JET 708319 JWS-18HO 1/2-Inch and 3/4-Inch Interchangeable Spindle 1 Horsepower Shaper with 1/4-Inch and 1/2-Inch Router Collets, 115/230-Volt 1 Phase

I got mine on "Special" when Jet was begining to change the paint on their machines from blue to white (mine is blue) and I paid $375 for it. Considering that at that time there were no such things as router lifts and the few good router tables availiable were nearly the same in cost, I got one heck of a deal.

But look at the Jet JWS-22CS if you are looking for a entry level shaper - for 50 bucks more you get extra power and a closed stand. The fence system is nearly identical (and of good design).

The JWS-18HO would make a lot more sense if Jet lowered it's price to the under $400 range. The same basic shaper but painted green and with 3/4 hp can also be found elsewhere for much less.


Not too small after all   June 30, 2002
 57 out of 57 found this review helpful

I originally wanted to buy a larger machine, but the 1.5 HP Jet was not available - so I opted for the 18HO (same spindle and travel spec.'s) and hoped it could get the job done. Was I surprised! I use 1/2 inch router bits for making RP doors and cabinet work, etc. mostly with 3/4 stock. The single horsepower motor breezes through anything I've tried. The slightly smaller table is not a problem - to work large panels any model needs add-on wings. I'm over 50 and have worked with machinery all my life - the Jet is well-made. Castings are free of scaling and voids, and the machining is right on. You can tell the QC folks at Jet earn their pay. I used the money I saved to buy high quality router bits. For home shop or small jobs this machine is plenty good and is vastly superior to a more expensive router table set-up.