Photo Index - Delta Specialty/Delta Mfg. Co./Delta-Rockwell/Rockwell Intl. - 43-120

Machinery Photo Index

Manufactured/Badged by:
Delta Specialty/Delta Mfg. Co./Delta-Rockwell/Rockwell Intl.
Milwaukee, WI; Jackson, TN; Tupelo, MS

Machine Specifications
Machine Class:	Wood Working Machinery
Machine Type:	Shaper, Wood
Machine Size:	Light Duty
Submitted By:	William Pierce

Machine Specifications
Description/Model:	43-120
Date of Manufacturer:	1970s(?)
Serial Number:	JR2667 (View SN Registry Entry)
Last Updated	9/25/2006 12:33:31 PM

Comments:

Following are photos of a Rockwell light duty shaper which I acquired in good condition but in need of cleaning, rust removal, repainting, and a new cord. The bearings were satisfactory, and the original special spindle pulley was in place. This appears to be much the same as the old Delta Homecraft Model 43-110 except for a more powerful (1 hp vs. 1/2 hp) motor, the reversing switch integrated into the motor vs. a separate box and lever, and plain steel vs. the earlier cast iron legs under the table. If any reader knows of other differences, please advise.

I acquired the shaper to supplement a good router table, specifically for running large panel raising and cope and stick cutters, and even this small shaper with its induction motor is superior for those purposes to the 3 1/4 hp table-mounted router. The shaper also is more suitable for long molding runs involving medium-diameter cutters.

This machine does have some shortcomings, but those can be mitigated. First, the stand comprises large sheet metal panels which amplify the noise of the machine. With the lower plywood shelf and a second shelf added since the photos were shot, along with some rubber between machine and stand, much of the noise has been curtailed. Second, because the machine on the stand is top heavy, it will tip altogether too easily in my opinion. I solved this problem by mounting the shaper on a mobile base with the wheels projecting toward the rear of the stand. Finally, the table opening is not large enough for today's large horizontal bits. At the suggestion of a magazine writer, I built a laminate-covered auxiliary table with a 5" hole. This has rims that fit the factory table tightly. It's 1/2" thick, and there is an additional 1/4" thick spacer which can be installed beneath the auxiliary table when needed. You will note that the fence faces are new and that they include four holes. This is to allow for cutter diameters from the smallest to the largest available.

I spent a rainy weekend building a dust collection box around the fence as well as a separate dust collection unit for freehand rub collar (no fence) use. Where possible, safety guards have been incorporated. These fittings and the auxiliary table take advantage of factory holes in the shaper table and the fence. No modification whatever has been made to the machine itself.

Photo 1:

Comments:
Source:

Direct Link
IMG Code

Photo 2:

Comments:
Source:

Direct Link
IMG Code

Photo 3:

Comments:
Source:

Direct Link
IMG Code