Shopsmith Forums

I did a search and couldn't come up with the answers that I need so I'm posting this in the Tool Review forum.
One of my next SS purchases will be a router set-up but I'm a bit overwhelmed by the three choices that are available. Initially I wouldn't be using the Pin Routing feature of the Pin Router but I'd like to eventually so that remains an item of interest to me.
What can't a woodworker do with the OPR that the other router tables can do? Raised Panel? Shaper bits?
What would be the benefit of the Pro Fence router table over the SS Router Table Kit besides the ease of using jigs with the T-Tracks?
Both have a split fence to allow support before and after the piece has been shaped.
Thanks in advance for any and all suggestions and comments, even on which routers you prefer to mount with the tables. (I'm leaning toward a Triton, to go with my old Porter Cable fixed base).

pinkiewerewolf wrote:I did a search and couldn't come up with the answers that I need so I'm posting this in the Tool Review forum.
One of my next SS purchases will be a router set-up but I'm a bit overwhelmed by the three choices that are available. Initially I wouldn't be using the Pin Routing feature of the Pin Router but I'd like to eventually so that remains an item of interest to me.
What can't a woodworker do with the OPR that the other router tables can do? Raised Panel? Shaper bits?
What would be the benefit of the Pro Fence router table over the SS Router Table Kit besides the ease of using jigs with the T-Tracks?
Both have a split fence to allow support before and after the piece has been shaped.
Thanks in advance for any and all suggestions and comments, even on which routers you prefer to mount with the tables. (I'm leaning toward a Triton, to go with my old Porter Cable fixed base).

For me it is sort of like a radial arm saw v table saw. With the OPR you can see what you are doing and with the router table you don't always have that luxury. I have the old Shopsmith free standing OPR and would not part with it for love nor money. I build my own router tables and I have never found or produced the perfect router table, while the Shopsmith OPR is to me nearly perfect. Get a OPR and build your own router table. Each has it's own advantage and in the end you will no doubt want both. This past December I posted some pics of my home made router table. Too bad Ed left the forum as he was an avid user of the OPR and I am sure could have written for hours on it's use. It will be interesting to see what the other forum members have to say. In the end you will find that both can do about the same woodworking functions, but one or the other will be easier to use for some functions.
ldh

Pinkie,
The Triton router is an excellent choice for mounting on a table. They were built with that purpose in mind and the ability to change bits above table without removing the router from the table is a great time and effort saver. I have the 2 1/4 hp Triton mounted on my home made table and love it.
If you want to get more info on routers and router tables check out http://www.routerforums.com (I am a member there). You can search around all you want or even join up and ask questions. They are a friendly group and will gladly answer any and all of your questions promptly.

Hi Pinkie,
George is giving you good advice; go look at the routerforums site! I also agree with Idh about Ed. It is too bad he his not here to speak. I have a self-made router table that works for me. On top of that, I have the Incra The Ultimate Fence/Router System Package, and I believe that the OPR is in my future. I think that between the OPR and the Incra set-up, I will probably not use my self-made router table very often, but I don't think that I would want to be without either of the other set-ups. Just my opinion; let's see what others think.

Pinkie,

I have both the pro Router Table and the OPR. I like both for different reasons. The Pro Table is used more heavily at this point. Sometimes I like being able to use the rip fence from my 520 on the router table. Then again having the router table set up so I have the main table for support is often handy. The OPR won't get much use in my shop until I finish moving and aquire a second Mark V that can be dedicated to the OPR. The only word of caution I offer is be certain everything is locked down tighly before beginning cuts with either type. I learned the hard way by cutting too deeply and having to go back and make all of my cuts a second time in order to create uniformaty. Jim

I use a Porter Cable 7518 in the router table and a Porter Cable 690VSR in the OPR. I like the collets used on the Porter Cable routers and the routers seem to hold up well. One of the interesting things you will find out about routers is that the companies that sell them could give you the router free if you would just buy their bits. You can quickly have the price of a new 520 invested in bits. You can make the OPR or RT serve as a small shaper and if you go with the split fence a good edge jointer. I have worked with routers in the OPR and RT for many years and only scratched the surface of their capabilities.
ldh

pinkie,

I have sort of changed the title of this post to highlight the fact that you are seeking (or getting) info (opinions) on two different subjects.

Just keep in mind that you have at least two sets of choices. The first being which router table do you want and the second being what router you are going to use. There is also sort of a third which is which or how many fence systems will I employ.

I can't answer your question because I myself am conflicted. I would have all three and several routers to go along with them if I wasn't limited by "fixed income".

I believe the real question is which one do you want to buy first and which one will be next. The answers to these questions depend completely on how you expect to use the routers you do have.

Now that you have asked the question, it is almost certain you shall have more than one setup. We woodworkers are programed that way. Marketing people love it.

Dusty, you have hit it on the head!
I know I will eventually end up with several set-ups but funds are tight enough right now that I need a router system that will enable me to do raised panel doors and other duties while building kitchen cabinets.
The OPR was the tool that initially caught my attention but like a RAS I wondered if it was a so so jack of all trades, master of some, or cut out solely for duplication work.
If the OPR can handle the mentioned duties then I'd put it at the top of the list.
I've only used a router free-hand before. (round over bit and straight bits for log home building).
I have zero experience using a table system.

I'm sort of waiting for the OPR folks to weigh in on this one.

I don't have an OPR but I believe those who do are going to tell you that is the way to go.

Can you do raised panel doors on a table router? Absolutely and which one is a function of how much you have to spend.

I expect you'll also get someone to weigh in with votes for a molder or shaper as well. You have the power head (Mark V), now all you need are cutters and/or molder head.

This craft(hobby) is just one big decision after another.

I have had the free standing OPR for many years and have never purchased or made a second router table. You can use it from the top in the overhead position or from the bottom like an ordinary router table. I keep a second router base mounted in the underneath position. I use the overarm position for almost all of my mortising and raised panels and have used it for some pin routing. The main drawback in the overarm position is the dust collection is not as good and you have to remember to feed the stock in the opposite direction of under talbe routing.