Router Chuck and Bits

tgamel · Post by **tgamel** » Mon Jun 11, 2012 4:31 am

I have been taking inventory of everything that came with the Mark V 500 that I purchased a few days back. I found a 1/2" router chuck and a set of router bits all still in the plastic shipping tubes (see attached pic). I do not see any clear plastic router guard/shield like shown on SS's web site. As all of these parts were bought new in 1983 and never used, I am not sure if SS make a router guard/shield back then.

Anyone have any experience using the router bits without the guard/shield? Not sure how safe it would be to use the router bits without the shield in the overhead fashion such as the Mark V as opposed to an under the table router setup. I persoanlly have not seen many under the table routers that have shields or guards. I was thinking about purchasing a 1/4" router chuck from SS and did not know if it was worth it to purchase the package with the chuck and shield or just get the 1/4" chuck.

Curious as to what you guys use when routing with the Mark V, and do you like using the shield/guard attachment? Thanks

dickg1 · Post by **dickg1** » Mon Jun 11, 2012 6:19 am

Todd,
I have frequently used the router and do not use the shield.
Dick

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Mon Jun 11, 2012 9:13 am

dickg1 wrote:Todd,
I have frequently used the router and do not use the shield.
Dick

Shield is a fairly recent item. Did not use one for decades. Shield does get in the way of seeing the bit cutting.

Like all other protective shields, they are safer, but can get in the way.

I think you will feel better having one. That allows you to determine whether to use it depending upon the task at hand.

beeg · Post by **beeg** » Mon Jun 11, 2012 10:56 am

This is the guard that I have and use.
http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/cata ... shield.htm

Soon after I bought it, they came out with this one.
http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/cata ... oguard.htm

swampgator · Post by **swampgator** » Mon Jun 11, 2012 3:45 pm

I have used the router several times and the shield is in the way for good visibility. But, I use it anyway. It is pictured in my 1983 book. It may have been new then, but I purchased one off eBay for about $15. Also, bought used chucks and they work well. Next ones will be from the factory to support them. If someone has one for sale and no bidders, then it's pretty good bet you'll get a good deal unless the seller runs up the price in the last few hours. Then you leave it on them. Sometimes, I suspect the sellers run up the price, outbid me and after the session is over, they'll contact me with my last bid. My recommendation is to bid no more than 1/2 the Shopsmith price. The shipping cost is basically a wash as you'll pay at least as much as Shopsmith uses the overpriced FedEx. JMHO

tgamel · Post by **tgamel** » Mon Jun 11, 2012 4:26 pm

beeg wrote:This is the guard that I have and use.
http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/cata ... shield.htm

Soon after I bought it, they came out with this one.
http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/cata ... oguard.htm

The flip up shield might be the way to go if I decide to just buy the shield. However if I decide to get 1/4" chuck, may just go ahead and get the combo pack.I have only used a router on a homemade router table so never have a guard and of course it was an under the table design. I just was not sure if there was any specific reason you might need a guard/shield with an overhead router versus an under the table one.

tgamel · Post by **tgamel** » Mon Jun 11, 2012 4:34 pm

JPG40504 wrote:Shield is a fairly recent item. Did not use one for decades. Shield does get in the way of seeing the bit cutting.

Like all other protective shields, they are safer, but can get in the way.

I think you will feel better having one. That allows you to determine whether to use it depending upon the task at hand.

Yea, not going to be routing very much and cannot see buying a router at this time if I can do simple routing with the Mark V. After all having a multi-tool was part of the reason for buying a SS.

dan1999 · Post by **dan1999** » Tue Jun 12, 2012 1:19 pm

Todd, I have had my original Shopsmith since 1987 and while I love it do not under estimate the value of the router to me that is one of the most useful tools in the shop next to the table saw. The versatility of the router is remarkable and this is from someone who didn't use a router until around 2001 I am still amazed at the things I can do and the things I haven't done yet, and then when you get to be in love with the router make yourself an under the table router table with a router lift. Then you really get into some interesting stuff. The router table I made was from a design from ShopNotes magazine I will post a picture of it sometime soon. I like the router option on the Shopsmith both as a pin router and as an under the table router especially the ability to lower the speed, but the independent router table to me is better. Just my opinion people.

Dan

tgamel · Post by **tgamel** » Tue Jun 12, 2012 4:44 pm

dan1999 wrote:Todd, I have had my original Shopsmith since 1987 and while I love it do not under estimate the value of the router to me that is one of the most useful tools in the shop next to the table saw. The versatility of the router is remarkable and this is from someone who didn't use a router until around 2001 I am still amazed at the things I can do and the things I haven't done yet, and then when you get to be in love with the router make yourself an under the table router table with a router lift. Then you really get into some interesting stuff. The router table I made was from a design from ShopNotes magazine I will post a picture of it sometime soon. I like the router option on the Shopsmith both as a pin router and as an under the table router especially the ability to lower the speed, but the independent router table to me is better. Just my opinion people.

Dan

A few years back I remember watching the guys on "Router Workshop" do some amazing things with an under the table router. Always wanted to buy one, but never did. Since the Mark V I bought has a router chuck and bits, thought I would experiment with it a bit....I may eventually buy and router and build a router table if I found myself using it a lot.

charlese · Post by **charlese** » Tue Jun 12, 2012 9:35 pm

tgamel wrote:A few years back I remember watching the guys on "Router Workshop" do some amazing things with an under the table router. Always wanted to buy one, but never did. Since the Mark V I bought has a router chuck and bits, thought I would experiment with it a bit....I may eventually buy and router and build a router table if I found myself using it a lot.

Your planned experimentation sounds good. routing with the Mark V (belt driven style) will work. Best to start with smaller bits. Remember the wood goes from left to right with the above table configuration, as opposed to right to left for an under table operation.

With a straight router bit in the MarkV in horizontal position - you will have a super mortise maker.