JessEm Router Base Enclosure

[luvmytoolz]

I've used large 3PH shapers at work and numerous router tables over the years, for me the router tables are a much more agile and efficient way of working for constantly changing conditions and requirements. Plus as noted prior, it can be done very economically.

I will also add that when things go wrong with a shaper, I think they have more potential to have disastrous results than a router table.

 

[usernumber1]

ok i'll bite : for the shaper

How small do the bits get?

Can you do 1/4 20 t-track slots with a shaper?

Are there any bearing guided or flush trim bits for shapers, or do you have to use the rings and adjust your templates?

spiral? is there such a thing as spiral bits upcut/downcut/compression to reduce veneer damage?

 

[luvmytoolz]

They can be as large or small as you want them, there are unlimited suppliers for shaper cutters, the only limitation is the cost.

Practical limitations, that's a different matter.

 

[Packard]

Shapers are heavy.  So if there are stairs involved for delivery, that might be an issue.

All, but the bargain basement varieties have a cabinet base set up for dust collection.  The lift mechanism is built in, and the fence is usually included.

I’ve never used a shaper, but I’ve seen videos of them on line and you use them like a router mounted in a router table.

The tools I’ve seen mount onto a spindle and did not have an integrated shaft.

They have enough power to spin some impressive bits.

But it is the integrated fence and lift and the dust collection that are the attraction for me. Bargain basement versions cost about $1,000.00.  The ones I considered cost about twice that, and you can spend $10,000.00 for a heavy duty commercial unit.

The main argument in favor of a router table that I have heard is the significant investment already made in router bits.

 

[Lincoln]

I'd be extremely wary of buying and using a shaper, if you've had no experience or training. They are a powerful machine, that require caution. As an apprentice, it was the last of the 'big' machines I was trained on. You also need a feeder, ALWAYS use a feeder, when possible: a former co-worker lost a finger on a shaper, doing a very, very simple task, without setting up the feeder. If it had happened on a router table, or router with a fence, he might have got a nasty cut, but nothing life altering.

 

[Mini Me]

Whoa.  That’s more than some shapers.  Jet sells a 1-1/2 hp shaper for $1900.00 which would leave money left over to buy cutters.

That is one of the reasons I used a CNC spindle and made my own lift out of CNC components and that cost way less than $1900. Everyone makes their own choice and I have no need for a shaper for a whole lot of reasons and obviously the OP is very pleased with the result of his efforts.

 

[rst]

I use a router table that I built probably close to 30 years ago.  It's a heavy Benchdog lift in a 49" x 30" table wit an Incra Super fence and positioner.  I use a small 1/4 HP Grizzly feeder when I'm doing long pieces, like the 12' base mouldings I made for my house.

 

[Crazyraceguy]

I have gone back and forth on the power feeder thing for a while now. I'm mostly concerned about the potential wreck that could unfold if there was an issue with the router. If it popped a breaker, for example. Because of the amperage draw, I would run them on separate circuits. Theoretically, the router could stop and the feeder just keeps rolling along, not good. I already run my CT on a different circuit from the router, that would mean a 3rd. Not difficult, but it is at least a concern.
I always wish I had done it when some big job comes up, but I end up doing it by hand and blowing it off. Then I might go for a while before needing it again.

 

[Dean H]

Frank

Thanks for the great plans.  I used them to make my slightly modified version.

Dean

 

[TravisSquared]

Latest project…trickier to build than it looks since it has to be assembled inside the router table frame. I used black Melamine for the body, 5/8” Baltic Birch for the drawer bodies, and Berenson bar pulls in Champagne which is a really close match to the JessEm aluminum color. Dust collection is superb and the enclosure helps muffle the router noise a bit, and the extra weight of the enclosure makes the table feel more “solid” while in use. I went with the round windows as the doors are just particleboard/Melamine, and it was easier to drill a round hole than a square one.

I have this all modeled in SketchUp if anyone wants to attempt to build one for themselves.

How did you get 4 swivel casters? I don’t really want to spend 160 on their casters but trying to find some that bolt to the alts table system but even then the Jessem casters are 2 swivel and 2 fixed. Did you find another source?

 

[rst]

Crazy, I use three curcuits, the PC 7518 on one, my dust collector and feeder on two others to avoid overload.  These are all single purpose curcuits in my shop.

 

[Crazyraceguy]

Thanks for the confirmation [member=25351]rst[/member] I figured it could work. Technically, I have access to 4 circuits pretty easily, though one would need a longer cord than I would prefer to use. Three should be plenty.
My biggest concern is the router failing. I suppose the rollers could be set loose enough to allow some slippage, if it happened?
Have you ever tried reversing it to allow a climb cut?

 

[rst]

I only position the feeder onto in-feed side using spring tensioners on the outfeed.  I haven’t tried climbing climb cutting boards but will next using the reverse on the feeder.  That may eliminate the occasional chipping I get on the bead. As far as extension cords, I only use 12 gauge to the router and feeder. The Fein vac is wired direct, 2” hose to Oneida cyclone, 2” hose to Festools CMS splitter hose, Dust Router.under table Velcro attached to throat plate, other hose and o Incra Wonder Fence provides almost chip free routing