Overarm Pin Router

[rhfletcher]

Does any of you have and use or have used the overarm pin router? I would like your opInion as I am thinking about getting one when they become available again. Thanks.

[dusty]

WOW, I didn't know that it was not available.

http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/cata ... router.htm

[nuhobby]

I have the Mark-x-mount Overarm Pin Router. I do like it a lot and I have a dedicated station for it. I bought it about 6 years ago. I'm not sure if they've decided to halt it temporarily, or strategically they think the Mk 7 system now obsoletes it. But the plunge ability is more convenient than that available in the PowerPro headstock.

Chris

[Gene Howe]

I have the free standing model and I love it. It can do things not possible with the router table or hand held.
I wouldn't buy the unit that attaches to the Shopsmith because of the way I work.

[reible]

I too have the free standing model with the capability of having both an over head router and a in the table router and using either as the "pin" location. There are advantages with this system but it takes up more room in the shop. It also is lacking some of the capabilities of the shopsmith mounted version as you do not have a tilting top.

I wonder what the issues are that have it status listed "not currently available". I actually have one on my wish list but it is way down the list so the current status doesn't mean much to me.

Having a pin router has always been a dream of mine, they are extremely useful and versatile. I had to wait a lot of years to get mine, missed it when shopsmith sold them but got a used one off ebay. I never regretted the purchase of the system I have and got plenty of use out of it. One of the favorite tools in my shop.

Ed

[charlese]

Yes, I have one and use it often. One of the features not often lauded is horizontal routing.

Lately, I used it to rout a 5 degree angle for the joints of the back legs, on the seat of a rocker I'm building. The alternatives were an 85 degree router bit or a back saw. the OPR was a lot easier for me.

Here's a couple posts that show work done with an OPR: http://www.shopsmith.com/ss_forum/viewt ... 469#p40469

http://www.shopsmith.com/ss_forum/viewt ... 973#p63973

[rhfletcher]

Thank you all for your responses. Customer Service advised that the OPR may be available in July.

[stephen_a._draper]

I spoke with customer service today. The vendor who used to make the overarm pin router item #555970 lost the blue prints for them so unless Shopsmith can find a set they will not be offering it again.

[charlese]

That's terrible news Seems Shopsmith should have kept a set of blueprints. All they need is to call on some of their old employees to find them.

[ChrisNeilan]

You would think that it could be reversed engineered! Lost? REALLY? Who, in the real world, should be held accountable?