Ask the Expert
IF YOU HAVE A PRODUCT RELATED QUESTION, PLEASE USE OUR CONTACT US FORM FOR AN IMMEDIATE RESPONSE. THIS SECTION IS RESERVED FOR GENERAL WOODWORKING RELATED QUESTIONS.
Michael Van Pelt is the founder of American Sycamore Woodworker’s Retreat. He has a reputation as the tool guru. Mike has been in woodworking for over thirty years. His knowledge of tools comes from his many years of intertwining experience in the woodworking industry. Mike’s experiences include being active as an Industrial Arts Teacher, professional instructor of power machinery and tool techniques, tool sales, management and owner of woodworking tool retail store, Delta Machinery representative and technical advisory.
If you have a question for Michael, choose the Submit Question button to the right by November 30th. We will send you a reply with Mike's response in mid-December and then post it to this page for other members to view. You never know...someone else may have the same question
IF YOU HAVE A PRODUCT RELATED QUESTION, PLEASE USE OUR CONTACT US FORM FOR AN IMMEDIATE RESPONSE. THIS SECTION IS RESERVED FOR GENERAL WOODWORKING RELATED QUESTIONS.
Listed below are questions and answers that have already been submitted.
Questions
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6/24/2009
Router Bits w/Shapers
Answer provided by Mike Van Pelt
| Q. |
Do router bits work well in shapers? I have been entertaining buying a 1 1/2 HP shaper with a router bit adapter. Do you think this is better than using a router? |
| A. |
Unfortunately… No they do not. Your top speed on your
shaper is most likely around 10,000 rpm and all but the largest of the large
router bits are made to run at above 20,000rpm. I would recommend a router
table and a large 3 ¼ hp router. A lift is sure nice! |
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6/24/2009
Using Router Collets on a Shaper
Answer provided by Mike Van Pelt
| Q. |
I read the Q&A about using router collets on a shaper. I recently purchased an older Rockwell shaper, Model 43-340. In the question posted you indicated that router collets can be used on a shaper. Can you provide instructions for doing this. I have a wide array of router bits of all sizes, which would be nice to use on the shaper, too. Thanks! |
| A. |
If you
all ready own or if a 43-800 router adapter came with your machine I would
consider using it on my shaper. If you have to go out and buy one at around
$175.00 I would suggest that you build and use a router table. Your shaper only
runs top speed of 10,000 rpms. This speed will only accommodate the largest of
large bits such as a panel raiser. Running most router bits at this “slow”
speed will result in a fuzzy cut. Most router bits are designed to run at
21,000 rpms. In conclusion I would buy shaper cutters for my shaper and or
build a router table for my router bits. Good luck. |
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2/25/2008
Routing with a "Pin"
Answer provided by Mike Van Pelt
| Q. |
I have a Delta
benchtop router/shaper. I would like suggestions/guidelines about routing
curved pieces including a 2"semicircle with some endgrain with a
"pin" inserted into the worktop rather than a fence as a guide.
Always push from right to left? Location of the wood with respect to the pin
and the spinning router cutter? The project is a cheeseboard with a short
handle. |
| A. |
The guide pin is used
to guide and ease the work into the cutter.
Think of the guide pin as the pivot point and ease the wood into the
cutter bearing. Always keep contact with
the bearing and when finishing the careful with small pieces. When you are
finishing the cut, pull the work straight off the cutter. I suggest that you use a push pad and please
be careful. |
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2/25/2008
Freehand Shaping
Answer provided by Marc Adams
| Q. |
A recent owner of a wood shaper, I've been
building up practice with it, and have become fairly confident in straight line
shaping. I would like to know what is the best way to freehand shaping and
pattern work? |
| A. |
Nicholson 49 and 50 rasps
are the best. They are rather expensive,
but they are fabulous. They are
available at Woodcraft or Rocklers. |
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2/19/2008
Shaper Spindle
Answer provided by Mike Van Pelt
| Q. |
I'm
looking to buy an older model Rockwell shaper. My question is can the spindle
be interchanged to be able to use router collets also. |
| A. |
Yes
most shapers can be converted to use router bits with an interchangeable
spindle. However most shapers do not
have the rpm’s needed for smaller bits.
If you are planning on use large diameter router bits then this will work. I have found in most cases, woodworkers will
get more use from a router mounted in a table. |
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2/18/2008
Cutting Raised Panel
Answer provided by Mike Van Pelt
| Q. |
Which
way should the raised panel cutter be mounted? Cutting so the panel is face up,
the panel would be between the table and the cutter. Cutter up or cutter down? To
me the cutter should be cutter up so you are not placing the panel in between
the tool and table. I can reverse the rotation of the shaper. |
| A. |
Without
a stock feeder I suggest passing the panel over the cutter. I feel having the cutter covered as much as
possible is safer. |
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2/14/2008
Shaper vs. Router Table
Answer provided by Scott Phillips
| Q. |
I
manage a small theatrical scene shop. I am interested in making mouldings. For
our purposes would we be better off to outfit a large router with the moulding
bits or is a shaper table the way to go. If so why is a shaper table better
than working with just a fixed router in a table? |
| A. |
Shapers
can handle larger cutters that routers. So if I get you right, you have figured
out how to do multiple passes on a router table to net the molding desired.
This is a think man’s solution to a tricky challenge. Nicely done! |
[ Back To Main ]
6/25/2007
Home Shop Shaper Recommendation
Answer provided by Scott Phillips
| Q: |
I am looking for a home shop shaper.
Living in Northern Michigan, most of the sales people I have met know very
little about a shaper, and what would fit the bill in my shop. Your help would
be appreciated. |
| A: |
I have the smallest Delta
shaper with a ½ spindle that can reverse to accept ¾ shaper cutters as well. I
like the fence and guard and horsepower. Do not overlook the cost of the
cutters. They add up but are worth every penny. You can get it all nicely put
together for under $1,000. If you have a bigger budget, buy more horsepower so
the cutters have more torque in the cuts. |
