I recently upgraded to Delta Shaper 3HP that has 3/4" and 1" spindle and after reading your book, "The Shaper Book" I have some questions that I would like your input on:
1- Where can I buy the stub spindle that you mentioned in your book to do long mortise and tenon on kitchen cabinet doors instead of the shallow ones that are made using standard site and rail cutters?
2- In case I need to use cutter that is only available in 1-1/4" bore, can I use 3/4" ID to 1-1/4" OD T-bushings to allow the use of 1-1/4" bore cutters on this shaper?
3- If multiple passes is the way to go, will I need a 5HP or 7HP in a cabinet shop?
4- Last, what is the equivalent of router trimming bits for a shaper? Any recommendations? I need something that can trimmer 4" stock.
Look forward to hearing from you. Meanwhile, thank you very much for the highly informative shaper book.
- Ali
Yorkville, IL
Our Expert
A 3hp shaper will allow you to shape large profiles, such as raised panels, in one pass. The increase in horsepower, combined with a power feeder, makes the shaper more of a production tool. But don't get rid of your router table. The small diameter of router bits allow shaping of tight contours where a shaper cannot. Also, you'll find a much larger selection of router bits than shaper cutters.
The stub spindle for the Delta shaper is no longer available but Amana Tool makes a complete selection of stub spindles and profiles for the router table such as no.47515 ogee cabinet bit. These bits will allow you to make tenons of any length.
A 3hp shaper has plenty of power for the average furniture or cabinet shop. While it's OK to bush a 1" cutterhead to fit a 3/4" spindle, I wouldn't use bushings to place a 1-1/4" bore cutter on a 1" spindle; the stresses are too great for the small spindle.
For flush trimming stock on the shaper I highly recommend the Amana Insert Spiral Jointing Cutter.
Finally, please keep in mind that the shaper is a very dangerous machine that requires complete understanding for safe use. Keep the cuts light, the guards in place and your hands a safe distance from the cutterhead.
