Router & Shaper Difference

Bit Size

• Router bits are comparatively smaller than shaper cutters. Shaper cutters therefore remove a larger quantity of wood per cut. Bits and cutters are collectively referred to as tooling.

Power

• A shaper needs mores power than a router due to larger tooling. A three-horsepower shaper motor provides more torque than a three-horsepower router motor.

Cost

• The larger, more powerful shaper often costs hundreds of dollars more than a router. Furthermore, cutters for a shaper run higher than router bits.

Versatility

• A router can operate mounted on a table and as a hand-held device. The shaper remains stationary and operates only as a table device.