I'm considering buying a shaper and using it as both a router and shaper. I've been over some info about routers vs shapers and I understand that the shaper spins at a lower rotation speed and that I will probably need to buy larger diameter router bits or more expensive shaper bits to compensate. As a shaper, I will use it to make picture frames, and panels for cabinets and doors. So now we get to my questions
1) I've heard people talk about safety issues with shapers that people don't seem to worry about with routers (e.g. buying fancy feeders). Is this simply some people being more safety conscious or is there a fundamental difference between the tools that I'm not aware of? Please distinguish between using the shaper as a shaper vs using the shaper as a router. For instance is it just because shaper bits are bigger and tend to be more violent?
2) The two models I'm looking at are the new Jet 2HP vs the older Jet 3HP. I notice that they cost about the same. Does anyone know any compelling reason to buy the 2HP model?
Thanks for the help,
Jonathan