How to Install Wood Shaper Bits

Wood shapers are the big brothers to router tables. Like routers, shapers form wood into products such as moldings or raised panels. Shapers have motors ranging from two to five horsepower. Because of the machines' physical size and power, shapers are more common in professional workshops . Shapers use cutters that slide over a spindle; a router uses bits inserted into a collet. Consult each shaper's owner's manual for for bit installation instructions.

Things You'll Need

• Shaper owner's manual
• Box wrench set

Instructions

1. Unplug the shaper from its outlet. This prevents the machine from starting accidentally.

2. Remove the cutter guard to access the spindle. Move the fence away from the cutter. Loosen the locking knobs, then push the fence backward.

3. Raise the spindle to its full height. Rotate the spindle height adjustment wheel clockwise. This wheel is on the front of the shaper.

4. Lock the spindle. Consult your shaper's owner's manual for the proper spindle-locking procedures.

5. Set the cutter on the spindle. Ensure that the cutter knives face the right feed direction. Do not install the cutter upside down.

6. Place the stacking collars on the spindle.

7. Place the safety washer and nut on the spindle. Tighten the nut with a box wrench while keeping the spindle locked.

8. Unlock the spindle and move the fence back into position. Reinstall the cutter guard.

9. Plug the shaper into its outlet.

Tips & Warnings

• Shaper cutters are sharp. Handle them with care.

References

• Pro Woodworking Tips.com: The Wood Shaper
• WoodShaper.org: Wood Shaper Cutters
• Powermatic: Wood Shaper: Model 29: Instruction Manual & Parts List: Installing Cutters