Popular Woodworking 2002-08 № 129, страница 43

SHAPERS

Though these two tools look similar, each has advantages and disadvantages that a woodworker must consider when choosing which to buy.

Having trouble deciding between a router table and shaper? I'm sure you've heard many of the arguments: Isn't a table-mounted router really a small shaper? Doesn't the shaper have more power? How about cost? Let's take a look at these issues as well as some of the other pros and cons of each machine so that you can decide for yourself.

Anatomy

Shapers and table-mounted routers do appear similar, and they are in many ways. Both have a broad, flat top with a hole in the center for the cutter. Underneath the top is a motor for spinning bits or cutterheads at high speeds. Additionally, each ma-

by Lonnie Bird

Lonnie Bird (www.lonniebird.com) is

author of "The Shaper Book" (The Taunton Press). He builds period furniture and conducts woodworking seminars in Dandrige, Tennessee.

42 I Popular Woodworking August 2002