JA Fay & Egan shaper question

[cubdriver55]

I am thinking of buying a JA Fay & Egan Co Lighting 552 wood shaper for making T & G flooring. Can anyone tell me what the value of this shaper would be?  Does anyone make a power feed that could be adapted to this machine? Wpuld I be better off with a different machine?  I have a Powermatic 26 shaper but it is just 2 hp and has a half inch shaft so I think it might be too small for the job.

[JV]

I don't have a personal experience with this particular model but most of those old machines are heavy and well built.  If the motor and bearings are in good shape, I don't see any particular problem.  I would think you could mount something like a Delta stock feeder on it without a lot work.  The 1 1/2" spindle is a plus for heavy heads.  From what I have seen in auction results, I would think $500-$600 range.  I have a 156 Lightning planer that I am going to restore, a real hunk of iron.  Unless they have been abused, these old machine are much heavier and more stabile than the new ones.