Shopsmith Forums

I'm not saying a single purpose router isn't usable. I use them all the time. I was just wondering why you put the word "real" in your quote. Just wanted to know what you feel constitutes a "real" router compared to the Shopsmith set-up/system.

It seemed like you were saying there are two types of routers, "real" and "not real", and the Shopsmith, used with the router accessories, is not a "real" router.

No harm done. Just a silly question.

woodburner wrote:I'm not saying a single purpose router isn't usable. I use them all the time. I was just wondering why you put the word "real" in your quote. Just wanted to know what you feel constitutes a "real" router compared to the Shopsmith set-up/system.

It seemed like you were saying there are two types of routers, "real" and "not real", and the Shopsmith, used with the router accessories, is not a "real" router.

No harm done. Just a silly question.

I should have used the phrase "single purpose" like I did in the next post. That wood have prevented your curiosity!:D

This is one of those areas, in my opinion, that Shopsmith would have been better off avoiding. While you could make a case for some of the other Shopsmith functions, there is not a single reason I can think of where the Shopsmith router option/function could equal or exceed that of an ordinary hand held router or router table.

jg300da wrote:This is one of those areas, in my opinion, that Shopsmith would have been better off avoiding. While you could make a case for some of the other Shopsmith functions, there is not a single reason I can think of where the Shopsmith router option/function could equal or exceed that of an ordinary hand held router or router table.

Jg300da
Personally an extremely sharp router bit and SS are far superior to a single speed router when it comes to routing Cherry. Single speed routers simple spin too fast and preventing the burning of the wood is nearly impossible (it is even a problem with many variable speed routers) yet I have successfully (no burning) routed hundreds of board feet of cherry using a SS and very sharp router bits.

While I have more than a few hand held routers I usually opt for the SS when it comes to Cherry. Personal preferrence.

I think the idea that a SS can't route is based on uninformed opinion rather than first hand knowledge and the myth is simply repeated. I totally agree with Nick I wouldn't mount a 3+" panel raising bit in the SS and not expect to have a problem. However I have found with a steady, slow and light feed rate the SS can/will do an excellent job routing.
Ed

Last Sunday I finally fired up the speed increaser. The table lined up ok. The only problem I can hear a ticking noise upon start up. Once I dial the speed up it goes away. Is this something I should worry about?

Thanks

Brad

Ed,
I just completed a full set of kitchen cabinets made of solid cherry with raised panels and 300 linear feet of custom base and crown moldings on my router table using carbide tipped CMT bits without a single burn mark. I used both a stationary and handheld router, so I'm not speaking about myths here. I'm not sure if your experience is with high speed steel bits or carbide. Burn marks are the sign of high friction typically caused by dull bits, or bits remaining in one spot for too long, not high speed.
By the way, I never said that SS could not be used as a router, just that a quality router with quality bits used by a competent crafstman produces superior results.

jg300da wrote: By the way, I never said that SS could not be used as a router, just that a quality router with quality bits used by a competent crafstman produces superior results.

With all due respect, did I just get a slap on the back of my head, or was I just being called an incompetent craftsman? I don't know how to measure that non-quantitative "superior results" factor.
Dick

Sorry, no disrespect intended. I'm sure many here use the router option without issue. My opinion is that you are limiting yourself if that is your only routing option. Upon further review I see that it was the second poster that brought the portable router into the thread and not the original poster. My apologies.

Editted to remove my comments, rereading them I think I worded them totally wrong and I apologize to all for them.
Ed

jg300da wrote: there is not a single reason I can think of where the Shopsmith router option/function could equal or exceed that of an ordinary hand held router or router table.

How about someone new to woodworking or who inherited their SS and they don't have a hand-held router yet?