Customer Reviews

The Shaper Book

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Was a little disappointed with this one. I was hoping for "The" definitive Shaper book and what it is is an entry level primer. Almost everything in the book is from the author's experience, he has not searched other sources of information. Fortunately, he does have a good range of experience, so if you are starting out the book has a place....but a whole chapter on basic shaper profiles seems a bit of a waste

Excellent guide to the use of large shapers. Safety is stressed.
Obviously an old "Pro" because of all the tricks demonstrated to improve project outcome. Would recommend this book for the library of all serious woodworkers.

A well written, well organized introduction to the successful use of a powerful (and potentially dangerous)shop tool. Bird takes the user from principles to setup to most frequent uses of the tool. This a more comprehensive introduction than the operations manuals provided by most manufacturers.

This book provides a number of good, practical examples of proper ways to use a shaper (and keep one's fingers). A shaper is not just a big router table so requires so knowledge to use correctly. I've found this book bridges the gap between basic woodworking knowledge and being informed nicely. Easy to read. Easy to use as a reference. Thumbs (and fingers) up!

5 Stars all the way. If you are new to using a shaper or have been active with one for many years, you will find this book useful. Well written, thoughtful and pushes the envelope of what can be done with a shaper. A highly recommended read, especially for the new user.

A shaper is generally considered a commercial tool so it is nice to find informative instruction that a small shop owner can use. The book covers rudimentary functions of the shaper and can give one confidence to dust it off and put it to work. I especially appreciated the instructions and illustration for the shop-made fence and dust collection box used when cutting raised panels on the shaper. If you have a shaper sitting in the corner, put it to work and you will be pleased with the benefits over a router table.

An excellent and very helpful practical book on the use of shapers perfect for the beginner. In addition many of the jigs can be used with table routers.

The Shaper Book
This is an excellent guide to shapers and their evolution to and from routers. It provides woodworkers with instructions on the choice, use and mis use of shapers.
Everyone contemplating the purchase of shapers or routers should read this book first.

The Shaper Book is an excellent book. It should be called Shaper 101 because it is a basic course in shaping. If you are trying to decide between a shaper or a router table, this book is for you. This machine is more versatile than a router and it will also accept a router bit attachment, but remember both machines have their place.

This book will help you decide what to look for in a shaper before you buy.

I recently bought a shaper and quickly realized that a large panel cutter spinning at 7,000 rpms could put one's body parts in harm's way. The overall theme of this book is "safety first". After introducing the reader to basic shaper operation and cutter setup, the author successfully discusses the construction and use of various jigs that are used to enhance the safe operation of any shaper. As I read through the book, it became obvious that I wanted to build several of the jigs listed in the various chapters. As with any reference book, the true test comes in it's ability to provide useful information. This book will continue to provide me with tips and techniques each time I use my shaper. I highly recommend this book.