Thread: Douglas Shaper original guards

Hi Joe, I will put my hand up for Gary as he was asking about them a while back on here to complete his. I will send him a PM now to let him know and he can contact you about them.
https://www.woodworkforums.com/member...garry-edwards/

Dave

Nice of you to consider other members here, Dave.
Garry has already been in touch. He has first option.
Cheers,
Joe

Can I ask

Why are these Douglas/Hercus shapers so popular . Seems that most forum members here have one ..except me Is it their compact size ?

I think they are popular because they are small in size. They are only a couple of hundred kilo's so easy to move around and ship.
It also seems there are a lot around as I think plenty where made.

As for there working side of things they are small and a bit slow compared to the slightly larger ones, but they do the job fine. If you want one, keep your eye out as they seem to come in waves, either there are plenty available for reasonable prices, or there are none around and people sell them for top dollar.

Dave

Originally Posted by jhovel

Nice of you to consider other members here, Dave.
Garry has already been in touch. He has first option.
Cheers,
Joe

No problem Joe, I would do it for you anyone here if I know there looking for something. Good to hear Gary has got a hold of them.

Dave

Originally Posted by morrisman

Can I ask

Why are these Douglas/Hercus shapers so popular . Seems that most forum members here have one ..except me Is it their compact size ?

For me it is the fact that tooling is cheap, it can do/make most things a mill can (including a round hole or shaft), gears, sprockets splines, easier to set up for a flat surface. They are aussie made, we had one at trade school (sentimental I guess). Compact, great size for the home workshop. Oh yeah, dovetails as well. Don't get me started on the mesmerising effects of just watching it (therapy is available)
I could go on Mike

Phil

Originally Posted by jhovel

Hi again.
My 'under-drive' mod has been successful and the rest of the machine is coming back together - all bits taken off getting a spit and polish before going back on.

Hi Joe,
Have you put the motor in the base? Any chance some photos?

Jordan

Originally Posted by nadroj

Hi Joe,
Have you put the motor in the base? Any chance some photos?

Jordan

Here you go Jordan,
https://www.woodworkforums.com/f65/sh...ml#post1510302

Dave

Ok so I see that there are variations in them. Which type would be the best ? Some have plain bearings, are these less sought after or less valuable ?

The later Hercus copies . Are these better ?


found a manual http://www.bbssystem.com/manuals/Douglas-Shaper.pdf

Mike

Yep, we found that 'manual' a while back. It is a parts list. After all our searching and research it seem now likely that a user or maintenance manual was never printed - or they have all disappeared....
Joe

Originally Posted by Dave J

Here you go Jordan,
https://www.woodworkforums.com/f65/sh...ml#post1510302

Dave

Thanks Dave,
That does indeed look like a worthwhile modification. As well as space saving, it should be quite a bit neater.
Have you or Joe finished? Any negatives with it?

Jordan

Hello Jordan,

Any chance of a few photos showing how Hercus mounted the motor and associated drive on the 270?

Bob.

Here's some photos of the Douglas/Hercus 270 shaper.
There's another, earlier Douglas next to it.

Jordan

Hi
I don't know about the shaper (bit small if you ask me.....) But that swage block looks like a beauty!
Seriously though, that shaper must be pretty late is it? i have never seen a small one with a gearbox.