Shopsmith Forums

Been looking for a shaper package (fence, insert, arbor, dust collector head, etc) for my 520. The good ones on ebay seem to sell pretty high. Does Shopsmith ever run these in their rotation as a "sale" item?

Any suggestions on the Shopsmith vs. a free-standing unit? Not looking at going into "production" shaping, just want to be able to knock out doors for projects, etc.

My records only go back to Jan. 2011 as far as e-mail specials go and there were no deals on shaper kits. The only shaper related sales were to upgrade your SS to a double tilt so you could DO under the table shaping work.

The shaper package also did NOT show up in the annual Holiday Season sale brochures the past two years either. Sorry I couldn't be of more help but at least you now have more information than you had before.

The fence and arbor (bearings with a post that fits in the router chuck) were on sale a couple weeks back (advertised with the speed increaser), because I bought them. Should be here by Wednesday. Much of the rest of the shaper package I received with my M7. The table insert is often on EBay. The dust collector (clear with lower brush) can be found on EBay, but usually doesn't include the post and sliding t for mounting to the table.

This was the first time I have seen the fence offered for sale with the speed increaser and actually saved me money because I didn't need more than the fence. The bearing arbor was an upgrade for me.

I'd have to check, but I think I do remember seeing the shaper package on sale, but don't know when.

The 500 shaper fence can be adapted to the 520 table by drilling two holes. Doesn't have all the adjustability of the one designed for the 520, but is sufficient IMHO to work reasonably well.

Regarding the SS versus free standing. First, I think much of it can be determined by the project and your style. Is it easier for you to switch back and forth between the shaped pieces and other details, or can you shape everything, then go on to the next phase? I was never successful at setting up the cutters to exactly the same height from the table (old setup with headstock above the table). Not certain that below the table will be any easier, but in my mind, safer.
Second, do long term projects have much need for shaping? Maybe the cost of a standalone is a good long term investment or maybe not. Only you can justify where you place your funds.
Third, what space to you have to dedicate?
Fourth, power to make initial cuts versus time spent make multiple passes. This of course is highly dependent upon species of wood and cutter design, however my old 510 motor was not happy making deeper cuts on oak, so I would make more passes to remove material. An acquaintance has a Grizzly shaper which can scrape out in one pass where I needed three (at least). I'm hoping the PowerPro will change that!

So it comes down to time and money.

I have 10 plus cutters which will work for nearly any design I can imagine. My biggest concern before the M7 was that the cutters were exposed from above. Additionally, space is a huge issue. Personally it made much more sense to buy a better fence and collars than to consider buying a freestanding shaper.

Not sure if any of that helps.

Be well,
Ben

Good facts and opinions!
Hummm... Decisions, decisions.
I think that I will keep an eye out for both a shaper kit and a full shaper table. May the best choice (and price) win!

beeg wrote:A standalone shaper will run ya more than a THOUSAND DOLLARS. How about a good router?

I bought one of these used for less than $200.

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The top was rusty but that cleaned up nicely It came wit a cabinet door cutter set.

I have the G0510Z 3/4 HP Shaper sold by Grizzly. I have owed one for 25 years. You can find it here:

http://www.grizzly.com/products/3-4-HP-Shaper/G0510Z

It is on sale right now for $395.00 plus shipping - so you don't have to spend a grand to get a good shaper, or less money and get someone's used machine.

I have used this shaper to cut hundreds of feet of oak molding over the years. It will take shaper cutters and 1/2" shank router bits. I have never had a problem with mine. A great machine, well worth the money.

I also have the SS Shaper package and just received the speed increaser. I will use both in tandem as some project need more than one cut on the shaper.

rlkeeney wrote:I bought one of these used for less than $200.

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The top was rusty but that cleaned up nicely It came wit a cabinet door cutter set.

I have to ya done good!..

No doubt individual tools do a great job, but they sure take up space! I love my router and router table for molding/shaping, but it is a large footprint, I still like the shopsmith in that regard.