Safety when using Shaper Cutters

,  you've helped me before on doing an octagon tapered leg and I appreciate that.  My question has to do with shapers (I have your Shaper book!), I own an older 1/2" spindle Rockwell that I've used for years.  In your opinion, is it safe to run a panel raising bit on it that measures around 4" in diameter?  Of course I'd make the proper safety guards and hold downs but there's something about a bit that large spinning that makes me cautious!  I have done it but am wondering if it's something you'd recommend.  Thanks, you can see my work at www.woodworksbyjohn.com if you'd like.


-John
Las Vegas, Nevada 

Our Expert

 

The Amana Tool raised panel shaper cutter no.SC652 has a 3/4" bore and is supplied with a bushing for use on 1/2" spindle machines.

With any machine operation, especially the shaper, it's important that you feel safe before
operating the machine. In other words, if it does not feel safe to you, don't try it.

 


First and foremost, with any shaper operation it is important that the cutterhead is covered by a guard. If your shaper did not come equipped with 

a guard then you should purchase one or construct one.


Page 94 of my book on the shaper shows a photo of a "box" style fence and guard which completely encloses raised panel cutterheads and provides a 3/4" thick barrier between the cutterhead and your hands. Also, with a factory fence a large opening is required to accommodate the large diameter of the cutterhead. In contrast, the box fence uses a very small opening which provides better support to prevent the workpiece from dropping into the cutterhead and kicking back.


The front of the box can be adjusted vertically to allow for panels of different thicknesses, the top of the box is clear acrylic,

and the back has a dust port. The box fence is secured to the top of the shaper with a large C-clamp at each end of the base.


Finally, a 1/2" spindle shaper has a smaller motor and less horsepower than a machine with a 3/4" spindle.


So when using a large panel raising cutterhead it becomes necessary to take additional passes and lighter cuts.

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