Router Table Vs. Shaper (Jet Jws-CCS Review)

[justin waldron]

Ok, the age old debate, Router Table or Shaper… The best answer? It’s up to the individual and everyone has their opinions, but I will throw out a few points that I have noticed and the reason why I like a shaper better. I now have 2 Shapers, 1 is an older Rockwell and I just picked up a new Jet Jws-ccs on Craigslist (absolutely never been used! $375). The Router I used to use in my router cabinet was the 3 ¼ hp Milwaukee, that after a month or so of use I would have to take apart and clean so it would work again. Moving on:
1. The price on a Shaper vs. a Router Table is almost the same depending on the manufacturer of the Router/Table etc. (Craigslist!!)
2. The Shaper is much heavier than the same size router table. Cast iron tops are nice and I have to admit, the will last a lifetime vs. the melamine I had to keep replacing on mine.
3. Bit changes. Depends completely on the machine. Rockwell, not so bad, the Jet is super easy and the 2 ½ hp Shop fox I have used it a real pain.
4. Fence, expect a cast fence on a Shaper that will never die, also each side of the fence moves independently from the other so it’s very quick for alignment.
5. Power. Shapers are designed for continuous use under load where routers are not. The 1 ½ hp Jet doesn’t show the first sign of wimper, whereas the Milwauke will reduce its speed under load.
These are just a few things that I have noticed and hopefully it will help others. As for the Jet, It comes with a ½ inch router collet and a ¼, ½ and ¾ inch spindle, it’s a breeze to change from one to the other. The machine weighs in at about 210 pounds, super nice cast top, miter gauge, hold downs, forward/reverse etc. I absolutely love this little machine, it’s the best cross between the function of a shaper and the other capabilities of a router table. I appreciate everyone reading and I hope I don’t start a huge debate, just my two cents.

[David Dean]

Thats not hard the shaper one pass and your done if I had the money a shaper would be sitting in my shop a router take's to long.

[John Schaben]

It's hard for me to try to compare my shaper experience with the machines you are showcasing. When I first got into this, I picked up an older Craftsman "Router/Shaper" table, benchtop flavor. Thing turned out to be neither fish nor fowl, that is, it didn't do a very good job at either role. Probably the biggest shortfall was the low speed while trying to use small bits. After several months and more than a little investment, I finally gave up and went with a real router table. If I were doing hundreds of feet of moldings at a shot and had a fairly liberal budget, a shaper would definately be of interest. As a hobbyist/DIYer, I find the router table much more flexible and the bits more affordable than a shaper.

[justin waldron]

Absolutely John, like I said, it's completely up to the individual.  That's the other reason why I reviewed my newest Jet Shaper.  It has turned out to be a really sweet machine and has 1/4 and  1/2 inch router collets.  It really is the best of both worlds.