Opportunity vs Need

[Bill Adamsen]

A firm for whom I do contract work, is realigning their shop and offered me an older (1987) shaper they no longer need, that has more capability than what I currently have, but, arguably don't really need. It's a give-away, but with an 850kg machine (1900#), logistics are challenging and stressful, not to mention the downtime. I already have one 1-1/4" 6hp tilting shaper (four inch free) that I'm really just learning to use. Do I need a 10hp (6 inch tilting) of this size and age? SAC doesn't appear to be in business, so issues (currently none) would be problematic. I can't find the factory manual, that alone is troubling. It does come with a 1hp four roller power feed and the factory fence (the Aigner shown is not included).

[Bill Space]

First thought. Do you have the power supply available to power this beast? Probably three phase.

More always seems better but if the need is not there a pass may be prudent, however much doing so hurts...

Bill

[Larry Edgerton]

Do you have a tilt spindle machine now? If not, dump the one you have and snatch that one up. That is a very nice shaper that you will not outgrow, will most likely run whatever size cutters that you may ever need, and has a tilt spindle, a huge plus in my estimation.

These big shapers are not prone to breakage, so I would not be too concerned about that. This one looks to have been taken care of and does not look to be loaded down with electronics, and has both hoods. Running big cutters in a heavy machine is nice, no scary vibrations, and cuts that are as smooth as a babies bottom.

I would be all over that!

Larry

[Larry Edgerton]

Is that an Aigner fence on there?

[jack forsberg]

6" under the nut is nice i guess the price is the only thing to think about in your case. looks like a clean machine with 2 fences

[Bill Adamsen]

It has just the one fence/hood, but that's complete
It does not have the sliding table which was an accessory on these machines from SAC
The Aigner fence shown would not be included
I have a 10hp (Kay MA2) RPC
My other shaper is 1-1/4" tilt spindle (manual) with some tooling, (combination machine)

Is not having the sliding table a deal breaker? That's my big reservation. Is that limitation crippling?

[Tom M King]

If it was closer, I'd be glad to save you the trouble of having to deal with it.

[Peter Quinn]

It's hard to predict where your business will take you and pointless to look back at deals you passed on in regret. It's nice to have multiple shapers, but they come at a cost in terms of space and logistics. The obsolet situation doesn't scare me so much, most of the things likely to need attention on a machine like that are basic like bearings or bolts. It's a risk you take with older machines though. I'm in Connecticut and could put that machine to work tomorrow if I could convince my boss to buy it, He has had an eye out for a second production shaper and we have no tilter presently. Point is if it really doesn't work for you shouldn't be hard to move. In the same position I'd certainly have the urge to find a home for it.

[Bill Adamsen]

Peter ... pm me your number if you want to discuss.

[Steve Jenkins]

A number of years ago I bought a powermattic shaper with a 4wheel power feeder. I kept the feeder and sold the shaper for the same price I paid thus free feeder.

[Mike Heidrick]

That is an amazing machine. Id run not walk for it!

[Steve Rozmiarek]

C'mon Bill, this is a stealth gloat, yes???

[Jeff Duncan]

I don't need it, but I'd be all over it if the price was right! I haven't used any SAC machines but I believe they're pretty well built. If you decide to pass on it maybe you'd share the details with us? As I said, I don't need it, but depending on how you define "give away, it might be too good to pass up

good luck,
JeffD

[Bill Adamsen]

Just a short follow up ... Peter Q. ended buying the SAC 125 for $400 and I took the power feeder. Moving the beast was not without event! Never is. I purchased new rollers from Western (came in today) and have yet to set everything up. Glad this worked out and that another local and active "Creeker" was able to benefit.

[David Kumm]

Sac Seuri made great stuff. The build is often more like the SCMI Class models rather than nova. You won't regret it. Older shapers were very well built, better than today for the same price range. The bearings are usually bigger and better but do take some maintenance. Good fence and usually a heavier frame motor than you will find on current machines. you did well. Dave