[member=70363]MikeGE[/member]
Having recently started using shapers, I'm really learning to appreciate them and wonder why more woodworkers insist on router tables.
My primary shaper is currently a KF700, with a Profil 45 Z arriving in the next month, both ordered with a 1-1/4" spindle as well as a router spindle. Pretty amazing running a router bit with 7.5hp+ behind it [cool]
The Elektra Beckum are not available here in North America, but there is an abundance of little 1hp Asian-made machines (Jet, Grizzly, etc....) that are available with a router spindle, which I would suspect have dramatically better longevity than these 3hp router motors being discussed. Granted, these spindles are limited to 10,000 rpm, but most larger bits require the router to be slowed down anyway, and I'd suggest it's unlikely that even these 3hp routers are spinning at their rated rpm when under load. For a compact, shop-based alternative to a 3hp router, I suspect these would serve well:
https://www.grizzly.com/products/grizzly-1-1-2-hp-shaper/g1035
When truly high speeds are necessary, I've been getting some great use out of the little Lee Valley router tables:
https://www.leevalley.com/en-us/sho...table-system-for-compact-routers?item=05J6710 , and pairing them with corded Makita 1hp routers. I currently have two, and am planning on adding more to the inventory, with each table set up for a particular task (1/8" round-over, chamfer, pattern routing, "jointing", etc...)....
The Makita RF1101 motor is tough to beat if you're looking for a solid, mid-power motor for a router table:
https://www.makitatools.com/products/details/RF1101