[Mike]

Michael, what sort of production work are you planning on doing? By production work I mean 8 hours a day, 5 days a week or more. This would be the main reason to purchase a shaper instead of a router and table which can do much more. You may want to spend a few minutes reviewing my blog Sawdust dreams in the blogs section. There is a good foundation for choosing routers, tables and bits and the reasons why you need an open mind when shopping.

 

[Mike]

Michael, router bits are designed to run in a certain speed range and this is where they will cut most efficiently. This range is faster than the shaper operates at. Every shaper I have seen has a small table to work on and no room for adding jigs or fixtures.
This severely limits the number of jobs you can do. Forget about cutting mortises, dovetails, using guide bushings with templates and all plunge routing. Trust me when I say you really do not want to limit yourself this way. If the idea of spending less money to be able to do more appeals to you check out this package from Oak Park. Watch the videos and see if it makes sense to you. Click here to view a very nice system: http://us.oak-park.com/catalogue.html?list=RT01--&product=STP30301

 

[Mike]

Michael, you think $700 is too high; did you understand what all is included in that package? The $340 setup is still more than any other manufacturer offers, and I can tell you that I looked at the $335 Freud table and it was built from the cheapest grade of plywood, no comparison. The $150 dollar top has a mounting plate with the built in vacuum system so you don't have to fight with a hose above the table. It is built from premium baltic birch plywood which runs about $78 a sheet here, then add on $40 for Formica to cover both sides. We just had a posting where a member needed to replace his Bench Dog mounting plate to use guide bushings and still be able to rout raised panels.
It is obvious to me that you have never seen The Router Workshop. Bob and Rick teach that "Simple is better", and I would suggest before you spend any money that you watch the program a couple times. I have built tables with miter slots, sliding fences, all the whistles and bells. I own a PC 7518 and almost never use it. I have learned there is a more enjoyable way to rout, and it is easier too.

 

[Mike]

The Router Workshop was broadcast on PBS for 11 seasons. Now you can only find it in limited viewing areas on PBS, other than that you have to watch the shows on the web at the address BJ listed. The show will open your eyes to easier ways to complete jobs. The simple polyurethane fence does a perfect job for most applications. The Bosch 1619 is top rated, and owned by some staff members. I own a PC 7518 and in a table it will do the heavy work just fine. You do not want to use it hand held, trust me. I also own a pair of Bosch 1617's and they are my favorites, get the most use. I have other routers too, but the main idea is to be able to get the job done easily, quickly and with the minimum amount of effort.

 

[Mike]

No. The 7538 is the plunge version. Here is a 7518,