Motor for Overarm Pin Router?

pauls · Post by **pauls** » Fri May 25, 2012 8:58 pm

I have just bought the overarm pin router and need to get a router motor to fit it. What are a good brand and model to use with my Shopsmith overarm? Does it make sense just to buy the motor?

Also, since most routers have their on/off switches in the handles, what is a good arrangement for electrical power for the overarm?

fjimp · Post by **fjimp** » Fri May 25, 2012 9:15 pm

pauls wrote:I have just bought the overarm pin router and need to get a router motor to fit it. What are a good brand and model to use with my Shopsmith overarm? Does it make sense just to buy the motor?

Also, since most routers have their on/off switches in the handles, what is a good arrangement for electrical power for the overarm?

I currently own several routers. Three of which are the Porter Cable 890 series. I really like the the 895 as it is the most complete package. I have bought one that is the complete router without the extra's. I am fortunate enough to have a dedicated OPR mounted on a shorty as well as a dedicated under table router set up from Incra. Both of these set ups use the Porter Cable 890 series routers which are mounted full time. I almost failed to mention one feature with the 890 series routers is that the have a switch on the top and another on the side. For OPR work that top switch is all that is needed. I also have two routers I use only for free standing work. One is a Porter Cable 895 and my all time favorite for small work is a Bosch Palm Router. Good luck getting the OPR set up. I truly love that tool. As I age I find being able to see what I am doing is a real plus. Jim

damagi · Post by **damagi** » Fri May 25, 2012 10:16 pm

fjimp wrote:I currently own several routers. Three of which are the Porter Cable 890 series. I really like the the 895 as it is the most complete package. I have bought one that is the complete router without the extra's. I am fortunate enough to have a dedicated OPR mounted on a shorty as well as a dedicated under table router set up from Incra. Both of these set ups use the Porter Cable 890 series routers which are mounted full time. I almost failed to mention one feature with the 890 series routers is that the have a switch on the top and another on the side. For OPR work that top switch is all that is needed. I also have two routers I use only for free standing work. One is a Porter Cable 895 and my all time favorite for small work is a Bosch Palm Router. Good luck getting the OPR set up. I truly love that tool. As I age I find being able to see what I am doing is a real plus. Jim

890 is a good choice because of the spindle lock. thats what i use

charlese · Post by **charlese** » Sat May 26, 2012 1:42 am

Also recommend the PC 890. As for buying only the motor - You might want to do that if you can find one, but the router bases can be used with the motor giving more diversity.

reible · Post by **reible** » Sat May 26, 2012 4:31 am

Hi,

I think you will love your new OPR. You will need a router that is basically just the motor as that is the only version that will mount. In most cases you will find this type of router will have a top switch.

Routers are pretty much a personal thing and how you feel about the grips and switch positions, adjustments etc. If you plan to dedicate a router to just the OPR then that is different then just having a router that will be used for all your routing needs.

I have the older OPR, it has a locations in the table for a router as well as in the upper arm. I picked Hitachi M12VC for both routers and I keep them mounted there. I also have 2 more of them plus additional bases and they are my go to routers for things. I personally find this router to be my kind of router and they are especially quiet another plus. I have I think 16 routers now, sometimes it gets to be hard to remember for some reason, most likely old age.

Amazon sells them so take a look here:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002Z ... d_i=507846

That is a lot of router for $114 and free shipping but if you shop around you might even find it cheaper.

BTW I have nothing bad to say about the PC choice, just want you to know about yet another way to go.

Ed

Gene Howe · Post by **Gene Howe** » Sat May 26, 2012 10:43 am

As suggested, PC 890. You can't go wrong with this nice little motor.

rlkeeney · Post by **rlkeeney** » Sun May 27, 2012 7:48 am

You can get the Hatachi M12VC here for $85.

I've bought lots of refurbished Hatachi tools from BigSky Tools. I've never been disappointed. They sell other brands as well.