Router or shaper???

[bigjbear]

Any wood workers made their own raised panels? What is better a 1 1/2 HP shaper or a 2 1/2 HP router? I already have a bit for the router and I don't really have space for a shaper, but if I buy a used one I could sell it again and hopefully not loose any money.

 

[Skigirl]

Maybe this would help you: http://benchmark.20m.com/articles/ShaperVersusRouter/shaper_versus_router.html

 

[84zz4ss]

How many panels. What wood? If you don't mind making multiple passes the router should do the job. How close are you to Gainseville GA?

 

[bigjbear]

How many panels. What wood? If you don't mind making multiple passes the router should do the job. How close are you to Gainseville GA?

13 panels out of MDF. I'm on the other side of Atlanta. It's not too far, about an hour and a half if there is no traffic.

 

[84zz4ss]

If you have the patience the router can do the job. I have a good friend in Gainsvill has a real nice shop in the back yard with a dedicated panel table.

 

[bigjbear]

Maybe this would help you: http://benchmark.20m.com/articles/ShaperVersusRouter/shaper_versus_router.html

Thanks, I knew most of that from working with my dad. But it brings up some very important points on speed if someone isn't familiar with large bits. If you don't have a variable speed router get a speed control.

This is first project, of this scale, that I have attempted on my own and without a full-on pro wood shop. That is why I've got so many questions.

 

[driney]

Did you give up on the table saw? That would be my first choice for raised panels with straight sides made from MDF, although if you are going to have cathedral tops or a more involved profile for the bevel, you will have to use a router or a shaper. If space is tight a router table will do the job, but I prefer a shaper, due to the fact the cutters can be larger and have better geometry. If you've never routed MDF before, be prepared for a ton of dust.

 

[bigjbear]

Did you give up on the table saw? That would be my first choice for raised panels with straight sides made from MDF, although if you are going to have cathedral tops or a more involved profile for the bevel, you will have to use a router or a shaper. If space is tight a router table will do the job, but I prefer a shaper, due to the fact the cutters can be larger and have better geometry. If you've never routed MDF before, be prepared for a ton of dust.

Sorry, I forgot to come back and update. I cut the panels with the table saw. Then came back & cut a good chunk off the edge. I left just enough material to catch the feather board I made...






...for my new (to me, anyway) Powermatic shaper. It is a 1 1/2 HP w/ a 3/4" shank. Got a carbide tipped cutter on sale from Rockler for $45. I've got all the panels cut & raised except two small ones by the windows that I haven't decided if I want to keep the same profile on.

You were not kidding about the dust. Even with the shop vac hooked to the dust port there is no way I would have done that without my resperator on. That MDF dust is like baby powder.

 

[tacoma]

Good choice. Shapers are the stuff for cutting big profiles like raised panels.

 

[driney]

Good call on wearing the respirator. I've been woodworking for 35 years and used to think dust masks were for pansies. Some of that is catching up with me now and dust control is one of the first things I consider when I'm working. A whole shop dust collection system is a great investment and actually makes me more productive.