Hello all , new user with shaper question

jbwoodshop · Post by **jbwoodshop** » Sun Jul 17, 2016 1:51 pm

Hello all, I am brand new to Shopsmith but have dabbled in woodworking in the past. I am acquiring a Shopsmith from my father and couldn't be more excited. I am upgrading to the 520 fence system and purchased the speed increaser and shaper fence. I can't quite yet believe the functionality I will have in a 2X6 foot footprint! I wanted to buy a couple shaper cutters to make raised panel doors, but I am not sure whether I am constrained to using cutters no wider than 2 1/4 inches since that is the maximum opening for the hole in the shaper plate that fits into the table. If so, that is quite limiting. Am I missing something or anything larger than 2 1/4 inches in diameter would have to fully sit above the table surface. Even a lot of router bits have maximum cutting diameters greater than 2 1/4 inches. Any constructive advise will be appreciated. I really look forward to being an active part of the Shopsmith world. I still can't quIte believe it: a table saw, drill press, lathe, shaper, router table and sanding taking up such a small area.. My shop is tiny so this is really enabling technology for me.

sehast · Post by **sehast** » Mon Jul 18, 2016 4:11 pm

You are correct, if using the speed increaser, the bit has to be able to fit through the shaper or drum sander table insert. The drum sander insert is slightly bigger than the shaper one and that is the one I use. Most 1/2" shaper cutters are no bigger than 2 1/8" anyway. You would have to go to at least a 3/4" for anything larger and that won't fit on the 1/2" arbor. For larger profiles you might try vertical raised panel router bits.

http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shopsite ... bits2.html

You would have extend the height of your shaper fence to support the panel with the speed increaser, but it can be done.

jbwoodshop · Post by **jbwoodshop** » Mon Jul 18, 2016 5:12 pm

Thank you very much Sehast for the reply. I suspected this yo be true. When I look for carbide tipped shaper cutters they are always wider than 2 1/4 inches and usually closer to 3 inches. I could try the high speed steel cutters SS sells, but I have no experience in sharpening them or knowing how often to do so. What would be the downside of mounting the cutter, move the main fence far enough away to clear the edge of the cutter, put a floating fence on the other side to provide a wide enough gap then just run the cutter in the gap between the tables with the appropriate fence attached? Assuming I could still mount the fence stratling this existing gap and also use the shaper guard that comes with the speed exchanger, it seems like it would work. Not sure of the safety ramifications though. . I am still awaiting delivery so can only picture these solutions in my head.
The use of vertical panel cutters is a great idea, thanks!
Thanks again, so appreciate your sharing your knowledge!
Jlwoodshop

rjent · Post by **rjent** » Mon Jul 18, 2016 5:44 pm

You can also upgrade the headstock to a PowerPro and eliminate the speed increaser, increase your power, and eventually add under table routing shaping as well.

And think, people have been doing this with these machines since 1947 .....

db5 · Post by **db5** » Tue Jul 19, 2016 11:16 am

These are on ebay as well as others:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Shopsmith-Shape ... Sw0kNXgrZK

charlese · Post by **charlese** » Tue Jul 19, 2016 12:22 pm

Hi jbwoodshop..!

Reading that you are new to Sopsmithing, and reading your questions, I am thinking you do not own the entire Shaping package from Shopsmith. One item in that kit will answer most of your questions. That is the shaper fence. It is a split fence that, in my shop, is a must for shaping. http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/cata ... rfence.htm

I don't know if you can buy the fence without buying the fence kit. But maybe the kit has parts that you do not already have.

jbwoodshop · Post by **jbwoodshop** » Tue Jul 19, 2016 3:45 pm

Thanks everyone for the replies. Charlese is correct in that I do not have everything yet. I have the shaper fence on order and hopefully it will provide a lot of insight. I also ordered a couple of the SS steel shaper cutters to try out. Quite excited to set it all up and explore capabilities! My father in law built a barn and an addition on to his house using his Shopsmith.
Jbwoodshop

sehast · Post by **sehast** » Tue Jul 19, 2016 5:20 pm

By the way Grizzly has 1/2" carbide tipped cutters that are compatible with Shopsmith.

http://www.grizzly.com/catalog/2016/main/532?p=532

jbwoodshop · Post by **jbwoodshop** » Tue Jul 19, 2016 6:24 pm

Hi Sehast,
Thanks for the link to the Grizzley 1/2" shaper cutters. They are right sized and carbide tipped and reasonably priced. I'm learning a lot about what's available! Definitely give them a try!

Jbwoodshop

charlese · Post by **charlese** » Wed Jul 20, 2016 12:44 pm

I believe you will be happy with the steel shaper cutters from Shopsmith. To answer one of your previous questions, the cutters are very easy to keep sharp. You only need to touch up the flat backside of the cutter blades. I use a diamond file on mine. A medium grit followed by a fine grit is all I have needed.

Don't have any experience with carbide shaper cutters. however they probably would stay sharp longer, but be harder to sharpen once dulling.

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Hello all , new user with shaper question

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