Shaper Handbook

Rating:
Summary: Own a shaper?...get this book.
Review: Good book. Shapers appear to be simple and self-evident...a spindle sticking up through a table, bolt on a cutter, set the fence and pass some stock. Eric's book will have you understanding your shaper like you didn't think possible. I have Lonnie's book as well, and I like them both. Eric presents more detail, but Lonnie covers some topics not in this book (and vice versa). I suggest them both...it's not a huge expense.

Rating:
Summary: There must be a better shaper book.
Review: This is a book that is dryly technical and contains few helpful hints for hands-on woodworkers. Line drawings and black and white photos are in some cases difficult to understand. And as is typical with many British woodworking books it will be hard for Americans to follow. Spelching (tear out) and pressures (hold downs) are two of the terms that have to be determined from the context. It seems more suitable for a vocational school handbook than an introduction to the shaper for the here-and-now woodworker.