7 Best Wood Shaper Reviews In 2020
If you have a ton of woodwork pile remaining, a wood shaper can be the solution to all your worries. From shaping your wood piece to your desired shape to giving a long-lasting finish, a wood shaper can do it all.
Finding the best wood shaper can be difficult nowadays since there are numerous brands available with variable characteristics.
So, we’ve come up with some comprehensive wood shaper reviews to help you with the selection. Our specific details related to all the necessary information on recommended wood shapers will be great for beginners and professionals!
Table of Contents
7 Best Wood Shaper Reviews
Although there are so many wood shapers brands, it is essential to choose one with good quality and maximum durability. Here are 7 of the most recommended wood shapers for you-
Powermatic 1280101C PM2700 Shaper
Powermatic has always been famous for the uncompromising quality and precise construction of their wood shapers. This one is also no exception. The PM2700 wood shaper delivers impressive results and performs a brilliant job with woodwork.
A unique feature in this model is the cast-iron table, which is durable and ensures maximum security during working. The size of this table is quite large to provide the shaping of big cabinet doors. The rear corners of this table are drilled beforehand, making it safe and potent. It also comes with a welded base cabinet that makes it easy to shape wood pieces.
Another useful feature is the dust collection chute, which plays a role in keeping the workplace environment spotless and pristine. A T-shaped miter slot also adds to the excellent quality of the shaper. The door and window are integrated into this shaper. Integration of such kind helps you take full control of the shaper.
This shaper requires single-phase 230-volt power to operate and result in high performance entirely. A secure lock system also makes this product quite user-friendly. You can use this product safely and shape your wood piece more conveniently.
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Pros:
- Can handle big projects due to a large table
- Durable cast-iron built-in table
- Safe and user-friendly
- Generates high performance
Cons:
- The spindle does not come tilted
JET JWS-35X5-1 5HP 1Ph Wood Shaper
If you’re looking for an efficient device to shape the wood pieces, you can go for this one. This 5HP wood shaper makes your job effortless and delivers the best results in a faster time. You can see the job done in no time and with an extremely professional response.
The magnetic control is compelling in this wood shaper. Such a robust magnetic control makes it easy to handle massive cuts in wood pieces of variable sizes. This control also ensures that the stakes are precise and error-free. So, you can count on this device to give the accurate results that you require.
A spindle in the shaper derives a fair amount of power through the belt included with it. The lock of the spindle is a positive-detent one that allows maximum security during operation. A quick-release lever takes care of torque management and speed adjustment issues when you’re handling the device.
There are four speeds to choose from- 4000, 6000, 8000, 10000 RPM. You can select any of the speeds according to the diameters of your wood pieces. There is also a dust port that can be mounted to standard dust collection systems without any difficulty. It cleans all the wood dust and manages it appropriately. You can expect a neat job with this unit.
Pros:
- Takes quick time
- Excellent magnetic control
- Safe and secured handling
- Precise and accurate cuts
- Effective dust removal
Cons:
- Does not come with a standard electric plug
Shop Fox W1674 2 HP Shaper
The W1763 from Shop Fox is another addition to their line of affordable and standard quality wood shapers. If you’re looking for an essential wood shaper with simple features, this one will not disappoint you.
It is compact and portable in size but comes with a large cast-iron table to aid in many projects. Starting from cabinet doors to large scale wood pieces, you can shape any wood piece with this unit. It comes with 2 ½ HP, which is good enough for a primary shaper. Despite the smaller HP, it can reach 10,000 RPM, which is suitable for all kinds of average projects.
The table comes with a fence lock and a cutter shield, which ensures maximum safety during operation. So, you can work by maintaining security at all times. The spindle is designed to accommodate ½ and ¾ inch wood shaper segments, which gives a good result. There is also a 4-inch dust port that can be adjusted to most dust collection systems. It ensures a clean and safe work environment for you.
Additional features include a heavy-duty miter gauge and a forward/reversing switch for better control. A cabinet style stand with powder-coated paint also adds to the unique design of the device.
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Pros:
- Well-developed dust collecting port
- Strong performance
- Safe and secured operation
- Can reach 10,000 RPM with a low HP
- Precise control
Cons:
- Difficult to adjust the height
Grizzly G1026 Shaper, 3 HP
Grizzly has always been famous for its durable and high-quality wood shapers. This one is no different from their outstanding wood shapers as well. You can’t go wrong with this product because of its good longevity and standard features.
This one is a 3 HP shaper and has the capacity to outreach an amount of 10,000 RPM. Such ability ensures any secured cutting action without any effort. It also comes with a single-phase 220V motor and includes a reversing switch for better performance.
There is a solid cast-iron table that aids in carrying out projects safely. It also assists in controlling the high amount of RPM of the device. There is also a split fence design in this unit, which comes with an even smooth tuning system. The fence can help out in giving accurate results.
It also comes with 1/2″, 3/4″, and 1″ interchangeable spindles and spindle speeds of 7,000 and 10,000 RPM so that you can obtain the best possible results. You can count on this product to give you the desired cuts you want. This is a great wood shaper in terms of quality and characteristics.
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Pros:
- Interchangeable spindles and speeds
- High RPM
- Accurate results due to fence design
- Durable and long-lasting
Cons:
- Grease accumulation occurs frequently
JET 708320 JWS-22CS Horsepower Shaper
If you’re starting on wood shaping business, you can’t go wrong with this fantastic product! Even if you’re a professional, you can still manage to work great with this unit. This JWS-22CS model from Jet is an excellent option for a good quality shaper.
It comes with1 ½ horsepower motor and a maximum RPM of 9,000. A combination of the two makes this product work well in most wood projects. From advanced projects to edge profiling- there’s nothing you can’t achieve with this one. You won’t even require high power to run this device. It can run for only 115 volts from a single-phase connection, which can be operated from any small workshop.
With this tool, you can choose the speed and torque according to the various cutter diameters and your requirement. It also comes with two router collets and interchangeable spindles that make the performance more efficient.
The solid cast-iron table and the steel stand adds to the unique design of the device. This table is useful for safe operation and projects while the stand keeps the motor clean. There is a micro-adjustment feature in the fence design of the device, which ensures better control.
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Pros:
- Speed and torque adjustment
- Runs at low power
- Aids in edge profiling
- The sophisticated design of the table and stand
- Well-functioning motor
Cons:
- The spindle lock system is not so efficient
SHOP FOX W1763 2-1/2-Horsepower Shaper
This is another great option to try from SHOP FOX if you’re looking for a suitable wood shaper for your projects. Like most of the shapers from their line, this one also comes with impeccable features.
An important feature of this product is the micro-adjustment feature included with the fence design. It increases the efficiency of the fence locks. There is a rustproof powder-coated design which makes the shaper quite long-lasting. At the end of the day, longevity is what matters the most to wood DIY enthusiasts.
The cutter guard is well-adjusted to the unit to ensure convenient handling of the product. There is a belt-drive included with the device. You can change it easily according to your necessity. This shaper also includes pedestal controls for comfortable use. These controls are what make the shaper unique and excellent in terms of quality and action.
With a ground cast-iron table, the shaper does a pretty solid job. The cuts are accurate and large enough with no uneven edges. Another great feature of the shaper is the ability to change spindle speeds. It makes the process faster and completes in a short time. So, if you’re a beginner, you’ll love this tool for your daily wood projects.
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Pros:
- Solid and durable construction
- Even and accurate cuts
- Interchangeable spindle speeds
- Safe and comfortable handling
- Micro-adjustment preset in fence locks
Cons:
- Fence assembling can turn out to be haphazard
Powermatic 1280102C PM2700 Shaper, 5HP 3PH 230/460V
This PM2700 Shaper comes with some excellent features to assist you in your regular wood related projects. It not only has a solid build but also comes with pretty sturdy characteristics to give a better performance.
The table included here is an extra-large 30″ x 40″ precision table made with ground cast-iron. So, the quality and longevity of the table are undoubtedly great. There is also a heavy-duty miter gauge included with the device that is equipped with aluminum support. The machine includes a cabinet and base as well as two lock handles. You can also find two M13 flat washers and four M10 lock washers assembled with the device.
There is a built-in integrated caster system in this unit, which can be used along with all directions. Additional features include a quick-release lever and aluminum fence. The lever is responsible for changing the belt and speed quickly. Meanwhile, the aluminum fence plays a role in locking the final position and using the micro-adjustment feature.
The PM2700 also possesses a powerful 5HP, 3PH, and 230-/460-volt motor for operation. This motor is adjusted with a two-speed pulley system, including a magnetic switch that offers resistance against power alterations. With such advanced features and premium quality, you can easily choose this model by Powermatic for your everyday purpose.
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Pros:
- Built-in caster system for better operation
- Well-developed ground cast-iron table
- Efficient and less time consuming
- Resists against power changes
- High-performance motor
Cons:
- Cleaning can be difficult
What to Look for Before Buying
Wood shapers are the most important tools required for DIY enthusiasts, carpenters, etc., because they can complete shaping wood pieces in no time effortlessly. You don’t have to care about accuracy or manual action when you’re this sophisticated tool. But not all wood shapers come with all the necessary features.
So, it is important to be acquainted with all the factors you must consider before making your final purchase. Here are some things you need to check before buying a wood shaper-
1. Motor Power
Wood shapers require high motor power to operate. So, the higher the power of the motor your machine is, the better performance it will serve during the shaping process.
So, when you’re shopping for a good quality wood shaper, make sure that your horsepower capacity ranges from 1-7 HP for the machine to run smoothly. It also depends on the job requirements as well. If you’re a beginner or want to try shaping for your DIY projects, 1HP will be sufficient for you. But if you want something for professional and large scale purposes, a horsepower of 3-7 is the one you should go for.
2. Table
A table is an important part of the wood shaper since it handles major portions of the shaping process. When you’re buying a wood shaper, the most important quality you should look for in a table is the width. How large a table is can affect a lot of your projects, especially when you’re shaping large cabinets and doors.
So, make sure that the table you’re going for is pretty large to accommodate most wood pieces. Another thing you should look for is the material and construction of the table. Tables with cast-iron construction can appear to be very durable and long-lasting for the shaper.
3. Lock System
If you’re a beginner, it is very important to learn the basics related to wood shaping. A safety lock is a basic component that you need to check before buying a wood shaper. You can also know it as a spindle lock. This feature is one of the most important ones that keep your shaper going at a good speed.
Wood shapers can cut into pieces regularly and evenly without any ragged edges due to this safety lock feature. This feature allows uniform cutting as well as maintaining the adjustment mechanism well.
So, when you’re thinking of getting a wood shaper, make sure that the lock system is intact and well-functioning. Without this feature, you can’t enjoy the strong finish of the wood project.
4. Spindle Sizes
Spindle sizes can vary to an extent for wood shapers. Choosing the correct size can help you cut through a thicker wood piece compared to one with the wrong size. So, when you’re buying a shaper, make sure that the size of the spindles is convenient enough for you to use.
Choose a spindle that can range from 3-6 inches in terms of length. This size is appropriate for cutting through most wood pieces without any uneven texture. Also, keep in mind that the diameter of the spindle should not exceed ½ to 1 ¼ inch inches. This accurate measurement will help you choose an ideal wood shaper in the market.
5. Dust Control
When you’re frequently working with wood, it is common to have a workshop full of wood bits and shards. Especially when you’re using a wood shaper, you can expect a lot of wood dust origination during the shaping process. This dust can cause harm to your health and can turn your working environment into a mess.
Since it is a continuous job, there is not enough scope to clean the dust every time you make a mess. This is why it is very important to get a shaper that comes with a dust collection port. A dust collection port can collect all the dust generated through sanding. You can easily connect it with a dust collection system or a vacuum compatible with the port and get rid of all the dust.
So, before buying a wood shaper, make sure your device comes with a port like this. Getting rid of all the dust can not only get rid of any particles that might harm your health but also keeps the workshop clean.
These attributes are very important before settling for a wood shaper. You can easily choose one worth your use and time based on these important features.
Conclusion
On the whole, it is evident that wood shapers can be very useful in the wood shaping business, especially if you’re just on the verge of starting out. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, it is always a tough choice to pick any one wood shaper which meets all the conditions. So, our complete review on individual brand shapers as well as their buying guide can assist you in finding the best wood shaper.