I have a healthy respect for all of my power tools but the 3hp Northwood shaper that just came my way surprised me with the quick realization that this machine could do some serious bodily damage if things went wrong. Maybe it was the noise it created with the attached cutter (not as noisy without) or the speed of the massive 1 1/4" spindle. Regardless, the machine was intimidating at first startup and awesome in the way it easily shaped a test piece. My only previous experience with a similar forming tool were with hand held routers and a small Jet shaper. Can't wait to tackle some projects with it.