Delta shaper(was router/shaper)
Donald Stern
>Delta does sell 1.5 hp shapers for about $750, and I must say
>they are an excellent choice for low to medium useage-which
>doesn't require much HP.I have two of those babies on wheels
>and they are a pleasure to use,
Ray,
Thanks for your comments re: the Delta 1.5 hp shaper. It's
always good to hear opinions from the pros. I saw that model the
other day and it sure goes high on my wish list. Maybe I can
justify it for an upcoming cabinet door project.
Don Stern
Paul Houtz
This is Delta Model Number 43-355 Wood Shaper:
Motor: 1-1/2 HP 115/230V single phase,
Spindle: Solid cast iron
1/2" and 3/4", 2" travel.
Spindle capacity under nut:
1/2" 2-1/2"
3/4" 3-1/4"
Spindle speed rotates forward and reverse, 7,000 and 10,000 rpm.
Speed is changed by moving belt from larger to smaller pulley, but
it is a flat belt and crowned pulley, and there is an automatic
belt tensioning system.
Note: there is a nice accessory for it you should consider:
Part # 43-357 Double-Ended Router/Stub Spindle
"Used to mount both 1/2" hole counterbored shaper cutters and
1/2" shank router bits to 43-355 Wood Shaper."
I quoted the description from the catalog. It does not do the accessory
justice. It is a full blast shaper spindle with large shaper bearings
and heavy (like 3 lbs) cast-iron housing that bolts into the trunions
in place of the normal 3/4" / 1/2" shaper spindle.
The router bit end has a true 1/2" collet, with a 1/4" adapter. You
can mount any router bit you like in it, including 3-1/2" panel rasing
bits.
It's like having the ultimate router table, wide 18" X 30" cast iron table
with miter gauge slot, 5" opening, starting pins, and micro-adjusting 2
sided fence, and instead of a portable router mechanism, you huge bearings
mounted in cast iron and a spindle made from cast iron, mounted to a cast
iron table. No vibration at all.
And the BEST thing is the router bits can be lowered below the table--no
need to make a false table like many of the router bit collet adaptors
require.
I have it, and it reminds me a lot of the "little italian shaper"
that James Krenov describes in his "Cabinetmaker's Notebook", except
that Krenov paid a machinist change the spindle to handle router bits
(but not shaper cutters).