovetails/dovetail slots , etc. that the router can do..

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Router is still my name

Shaper = Cassette tape
Plunge router = DVD-RW

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Mike

Shapers and routers are two very different animals. Perhaps the best explanation of the difference is the intended use. Shapers are designed for production cutting of a particular profile. They can not do plunge cuts, inside routing or be used free hand. Shaper knives cost more than router bits but last longer. Unless you intend to run thousands of feet of a particular profile a router is a better choice for most people.

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rstermer

Thanks for the explanation!
RAS

AxlMyk

If you have an entire house to make molding for, use a shaper.

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rstermer

Funny!

I was looking at your avatar and thought you had a particularly nice looking and functional router table. Did you purchase it or make it? If purchased, where did you buy it? If you made it, are plans available?
Thanks,
rstermer

Router is still my name

Thanks rstermer.
I'm am not a fan of commercial router tables. I belive the best router table is the one you make for yourself.
Here's the links. there are enough pics and info in there to give you a good idea.

http://www.routerforums.com/tools-wo...6-dont-do.html

and

http://www.routerforums.com/table-mo...ter-table.html

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rstermer

Thanks! It is one nice table!
rstermer