To shaper or not to shaper ?

Suggest is to wait.

All depends on the size of the shaper and the number of machine tools that may be available locally. The idea of spending three times a purchase price for shipping tends to make my head hurt. Do keep in mind I'm tight with money, usually don't piss it away.

If the shaper is a 12" model, that might be a damned good deal. I've not seen too many of that size. They're large enough to do some serious work. Does it come with the clapper box and a vise? Motor? If so, is it the right size for the machine? Many have had the original 3 phase motors replaced with small single phase motors. I'm not nuts about that.

I think you'd be upside down on a smaller one, and a larger one would be a big PITA to house and handle.

More information might be useful for an accurate opinion (what ever that means! )

Harold

Shapers are very versatile, dirt cheap to operate, and fun to watch. They will do a few jobs that common milling machines cannot do. The downside is that they are also slow, and potentially dangerous.

The versatility and low cost tooling is a big plus in the average home shop. Just be CAREFUL! It's always best to hand crank a shaper (smaller ones anyway) through one complete cycle BEFORE turning it on. "Wrecks" on a shaper can be spectacular (and expensive)!

Dan Mitchell Owner of a Logan 8" shaper. ============