510 Routing/Shaping

[lilgodwin]

I looked around and didn't see it mentioned anywhere. With the Mark 7 touting the ability to do overhead routing and under the table shaping, I don't see how it's not possible with the other models.

I don't intend to come across as though I really know much of what I'm talking about. I'm sure there's a simple explanation, but I haven't come across it yet. Can someone explain?

The only issue I see is that it looks like those functions (or maybe just one) require the double tilt feature. And instead of spending the ~$400 for the upgrade, couldn't I just turn the headstock around?

Seems silly I'm sure. Just trying to learn about my "new" machine and it's capabilities and limitations. Thanks!

[chucks]

I looked around and didn't see it mentioned anywhere. With the Mark 7 touting the ability to do overhead routing and under the table shaping, I don't see how it's not possible with the other models.
Can someone explain?

The only issue I see is that it looks like those functions (or maybe just one) require the double tilt feature. And instead of spending the ~$400 for the upgrade, couldn't I just turn the headstock around?

The other function that you did not mention was the reversible motor on the Mark 7

[algale]

I looked around and didn't see it mentioned anywhere. With the Mark 7 touting the ability to do overhead routing and under the table shaping, I don't see how it's not possible with the other models.
Can someone explain?

The only issue I see is that it looks like those functions (or maybe just one) require the double tilt feature. And instead of spending the ~$400 for the upgrade, couldn't I just turn the headstock around?

The other function that you did not mention was the reversible motor on the Mark 7

Yes, I believe it is possible to convert a standard Mark V to under table routing/shaping if you remove the headstock and carriage, and remount the headstock first and backwards.

To compensate for a lack of reversible motor, just feed from the opposite direction.

While possible, it is still impractical because it obviously is not a convenient thing to do every time you want to route or shape. Now, if you wanted to dedicate a second Shopsmith to this set up, that's another story. And I think your intro post said you somehow ended up with two (Shopsmiths apparently are like potato chips and sometimes I feel like I'm the only Forum member with just one).

By the way, most will tell you the standard Mark V headstock is a little slow for routing. It works, just slow your feed rate to compensate. Not a huge deal if you aren't in a big hurry.

[JPG]

I looked around and didn't see it mentioned anywhere. With the Mark 7 touting the ability to do overhead routing and under the table shaping, I don't see how it's not possible with the other models.
Can someone explain?

The only issue I see is that it looks like those functions (or maybe just one) require the double tilt feature. And instead of spending the ~$400 for the upgrade, couldn't I just turn the headstock around?

The other function that you did not mention was the reversible motor on the Mark 7

INSERTED by JPG in the wrong place
Yes the headstock flip(along with the carriage flip and a few other flips) will work. A reversible motor would be a plus.

Among the additional flips is the reconfiguration of the table height and carriage lock to the 'back side'(that is where the headstock controls will now be located.
END wrong place
Yes, I believe it is possible to convert a standard Mark V to under table routing/shaping if you remove the headstock and carriage, and remount the headstock first and backwards.

To compensate for a lack of reversible motor, just feed from the opposite direction.

While possible, it is still impractical because it obviously is not a convenient thing to do every time you want to route or shape. Now, if you wanted to dedicate a second Shopsmith to this set up, that's another story. And I think your intro post said you somehow ended up with two (Shopsmiths apparently are like potato chips and sometimes I feel like I'm the only Forum member with just one).

By the way, most will tell you the standard Mark V headstock is a little slow for routing. It works, just slow your feed rate to compensate. Not a huge deal if you aren't in a big hurry.

[lilgodwin]

Thanks for the replies. In no way was I planning on keeping both. I was happy with the first one until I got such a great deal on the second, and it's newer and in much better shape. But I think my mind has been quickly changed. I won't be selling either until I go through them both and make sure they're in good enough shape for continued use. But as of right now, I'm planning on keeping both.

[WildHorseHans]

All you need is a speed increaser. That doubles the speed of the headstock and allows the router or shaper bit to be under the table. New they are like $280.00 and can be found used for around $100.00 or less.

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

[lilgodwin]

Thanks for the heads up. I didn't know that was a thing, but I'll certainly keep an eye out for one in the SoCal area. I'm also looking for the belt and strip sanders at a good deal. Seems difficult to find. Though, before using any of it I need to pick up a coupler or two.