Wood Shaper - Using A Wood Shaper

Using A Wood Shaper

The wood shaper is considered a larger version of a router table, with more power, and the ability to handle much larger cutters, such as those used for raised panels or crown moldings. The variety of cutters is also much greater than those for routers while still permitting the use of conventional router bits.

Shapers range in size and are identified by the power of the motor and the spindle diameter. They increase in size to 2, 3, and 5 HP and larger for industrial purposes. The shafts, or spindles are threaded on the end and range in size from 1/2" to 1¼" in diameter. Many machines come equipped with a couple different sizes of spindles, as well as having collets to allow router bits to be used in it.

These machines are much quieter than a router, and have much less vibration, due mainly to the fact they're belt driven and have slower speeds. Generally, the shaper cutter is turning between 7,000–10,000 rpm. Speed adjustments are typically made by relocating the belts on the stepped pulley system, much like a drill press, whereas a router will turn at between 20,000 and 25,000 rpm, and are direct drive.

Shapers are also able to run in reverse, which is necessary in performing some cuts. It is very important to always check the position of the directional switch, particularly if you work with others. Feeding a board into a shaper that is turning the wrong direction could result in the board leaving the machine like a missile.