Shopsmith closeout router table 'system'

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Thu Mar 19, 2009 10:40 am

ldh wrote:I think the router table on sale is for the old free standing OPR. I have a couple of the old ones and really enjoy them. If you needed to replace the table on one of the old ones this would be a great deal. I also have a couple of the under table router tops that SS offers or offered. They fit on the end of the SS with an extra stabilizing leg and share some of the same hardware as the old OPR. I was getting ready to stick this one in storage and decided to post a pic for what its worth.
ldh

[ATTACH]3583[/ATTACH]

Thank You for the pix. I now understand the difference AND that the 'B,C' pix IS different. Also THANKS to every one else who responded!!!!:)

tmillie · Post by **tmillie** » Thu Mar 19, 2009 4:21 pm

Being new, please tell me what OPR is? and also, If I'm guessing correctly, Shopsmith makes a router table attachment for the Marv V? That would be handy if so. I'm a big confused and think the ad is a bit misleading or over the top for this newbie. If you could just clarify if there is a router table attachment for the Mark V without needed to modify it to attach.

Maybe I'm out of it...Thanks in advance.

Also, when shopsmith sells another tool like the bandsaw, jointer, router table, scroll saw, do these tools attach to the Mark V and use it's motor or are these stand alone tools???

perryobear · Post by **perryobear** » Thu Mar 19, 2009 5:19 pm

tmillie wrote:Being new, please tell me what OPR is? and also, If I'm guessing correctly, Shopsmith makes a router table attachment for the Marv V? That would be handy if so. I'm a big confused and think the ad is a bit misleading or over the top for this newbie. If you could just clarify if there is a router table attachment for the Mark V without needed to modify it to attach.

Maybe I'm out of it...Thanks in advance.

Also, when shopsmith sells another tool like the bandsaw, jointer, router table, scroll saw, do these tools attach to the Mark V and use it's motor or are these stand alone tools???

Hi tmillie,

You asked a few questions, let try to give some answers and hope others will add info as needed.

OPR - Overarm Pin Router - an attachment that holds a router motor above the wood being worked with the ability to place a guide pin in the router table to follow a pattern and produce several identical final shapes. The original Shopsmith OPR was a freestanding unit that was completely independednt from the Mk V (The table for this old style unit is what is being talked about in the closeout table discussion) Shopsmith currently sells an OPR that mounts on the Mk V using the way tubes and table, but does not use the Mk V headstock.

Yes, Shopsmith sells two different router tables (in addition to the OPR) that mount on the Mk V 510/520 table system much like a floating table. Once again it uses the Mk V's frame and table rails but not the headstock.

Either - your choice, Special Purpose Tools (SPT's) like the bandsaw, beltsander, jointer, etc. can be mounted on the Mk V and powered with the Headstock, or they can be set up as standalone tools with special mounting stands each with its own motor, a third way is with a Power Station which is a bit more than a power stand but less than a Mk V.

You can see all of these at the Shopsmith site in the accessories catalog.
http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/cata ... tindex.htm

Hope this helps,

Dennis

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Thu Mar 19, 2009 5:21 pm

tmillie wrote:Being new, please tell me what OPR is? and also, If I'm guessing correctly, Shopsmith makes a router table attachment for the Marv V? That would be handy if so. I'm a big confused and think the ad is a bit misleading or over the top for this newbie. If you could just clarify if there is a router table attachment for the Mark V without needed to modify it to attach.

Maybe I'm out of it...Thanks in advance.

Also, when shopsmith sells another tool like the bandsaw, jointer, router table, scroll saw, do these tools attach to the Mark V and use it's motor or are these stand alone tools???

This one does NOT. As I understand it, it is the table top to a FORMER stand alone version.

I will let others explain what an OPR is.

The SS bandsaw,jointer,scroll saw ALL use the SS Motor as does the belt sander, strip sander, jig saw and MArkV mounted planer. Most of these MAY also be mounted on their own stands for 'stand alone' use.

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Thu Mar 19, 2009 5:30 pm

Someone please correct me if I am wrong! As I understand it, the closeout item has an insert onto which you mount YOUR router and is used with the router UNDER the table with the spindle/bit facing UP! It is NOT an OPR!

tmillie · Post by **tmillie** » Thu Mar 19, 2009 5:35 pm

Thanks you two, much more clear now. That's why I love this forum.

reible · Post by **reible** » Thu Mar 19, 2009 5:50 pm

Hi,

I have two of those tables one that was damaged by the previous owner and a second one that I also purchased used. They are indeed the ones that were used on the old stand alone router system. That table was used as a stand along standard router table mounted on legs, it was also sold as a table for the old OPR. On my OPR system I have a router mounted below as well as on the arm.

The original OPR table was made of wood, I also have that as that is how mine came. I have also seen a third version with a darker top.

They are not drilled for the use on the extension table legs but I guess that could be done. The material used for these is not as nice as the current version sold for use with the legs and may require some additional bracing. These tables are very likely near 20 years old so depending on how they were stored one might find them in 20 year old condition.

It also appears that the router mounting plates are no longer an item so you will have to make your own. The opening is small and the fit is less then wonderful on the originals so making your own might not be a bad idea anyway since you don't have to deal with the inserts for it. The small opening also means the router will most likely have to stay in the table so if you are one of us that likes to pop the router out well you might want to think about if you can make a larger opening and make your plate for that.

If you happen to have the old system and need a top then is will by your only chance to get one before they are gone for good. For others I'm not sure this is that good a deal.

Some place here I have a lot of picture of the old system... so if you are really interested try some searching for those.

Ed

reible · Post by **reible** » Thu Mar 19, 2009 6:48 pm

Here are some pictures
https://forum.shopsmith.com/viewtopic.php?t=2755
https://forum.shopsmith.com/viewtopic.php?p=27081

Ed

perryobear · Post by **perryobear** » Thu Mar 19, 2009 9:13 pm

Hi Guys.

It is always interesting to see some of the variations that show up when we speak about a piece of older Shopsmith equipment. Ed R. I have to agree that there were several variations of the table supplied with the old free standing OPR.

As I look at your photos and the photo of the "clearance table" I see that they appear to be the same, at least at a distance.

I know that my old OPR table while white and similar in overall appearance, is not the same. My table mounting tracks on the bottom of the table were recessed in dados and flush with the bottom surface. My bottom tracks attached to the table with the same small flat head screws used to mount the track on the top of the table and does not have the holes with the 1/4-20 inserts. My table also does not have the hole with the 3/8-16 insert for mounting the router table guard. So I guess there is yet another variation to add to the old style OPR table list.

I spent considerable time getting my old table flat enough to be usable; I gave the "clearance offer" serious consideration, but have decided against buying another table of the same vintage as a replacement or to keep as a spare.

Dennis

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Thu Mar 19, 2009 9:24 pm

I have decided AGAINST getting one also even though I already have the dust shield/guard already(purchased by mistake[wrong one]). I feel if I have to do so much modifying to use it I might as well start from scratch!;)

THANKS to ALL who helped me understand this animal with their many posts. I did NOT realize the number of router table/opr versions there apparently are/were.