Grizzly shapers make it possible for woodworkers to trim profiles, raise panels, and build fancy mantels. Without one, a lot of the work in a custom home or boat would be hard to pull off.
Shapers are stationary machines that use vertically mounted cutter heads to mill profile cuts in a stock piece. They turn at a slower speed than routers, about 7,000 to 10,000 rpm.
Power
A shaper is a powerful tool that can handle a wide range of woodworking tasks. Most have a half or a full horsepower motor, and they can easily handle ten thousand or more spindle revolutions per minute. Most also have a reversible spindle so that you can feed the workpiece from either side of the machine at a flick of a switch. The grizzly G1026 shaper, for example, comes with 1/2″, 3/4″ and 1″ spindles that let you use different sized cutters and spacers to build cabinet doors with ease. This makes it easier to select a size that works well with the wood you’re working with. It also means that you can take advantage of the various opening diameters in the table surface to create a better finished product.
Stability
The grizzly shaper has a lot of moving parts, and if not properly maintained they could be hazardous to the operator or the environment. The good news is that a few simple steps can ensure your machine is well maintained and functioning like a seasoned pro. The most important is to assemble your machine correctly so that it can be safely used in the first place.
It’s also a good idea to make sure that you have the appropriate power cord and plug installed for your model of choice. This can be done by identifying your model and obtaining the correct cord from a trusted supplier before you start assembling your machine. This will minimize the risk of fire and electric shock, which are the two most common accidents with a shaper. A good rule of thumb is to always use a power cord that matches the model number and voltage of your machine, regardless of where you are located in your shop or how long you plan to operate it.
Safety
Grizzly shapers feature several safety devices to keep you safe while using the machine. These include a clear acrylic guard that deflects wood chips away from the operator.
These guards help prevent accidents such as cuts to fingers and hands. The guard is bolted to a bracket attached to the back of the shaper table.
Other safety features are pushers and holddowns that secure your workpiece in place. These devices substantially improve your work quality and safety, while reducing operator fatigue.
Another safety device is a rub collar that sits above, below, or in-between cutters on the machine. These are particularly useful when pattern work is done.
Grizzly 3/4′′ bore shaper cutters are made of top-quality C-2 carbide – the best available for wood cutting applications. They’re shaped and sharpened with diamond wheels as fine as 600 grit and are constructed with high-tensile, silver-based brazing for exceptional durability. They’re designed to be used on woods, wood composites, plywood and some plastics at 5,000 to 10,000 RPM.
