Shopsmith Forums

I have just bought the overarm pin router and need to get a router motor to fit it. What are a good brand and model to use with my Shopsmith overarm? Does it make sense just to buy the motor?

Also, since most routers have their on/off switches in the handles, what is a good arrangement for electrical power for the overarm?

pauls wrote:I have just bought the overarm pin router and need to get a router motor to fit it. What are a good brand and model to use with my Shopsmith overarm? Does it make sense just to buy the motor?

Also, since most routers have their on/off switches in the handles, what is a good arrangement for electrical power for the overarm?

I currently own several routers. Three of which are the Porter Cable 890 series. I really like the the 895 as it is the most complete package. I have bought one that is the complete router without the extra's. I am fortunate enough to have a dedicated OPR mounted on a shorty as well as a dedicated under table router set up from Incra. Both of these set ups use the Porter Cable 890 series routers which are mounted full time. I almost failed to mention one feature with the 890 series routers is that the have a switch on the top and another on the side. For OPR work that top switch is all that is needed. I also have two routers I use only for free standing work. One is a Porter Cable 895 and my all time favorite for small work is a Bosch Palm Router. Good luck getting the OPR set up. I truly love that tool. As I age I find being able to see what I am doing is a real plus. Jim

fjimp wrote:I currently own several routers. Three of which are the Porter Cable 890 series. I really like the the 895 as it is the most complete package. I have bought one that is the complete router without the extra's. I am fortunate enough to have a dedicated OPR mounted on a shorty as well as a dedicated under table router set up from Incra. Both of these set ups use the Porter Cable 890 series routers which are mounted full time. I almost failed to mention one feature with the 890 series routers is that the have a switch on the top and another on the side. For OPR work that top switch is all that is needed. I also have two routers I use only for free standing work. One is a Porter Cable 895 and my all time favorite for small work is a Bosch Palm Router. Good luck getting the OPR set up. I truly love that tool. As I age I find being able to see what I am doing is a real plus. Jim

890 is a good choice because of the spindle lock. thats what i use

Also recommend the PC 890. As for buying only the motor - You might want to do that if you can find one, but the router bases can be used with the motor giving more diversity.

Hi,

I think you will love your new OPR. You will need a router that is basically just the motor as that is the only version that will mount. In most cases you will find this type of router will have a top switch.

Routers are pretty much a personal thing and how you feel about the grips and switch positions, adjustments etc. If you plan to dedicate a router to just the OPR then that is different then just having a router that will be used for all your routing needs.

I have the older OPR, it has a locations in the table for a router as well as in the upper arm. I picked Hitachi M12VC for both routers and I keep them mounted there. I also have 2 more of them plus additional bases and they are my go to routers for things. I personally find this router to be my kind of router and they are especially quiet another plus. I have I think 16 routers now, sometimes it gets to be hard to remember for some reason, most likely old age.

Amazon sells them so take a look here:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002Z ... d_i=507846

That is a lot of router for $114 and free shipping but if you shop around you might even find it cheaper.

BTW I have nothing bad to say about the PC choice, just want you to know about yet another way to go.

Ed

As suggested, PC 890. You can't go wrong with this nice little motor.

You can get the Hatachi M12VC here for $85.



I've bought lots of refurbished Hatachi tools from BigSky Tools. I've never been disappointed. They sell other brands as well.