How many hp for a power feeder to use on a shaper?

[Andy McCormick]

I am considering buying a power feeder for my shaper. I was wanting to raise panels with it. Does anyone do this with a power feeder, if so what HP do you use. Andy

[David DeCristoforo]

Most "full sized" feeders are 1hp. More than that would generally be considered "overkill". The smaller feeders typically run around 1/3hp. For most work the full sized units are preferred. I like the small feeders for things like router tables.

[William Addison]

I have a 1/2 hp Comatic and it's fed everthing I've put in it including 6/4 stock 12 feet long and 12+inches wide . If I were doing it again I'd probably get the 1hp not because of the feeder but because the support column design is superior.

[Rod Sheridan]

I have a Hammer HC308, 1/2 HP.

Ot has a large support column, works great......Rod.

[Steve Clardy]

1/4hp on my panel raising feeder.

1/3hp on my rail and stile shaper.

[Steve Rozmiarek]

I use a Felder .8/.6 hp (goofy metric conversions I guess) for mine, and no complaints. The dual hp ratings are at high/low speed.

[Peter Quinn]

I use mostly 1HP models, I have used one 1/2HP feeder and it was good for most things, I think you could raise panels with it. Keep the table well waxed and I doubt you would notice the difference on average sized panels or small parts. For the small difference in price I went with a 1HP in my home shop as I would rather have too much power than too little.

[J.R. Rutter]

I have used 1/4, 1/2 and 1 HP feeders. For the shaper, I like the extra mass, rigidity, and column articulation of the typical 1 HP model. I also prefer an 8-speed feeder over a 4-speed, but that is gravy.

[Andy McCormick]

Thanks for the advice. Andy