Use my router or also buy this Jet JWS18H shaper

[GaryLaroff]

I have a goodly collection of routers although I have yet to buy one from Festool.  After some six router tables or so, I built the router table I always wanted, fitted it with a Porter Cable 7518 Speedmatic 15 Amp 3-1/4 HP Fixed Base 5-Speed Router, a Woodpecker lift and other fine accessories.  I like this system very much and have no reason to replace it and also probably have $2,000 in router bits.  I am a hobbyist and can do good work with this router table.

A friend has offered to sell me his Jet JWS18H shaper for $100.  I haven't seen it yet but this is a 1 hp small shaper that sits on a stand.  It also comes with some cutters and in addition I have some cutters that should fit it. 

The material I read about shapers fallls into two categories.  The first category states how dangerous a shaper is and to stay away from them.  The other material says they are good machines but that one should only buy the bigger, floor standing 3hp version.

Dear Festoolians, what do you say and what is your advice and commentary on a small shaper for a guy who is already stocked with routers and a killer router table?

All opinions are respectfully requested.

Gary

 

[stvrowe]

I have had several shapers both large and small.  Small shapers suffer from a lot of ailments, including low power, a much too limited cutter selection and lack in nearly every advantage of a large shaper.  Shapers provide a smoother cut than a router primarily because of their large massive cutters.  Because of this, the minimum shaper size I would go with would be 3HP.  If you feel the need for a shaper, go big but, only do so if you need it for production work.  Quality shaper cutters are very expensive and hard to justify unless you are in a production environment.

While I prefer a shaper over the router table, I would pass on this deal simply because the Jet model you mentioned offers you no advantages over what you already have in your router table. 

 

[farms100]

what steve said.

Spindle size and power limit the usefulness of it. On the other hand 100$ is not much when it comes to tools

 

[semenza]

I think your router table will do all that the 1hp shaper would do. I'd stick with the router table and keep the floor space. Especially since you would need to buy cutters.

Seth