SS router table or stand alon

[harveydunn]

Newbie here, wondering about the ShopSmith as a router. Or is it wiser to have a stand alone table? I gather that there are two different tables, depending upon the age/upgrades of your machine.

I want to do a lot of router work. I haven't bought a SS yet - I'm scouring Craigs List.

Is the "pro" table so superior that it dictates that I really, really want a 520 so I can use it?

Also, I see that there is an Incra TS-LS for the Shopsmith. Can it be used with the router as well as the TS? There is a way to mount a router table on the wing of a contractor saw to allow one TS-LS to provide positioning for both. If you want that on a ShopSmith, do you have to buy the TS-LS and the The ULTIMATE Fence/Router System Package, which includes a second TS-LS for the router table?

And finally: is the "overarm pin router" a substitute for a router table, or is it intended to do different jobs.

And if you want to through in an explanation of what a shaper and molder are and how they compare and contrast to a router table, I'd be ever so grateful.

[Gene Howe]

Lots of good questions. Can only answer the last one.
"And if you want to through in an explanation of what a shaper and molder are and how they compare and contrast to a router table, I'd be ever so grateful."
A shaper operates much like a table mounted router for edge work and limited face molding. A true shaper will spin some fairly large profiles knives. Unless you are making large casings or need some large architectural profiles, a table mounted and a hand held router will accomplish most everything else. While not endless, the number and variations of profiles and types of router bits are far more extensive than available for a shaper.
A molder is a face shaping device. One for a table saw would mount on the motor shaft, much like a dado head or saw blade. Imagine a set of shaper knives mounted horizontally. There are single unit molders like the Belsaw and others. Just my opinion but, the Shopsmith MKV would not be a good machine on which to mount a moulder head. The Power pro could be better, though.

I assume you are planning to use the Incra positioner as both a saw fence and router fence. I have a similar setup made by Jointech (out of business). It's a game changer and the best thing I ever did. If all your questions are answered about the Incra positioner, and it is indeed possible to do what you want, I wouldn't hesitate.
BTW, you'll probably want another couple of hand held routers as well as the one in a table. Routers are an addiction. As Norm was quoted (not sure if it was accurate) "You need a router for every bit. Saves time."

[dusty]

I have the Router Table (555995) that comes with the Pro Fence Router Table System. I have it installed on Power Station and find this to be a very adequate set up.

I would, however, NOT make a purchase decision without having your Mark V in place. The Router Table that I reference is usable only in conjunction with a Main Table that is equipped with 520 Table Rails.

It is not inexpensive so you don't want to invest only to have to create a kludge set up in order to use it.

Besides, a router table is not all that difficult to "create" and would make an excellent shop improvement project after you are up and running.

I suggest you concentrate on getting your Mark V in place first. I would also recommend either a 510 or 520.

[fjimp]

Your questions are great and the answers already received are thoughtful as well. I own one of the router table tops you mentioned and haven't used it in years. I found it adequate but requiring very careful set up which was time consuming. I now have and use almost daily a dedicated router table with an LS system from Incra. I also have and use an over arm pin router system from Shopsmith which I also use regularly. as well as multiple additional routers both large and small. A table mounted router means your stock is being cut below and out of sight. The OPR allows one to see the cut while it occurs. The LS fence system is terrific and allows infinate control over set up as well as some sawdust control. My preference is being able to see the cuts as they are being made, thus the OPR is first choice. Over the last few months I have used all of my routers a fair amount and depending on job requirements used each system. I will never return to using the shopsmith mounted table as I am limited in what I can wrestle by hand. One day I will part with that table. As to the TS system sold by Shopsmith, I have one and use it for cabinet work assuming I will make the same cut several times. There is no question it offers superior accuracy and repeatability. Jim

[harveydunn]

OK, I guess that is a pretty strong vote in favor of the stand-alone router table!

Now that I've thought about it a bit, makes sense: since I have to supply my own router anyway, what would be the possible argument in favor of hanging the table off the SawSmith, given that I don't need to connect to its power plant? Save a bit of space, I guess...and if I could share an LS positioner between the TS and RT, I guess that would be a money saving as opposed to buying two.

I'm going to a SS demo next month so I should be able to do a better job of visualizing these things. In the meantime, I'm pretty clueless. Are the overarm pin router, the molder and the shaper all using the drill press?

[chris jay]

I have a router table that I clamp to the table and use that. I made some large curved moulding using the SS. It worked great because it was able to sling the large bit at a safe speed

[JPG]

OK, I guess that is a pretty strong vote in favor of the stand-alone router table!

Now that I've thought about it a bit, makes sense: since I have to supply my own router anyway, what would be the possible argument in favor of hanging the table off the SawSmith, given that I don't need to connect to its power plant? Save a bit of space, I guess...and if I could share an LS positioner between the TS and RT, I guess that would be a money saving as opposed to buying two.

I'm going to a SS demo next month so I should be able to do a better job of visualizing these things. In the meantime, I'm pretty clueless. Are the overarm pin router, the molder and the shaper all using the drill press?

The over arm pin router is like a drill press, but uses a router.

The shaper and molder may use the drill press mode, but use the ss headstock.

There have been different versions of 'router table/opr/ss mount router table. Confusion is understandable.

[charlese]

...
And finally: is the "overarm pin router" a substitute for a router table, or is it intended to do different jobs.

An Overarm Pin Router (OPR) can be used as a pin router ro make exact copies of stuff, or can be used as a regular router, only above the table instead of below it.

In addition to vertical, the OPR can be used in horizontal mode. This make the unit very versatile - especially with the extra tables shown in the Sawdust Sessions.

If you wish to learn more about the OPR, I suggest you look at this -- http://www.shopsmithacademy.com/Sawdust_Sessions.htm and view the Overarm router sessions in #2, #3, #4, #5, #7, and #8. Also read and look at the on line manual for use of OPR. http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/prod ... Router.pdf