Best Shaper Under $5000?

[Josh Baldwin]

Hey everyone I have a nice router table, but I've been thinking of upgrading to a shaper. I'm thinking 5hp would be ideal, but I'm not sure what other features exactly I should be looking for.

There are 3 that seem like a good fit and I'm hoping to get some feedback based on their specs and/or personal experiences. I'm also open to other recommendations of course:

Laguna Pro
https://www.woodcraft.com/products/l...B&gclsrc=aw.ds

Oliver - Seems like a steal at this price
https://www.elitemetaltools.com/tool...gaApi_EALw_wcB

Hammer - I like the slider but it's only 4hp and costs $5k
https://www.felder-group.com/en-us/p...per-f3-p421957

Thanks everyone for the help!

[Cary Falk]

I have the Laguna Pro 5hp. I had a Grizzly 1026 before. I believe a shaper lives and dies by the fence. I love the fence on the Laguna and hated the one on the Grizzly. The Oliver fence looks similar to the Laguna. The Hammer has a tilting spindle but I don't know how much I would use that. If you have any specific questions on the Laguna let me know.

[Richard Coers]

There is never a "best", just one that has the features someone likes. Your listing of 3 proves the point.

[Josh Baldwin]

There is never a "best", just one that has the features someone likes. Your listing of 3 proves the point.

Yea I guess I'm wondering from people that know more about shapers than I do what features or pros some of these have that actually matter to people.

[Josh Baldwin]

I have the Laguna Pro 5hp. I had a Grizzly 1026 before. I believe a shaper lives and dies by the fence. I love the fence on the Laguna and hated the one on the Grizzly. The Oliver fence looks similar to the Laguna. The Hammer has a tilting spindle but I don't know how much I would use that. If you have any specific questions on the Laguna let me know.

Yea I tend to agree on the tilting. I'm sure it is cool, but probably not super useful for me. Thanks for the info on the Laguna. Seems like a solid unit.

[Nick Crivello]

Where are you located? Are you set on a new machine? Do you have three phase available?

I’m asking because you’re likely to be able to get a into a really nice older euro machine at that price point.

[andrew whicker]

I have had one w a tilting head for 9 months or so. I haven't used the tilting head yet but I would have used the sliding bed if it had one for stiles.

So I would put that higher on the list. But then again I can always buy an aftermarket solution for the sliding bed but I can't add a tilting head later.

Also a shaper without a power feeder wouldn't be using it to its full potential.

I'm not a shaper expert yet. Just made cab doors, locking miter joints, a template setup, and some shiplap so far. But the power feed is key even with manual feed tooling.

[Josh Baldwin]

Where are you located? Are you set on a new machine? Do you have three phase available?

I’m asking because you’re likely to be able to get a into a really nice older euro machine at that price point.

I'm in Richmond VA. I've looked around quite a bit and haven't really found a good machine near me. Has to be single phase unfortunately.

[Mel Fulks]

I'm in Richmond VA. I've looked around quite a bit and haven't really found a good machine near me. Has to be single phase unfortunately.

Josh, I’m in Richmond ,now retired . There used to be a place that sold used machines. Don’t if there is one now. All the shops bought
used stuff when I was working.

[Ray Selinger]

I have a BusyBee (Grizzly) # 1026 . A Powermatic #26 clone. Real shapers have 5hp motors,1 1/4" shafts and power feeds. Ones like mine are merely serious hobby machines. I re-machined the fence system, it needed it.

[Larry Edgerton]

https://woodweb.com/exchanges/machin...ts/545659.html

[Cary Falk]

https://woodweb.com/exchanges/machin...ts/545659.html

Looks nice but it is 3phase and 400 miles away from OP.

[Bill Dufour]

The Oliver is just one made in China with a Oliver tag glued on. I have no idea about quality and features. I would not be surprised if Grizzly does not sell the same one at lower prices including reasonable shipping.
Only harry home shop here but I think a sliding table would be very nice. A tilting spindle seems nice but adds more to adjust and fall out of alinement.
Very seriously look at used. Not much to go wrong on a shaper unless you need cnc control on spindle height.
Bill D.

[Bill Dufour]

To get quality, 5hp up, you need to use a VFD and get a three phase machine. Or you can swap out the motor for about the same cost. A vfd will give you soft start and braking.
Bill D.
just to show cost range with feeder. No way I would use a 7.5hp without a feeder
https://www.ebay.com/itm/35550166833...ampid%3APL_CLK

https://www.ebay.com/itm/29628991000...temCondition=4

[Bill Dufour]

To get quality 5hp up you need to use a VFD and get a three phase machine. On ebay today a 7.5 Hp VFD is around $200. Or you can swap out the motor for a used one at about double the cost. A vfd will give you soft start and braking.
The Oliver and Laguna look identical to me except for switch placement
Bill D.