Popular Mechanics Overarm Pin Router

Ron309753 · Post by **Ron309753** » Thu Jul 03, 2008 9:34 pm

I Googled 'overarm router' just to see how ShopSmith’s price for the OPR compared against other manufacturers. They actually did quite well, but I also stumbled across an article that was written by Rosario Capotosto and published in the February 1997 issue of Popular Mechanics.
While the PM OPR isn’t nearly as sophisticated as ShopSmith’s it looks like it would be fun to build.

http://www.popularmechanics.com/home_jo ... 74466.html

gregf · Post by **gregf** » Fri Jul 04, 2008 10:01 am

I looked at the plans also but decided to by the SS arm after watching the Sawdust session videos.
Looking at the plans I didnt' see that there was a lock to prevent movement, like the SS has.

The way the arm integrates with the Shopsmith system makes it a great deal. Working both horizontal and vertical especially caught my attention.

charlese · Post by **charlese** » Fri Jul 04, 2008 11:07 pm

Ron309753 wrote:I Googled 'overarm router' just to see how ShopSmith’s price for the OPR compared against other manufacturers. They actually did quite well, but I also stumbled across an article that was written by Rosario Capotosto and published in the February 1997 issue of Popular Mechanics.
While the PM OPR isn’t nearly as sophisticated as ShopSmith’s it looks like it would be fun to build.

http://www.popularmechanics.com/home_jo ... 74466.html

Hi Ron! Looked at the "do it yourself project" and was really amazed to see that someone would build one of these things. The article was interesting (fascinating) however I have to think it really wouldn't be a FUN project in MY shop. Wow! Looking at the exploded diagram and parts list was mind bending!

As you found out through your research, many overhead routers are dedicated machines made for a single purpose, pin routing, although we could do edge routing and molding with some. This project machine would be the same, after making a special table.

Because the Shopsmith Overarm Router works in both the vertical and the horizontal position, it is truly a unique jig! To me the Shopsmith overarm router is the best thing I've come across since sliced bread! As Nick once said, It is the joint-maker re-visited. I've had a ball figuring out the varying adjustments and set-ups possible with my SS OPR and making my first dovetail joints with it. It has also become the very best mortise and tenon maker I've ever seen or used.

Are you thinking of buying a Shopsmith OPR?