This DIY bench stand converts a portable power plane into a simple straight-bladed shaper.

I made a wooden prototype in the spring of 1982.   It proved to be so successful that a permanent unit, with an aluminium frame and fence, followed later the same year.   However, it was difficult to set the blades at right angles to the table top with that version, and in 1988 I made a new stand.

Except for increasing the clearance for the shavings, no further modifications have been necessary.   In 2000, after 18 years of faithful service, I needed to replace the old B&D power plane, and found it is now obsolete so the stand was modified slightly to take a Bosch PHO 16 82.

In comparison...   only a spindle moulder, fitted with a cutter block carrying a pair of 80mm straight blades can compare with the shaper in the initial preparation of timber for a project. But that would cost a lot more than the £60 or so layout for a portable power plane and its bench mounted stand.

Why?   I was an apprentice in the days when coach and van body frameworks were constructed from English Ash. Being a witness to so much simple shaping, using straight bladed cutters, it was only natural for me to think of using a portable power plane mounted on a stand as a shaper.

There are few woodworkers who don't have several young children in the family circle.  They and their little friends make it worth making patterns and jigs for the most popular toys and producing them in batches of six.

The Shaper makes a perfect partner for a Router

Hint - Using hardwood and plywood construct a prototype to make sure the stand is suitable for use with your portable power plane.