ShopSmith Routing System

barbandrob · Post by **barbandrob** » Thu Jun 19, 2008 1:34 pm

Hi folks -

I am getting a ShopSmith Routing System, which is the discontinued forebearer of the current Overarm Pin Router. The SS Routing System is a stand-alone machine and is capable of being fitted with a router motor either vertically above or below the table. The stand and arm mechanism are in fine shape, but the table itself appears to be a homemade deal made of crud plyboard that has been exposed to some weather and has some raising of the grain (I'm working from pictures - have not seen this animal in person yet). In any event, the table is nothing to write home about, even in it's construction (not much versatility or user-friendly features).

My question is this - does anyone know if the current incarnation of the OPR table, with all it's bells and whistles, can be retrofitted to the SS Routing System stand? If so, how much am I looking at spending for the thing and what do I have to go through to get it done? Additionally, how hard would it be for me (a total neophyte) to make a real, quality table with all the bells and whistles for myself?

Any input is appreciated. Take it easy,

ldh · Post by **ldh** » Thu Jun 19, 2008 11:07 pm

barbandrob,
Post some pics of what you have to work with and I and I am sure others will share information with you. I have a couple of the stand-a-lone OPRs and frankly with a Mark V you can produce just about any kind of table you want.
If you need the SS manual for the OPR you will find it in PDF on the SS site.
ldh

seajay62 · Post by **seajay62** » Fri Jun 20, 2008 12:42 am

I also have just received the discontinued single post overarm router. See attachment for a picture from a similar unit except that I do not have the bracket on the main post. According to customer service, since it is a discontinued product, nothing is available for it - no manuals, no parts, etc. except those parts that may be common to the new model. However, according to my Hands On Fall 1987 issue, "As with all Shopsmith products, the Shopsmith Router Arm is covered by...a lifetime reconditioning program." That doesn't seem to be a true statement any longer.

I have looked at the SS site and picked up some info but would like to get hold of information to build a table. From what Barb wrote, she needs some table info as well. Also, I did not receive the bracket to connect the 2 3/4 inch post to the table. Does anyone have any suggestions as to where to get a bracket or modify something to make it work?

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Regards,
Joe

barbandrob · Post by **barbandrob** » Fri Jun 20, 2008 12:57 am

Attached is the only picture I have of my unit. I don't pick it up until next Thursday. Let me know what you think.

Thanks!

sswoodworker48 · Post by **sswoodworker48** » Fri Jun 20, 2008 9:39 am

Joe,

Take a look at Barb's picture. You'll see that you do have the bracket to attach the column to the base. What you don't have is the rectangular base that the table and column attach to.

Here is a former forum member's pictures of his OPR that will give you a much better understanding of the complete system:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/12199425@N ... 718316398/

Ed used to post here but has chosen not to any longer. He is a wonderful teacher and his posts are greatly missed by many of us.

Barb,

There were two table types on the old OPR. What you are getting is the original design. Looks like it is missing the fence or maybe just not installed when the picture was taken. The newer table is laminate covered MDF and much more versatile. The plywood table is mounted such that it will slide front to back to provide adjustable set up. Regardless, looks like you got a good one. Check your PM. I sent you a message.

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Fri Jun 20, 2008 10:12 am

I have just viewed the photos referenced in sswoodworker48's post. Looking at these, it appears that this system is designed to function as either a pin router or as an under table router. I also came to the conclusion looking at the pictures posted by mtobey.

Is this a correct conclusion.

seajay62 · Post by **seajay62** » Fri Jun 20, 2008 10:17 am

Rick,

That is not a picture of my unit. I used it to explain what I have and do not have. I only have the arm and post and do NOT have the bracket at the bottom of the post. Sorry if the picture was mis-leading. My call for help is still there. Thanks.

Regards,
Joe

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Fri Jun 20, 2008 10:23 am

seajay62 wrote: According to customer service, since it is a discontinued product, nothing is available for it - no manuals, no parts, etc. except those parts that may be common to the new model.

However, according to my Hands On Fall 1987 issue, "As with all Shopsmith products, the Shopsmith Router Arm is covered by...a lifetime reconditioning program." That doesn't seem to be a true statement any longer.

Regards,
Joe

Joe;

I believe the lifetime reconditioning warranty to which you refer is for the Mark V only and does not extend to all products marketed by Shopsmith.

Shopsmith may offer this warranty on others products but I don't believe I have ever seen that so stated.

Furthermore, I believe that warranties such as this apply only to original owners.

Please correct me, anyone, if I am wrong.

sswoodworker48 · Post by **sswoodworker48** » Fri Jun 20, 2008 10:47 am

Dusty,

You're correct. The newer design table included a table insert to which a router can be mounted so that under table routing can be done also. There are inserts, as Ed shows in picture DSCF1537, that are used for pin routing. The insert for under table routing can be seen in DSCF1530. I haven't had a chance to use mine much yet but did do one quick overarm job. Great system. The SS mounted one does have the advantage of being able to do horizontal routing, though.

Joe,

Sorry, you're right.... You did say that was not your's in the picture. Good luck finding the bracket. Anything you might fabricate would need to be somewhat beefy and solid to hold the column steady and true.

barbandrob · Post by **barbandrob** » Fri Jun 20, 2008 11:08 am

Wow, Rick, thanks so much for the link to Ed's pictures. Those pics really show the machine off in it's true glory. THAT's what I want! LOL The chances of me finding the newer table by itself are pretty slim, though and the new Mark V mounted OPR doesn't have the under table insert, unfortunately, so buying that table would cut the machine's intended utility in half. It's looking more and more like I'm going to have to make one myself. If anyone has or can come up with a plan for building a table for this beast, I would be forever grateful, since I have NO (zero) clue what I'm doing. Joe would probably appreciate it too, even though I'm quite sure he's got plenty more clue than I.

I don't have to worry about the horizontal routing, because I'm picking up a Joint-Matic from the same folks...

Crossing my fingers and begging for a really clever person who desperately wants to figure out the perfect table plans for me and Joe...,

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