Router chuck in dress press set up

scollins · Post by **scollins** » Sat Dec 18, 2010 6:46 am

I am ready to explore other ways to use my SS. There are times that it would be nice to be able to see the cut. I am not interested in adding the overhead router set up that requires a router at this time, but curious if I can do some of the same things with the router chuck on the SS quill. I know that holddowns with be necessary.

Can anyone share their knowledge along this line?

easterngray · Post by **easterngray** » Sat Dec 18, 2010 10:23 am

I have done overhead routing and it works. Feed slow and take multiple shallow cuts. There is info on this in PTWFE. You can make a table insert with a pin for overhead pin routing as well. Alec

ljhhontx · Post by **ljhhontx** » Sat Dec 18, 2010 1:15 pm

I haven't tried this because I don't have any but I remember reading that to overcome the slow speed you will need to use 3 winged bits to have much success, I've tried regular 1/4" bits in an old chuck I cut out of an old non working router and didn't have much success.

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Sat Dec 18, 2010 3:04 pm

Keep in mind the spindle speed(cuts/time/feed). A slow spindle speed with a slow feed rate works almost as well as the faster speeds, but there is more time between 'cuts' for manual dexterity to create 'faults'. Larger radius(cutting surfaces) work better than smaller bits.

Secret is patience and steady hand.

charlese · Post by **charlese** » Sat Dec 18, 2010 10:25 pm

Yes,routing, as well as shaping can be successfully done with the standard Mark V. You have to be careful not to place the workpiece between the fence and the cutter. In order to do this you will need a split fence. You can either make on or buy one - like this --http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/catalog/ms_shaperdrumsanderfence.htm

Also, a standard drill chuck is not made to withstand side pressures like present in routing. Shopsmith has router bit chucks available for 1/4" and 1/2" shanked bits. See this page - -
http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/catalog/rm_routerchuckshield.htm

keakap · Post by **keakap** » Sat Dec 25, 2010 10:51 am

JPG40504 wrote:Keep in mind the spindle speed(cuts/time/feed). A slow spindle speed with a slow feed rate works almost as well as the faster speeds, but there is more time between 'cuts' for manual dexterity to create 'faults'. Larger radius(cutting surfaces) work better than smaller bits.

Secret is patience and steady hand.

And I almost forgot-- one of the marketing bullets for the PowerPro is the new max 10,000 rpm. Now yer talkin router speed.
And since I'm in-between setups I may just go put on my never-used SS router chuck and see what develops...

...and I seem to remember the insert thingie from PTWFE, now if I can just find my PTWFE...

keakap · Post by **keakap** » Sat Dec 25, 2010 10:55 am

charlese wrote:...
Also, a standard drill chuck is not made to withstand side pressures like present in routing. Shopsmith has router bit chucks available for 1/4" and 1/2" shanked bits. See this page - -
http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/catalog/rm_routerchuckshield.htm

SCOLLINS-- Somewhere in the dim past I accidentally ordered, and bought, an extra router chuck. Don't remember if it's a 1/4" or 1/2". If you need one let me know and I'll 1) find it, and 2) send it to ya.

scollins · Post by **scollins** » Sat Dec 25, 2010 5:10 pm

I'd prefer a 1/2". If you find it let me know what you want for it. I can probably order a new one for I think about $20ish, but always looking for a deal. I have two excellent PC routers, but there are a few things that would be nice to do while watching the cut and aren't easy to do with a free hand router set up.

I would love to come across a universal lathe tool rest set up.

I am in between projects at the moment and looking to tend to a few tweaks to my shop set up that I have been putting off.

Thanks

keakap · Post by **keakap** » Sat Dec 25, 2010 10:16 pm

scollins wrote:I'd prefer a 1/2". ...

Ok, I'll look and see which one I've got extra, and we'll go from there. Not like I'm selling anything, ya know...