3/8" shaper bits

[Frank Fusco]

I have a number of shaper bits I inherited that accept a 3/8" arbor.
Many have never been used, the rest are in 'as new' condition.
Admittedly, they are very old but are also high quality. Since thngs
have standardized at 1/2" for shapers and 1/4" or 1/2" for routers I
don't know what to do with these. Hate to throw them away. Would it be
practical to have them bored out to 1/2" or possible a bushing
inserted to reduce to 1/4"? Somebody out there have an old 3/8"
shaper? I would be willing to sell these.

[Jim DeLaney]

Any chance you could have a 3/8" shaft made for them, so they could be used in a router. It could be either a half inch shaft, reduced to accept the cutters, or a straight 3/8" shaft, using a 3/8" router collet (I know they're readily available for Porter-Cable routers - I have one). Since they're not designed for full-on router speeds, I'd think you'd want a variable speed router, set at its slowest speed.

You might also check someplace like Enco (use-enco.com) for a shaft. They may have something ready-made, or at least something you could adapt.