shaper question

[jim sauterer]

delta used shaper mo.no.43431x or new shop fox w1702.dont know much about shapers and cant find much on delta for that model no.delta used 1000.00 to 1300.00.new shop fox 1060.00.delta has bigger table than shop fox same h.p.i am assumng this delta is made over seas not sure.any info appreciated.

[Jamie Buxton]

The Delta shaper is their 3 hp shaper. They've been building it for forty or fifty years. They make small changes, and that results in a different model number. The newer ones have better fences than the old ones, and that one you're looking at is a newer one. If it is good condition, I'd buy it over the Shop Fox.

I believe that the 3 hp shaper is still built in the US, mostly because the tooling has been here forever.

You should make sure that the one you're looking at is a single-phase machine, not 3-phase.

[jim sauterer]

thanks jamie it is single phase.40x27 table with extensions.i am in ohio it is in oaklahoma.i am going by pictures it has aluminum fence.on delta sight that number does not come up.but like you said a couple changes and new model number.it looks like the ones on delta sight just different number.thanks for the input.

[Jamie Buxton]

One of the good things about that Delta 3 hp shaper is that there have been a lot of them built, and they've been the mainstay of the small-shop world for a long time. This means that they often show up on the used market. If you're not sure you want to drive to Oklahoma, wait a few weeks and maybe one will appear closer to home.

[Jeff Duncan]

The Delta's are decent shapers, I had one a while back. If your looking at the one with aluminum fence it's a much better fence than anything else in it's price range. Better than many of the fences even out of it's price range, my 27 cost a lot more than the equivalent Delta several years ago when I bought it, and the fence isn't even close to the Delta's.
good luck,
JeffD

[Karl Brogger]

What size is the spindle on the Delta? Some specific cutters are hard to find in a 1" bore now, especially insert tooling. It can be handled with spacers though. I'd still take the Delta. Just food for thought.

[jim sauterer]

3/4 spindle.

[John Callahan]

Could be wrong but iirc the 43-431X is the same as the 43-495X (the X5 3hp shaper) minus the fence. The fence runs about $500 or so new. 43-812 or 43-812X is the number for the fence. It's quite possible the fence may have been added later if it's a used one but I'd make sure the fence comes with it.

[Ron Bontz]

John I believe you are right. My X5 is a 431. The only difference is the warranty I think. Delta's 8" 350A jointer and the X5 were exactly the same machine just different warranty. According to Delta anyway. You can get a 1/2", 3/4", 3/4" long, and 1-1/4" spindle for the delta. I am not sure about the 1" any more. Don't feel bad about the drive. I drove form St. Louis to Grand Rapids Mi. To get mine. :) Best of luck.

[Larry Edgerton]

No question, the Delta.

[jim sauterer]

the aluminum fence does come with the shaper.thanks for the input i respect the honesty and appreciate the input from this group.thanks for all your help.jim

[jim sauterer]

bought it off ebay 1250.00 shipped.talked to the seller a few times.came from a builder trying to build his own cabinets.economy and housing knocked him out of business.he has 2 more to sell starting at 1000.00.now i need to find a router spindle adaptor.179.00 at delta cpo.thanks again to all.jim

[Peter Quinn]

Nice machine, good for you. I have an older delta 3HP that I upgraded to the new fence, nicest fence I've seen short of an Aigner on the euro machines, beats the junk on older Powermatics hands down, thought the older Pm shapers are otherwise quite solid. Anyway nice tool, I think you will have no regrets. Definitely get the 1 1/4" spindle if it doesn't come with one, much more accurate and versatile than bushing up a 3/4" spindle like I'm doing now.