Powermatic TS29 shaper or other recommendations

[Jack Hovanec]

Has anyone used, seen, or owned a TS29? I like the features of the machine but can’t find anyone online that’s actually used it or written a review.
I’m looking to upgrade my shaper and really need something with a sliding table and preferably 7.5 plus HP. I was looking into the Italian machines but i can’t find a price on any of their stuff; presumably much more than the 10k price tag of the Powermatic.
I don’t usually buy new machines but beings as the shaper is pretty much the life blood of my shop, i need a good one. For that reason i need the investment to be one that i don’t have to make again for a very long time.
I’m open to suggestions. Just shopping around now but looking to move on something in the next couple of months.
Jack

[Mike Kees]

Jack I do not know anything about the Powermatic you are asking about. I do however own a Minimax T 50 shaper with a sliding table and tilting spindle.Mine is 5 h.p. single phase and has been a game changer for me in my shop. What type of work are you doing ? I think your best bet would be to P.M. Darcy Warner or Joe Calhoun they know way more about shapers than me.

[Darcy Warner]

I have a nice F115 Casadei with feeder and sliding table.

[Jared Sankovich]

The older 29 was the same basic 511 series import from delta, bridgewood, laguna, cantek and a bunch of others. I believe the ts29 is the same as the 512 series imports (laguna 45t) as well.

I'd likely go with a cantek or laguna version before the powermatic.