So I am looking at shapers for my big Interior shutter job, 78 - 42”x7”x1” raised panel both sides and 34 same dimensions movable louvers in Qsawn Red Oak which will be painted by others.
After this job it will have low use and I mostly only do furniture sized projects, I do plan on trying to get some short run biz from local woodworkers/contractors like i do for widebelt sanding.
Tilting Spindle
I have it set in my head that I need a tilting spindle for longterm versatility but to tell you the truth not really sure it’s necessary and it limits the inventory of used shapers, is tilting something worth holding out for?
Sliding table
The last shaper i had was an scmi with a slider but it’s been so long I can’t remember the pros and cons, the one con that i can think of is running pieces that bridge the slider and cast, do you just shim the cast or is it not an issue? I don’t plan on doing exterior doors, possibly interior. Also there is the question of aluminum slider over cast iron slide is one preferred over the other?
Fence
I also have it set in my head that I want a memory fence (pins) and mechanical readout on both fences, My scm definitely didn’t have this so I have no real world experience if it’s worth having but sure seems like it, opinions?
Shapers
Used - Have been looking at Scm’s t110 and t130, the t110s won’t have the memo fence and haven’t found any with sliders. I have found a 2003 t130 with power feed for 5k, fixed spindle no slider. I could add a bolt on slider from scm but that adds another 2k.
New - I don’t really want to spend all the money I am making on this job on a new shaper but i am not depending on it for income so i could.
If i wanted everything that i think i want then it is the SCM TW 55ES about 11-12k with Delivery in Nov/Dec, that’s pretty quick considering it’s a new machine but late for the client, I would have to get them to agree to a new date.
What about Cantek, I typically stick with Euro built machines but they have been pushed on me several times, they do look built well but… they are available in slider with fixed spindle, tilt spindle no slide and special order tilt,slide in a month or two. Kicker is the tilt, slide is actually more than the SCM.
I know you can get by without tilt/slide ect but kinda looking at long term one time buy, i am ok with being slightly inconvenienced like oh it takes a little longer to setup without the memo fence and readout but you won’t miss having it as opposed to it reduces time, test runs and frustration for example
Thanks for your thoughts, Mark