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510 Routing/Shaping

Posted: Sun Jan 10, 2016 2:09 am
by lilgodwin
I looked around and didn't see it mentioned anywhere. With the Mark 7 touting the ability to do overhead routing and under the table shaping, I don't see how it's not possible with the other models.

I don't intend to come across as though I really know much of what I'm talking about. I'm sure there's a simple explanation, but I haven't come across it yet. Can someone explain?

The only issue I see is that it looks like those functions (or maybe just one) require the double tilt feature. And instead of spending the ~$400 for the upgrade, couldn't I just turn the headstock around?

Seems silly I'm sure. Just trying to learn about my "new" machine and it's capabilities and limitations. Thanks!

Re: 510 Routing/Shaping

Posted: Sun Jan 10, 2016 3:40 am
by chucks
lilgodwin wrote:I looked around and didn't see it mentioned anywhere. With the Mark 7 touting the ability to do overhead routing and under the table shaping, I don't see how it's not possible with the other models.
Can someone explain?

The only issue I see is that it looks like those functions (or maybe just one) require the double tilt feature. And instead of spending the ~$400 for the upgrade, couldn't I just turn the headstock around?


The other function that you did not mention was the reversible motor on the Mark 7

Re: 510 Routing/Shaping

Posted: Sun Jan 10, 2016 8:06 am
by algale
chucks wrote:
lilgodwin wrote:I looked around and didn't see it mentioned anywhere. With the Mark 7 touting the ability to do overhead routing and under the table shaping, I don't see how it's not possible with the other models.
Can someone explain?

The only issue I see is that it looks like those functions (or maybe just one) require the double tilt feature. And instead of spending the ~$400 for the upgrade, couldn't I just turn the headstock around?


The other function that you did not mention was the reversible motor on the Mark 7
Yes, I believe it is possible to convert a standard Mark V to under table routing/shaping if you remove the headstock and carriage, and remount the headstock first and backwards.

To compensate for a lack of reversible motor, just feed from the opposite direction.

While possible, it is still impractical because it obviously is not a convenient thing to do every time you want to route or shape. Now, if you wanted to dedicate a second Shopsmith to this set up, that's another story. And I think your intro post said you somehow ended up with two (Shopsmiths apparently are like potato chips and sometimes I feel like I'm the only Forum member with just one).

By the way, most will tell you the standard Mark V headstock is a little slow for routing. It works, just slow your feed rate to compensate. Not a huge deal if you aren't in a big hurry.

Re: 510 Routing/Shaping

Posted: Sun Jan 10, 2016 2:35 pm
by JPG
algale wrote:
chucks wrote:
lilgodwin wrote:I looked around and didn't see it mentioned anywhere. With the Mark 7 touting the ability to do overhead routing and under the table shaping, I don't see how it's not possible with the other models.
Can someone explain?

The only issue I see is that it looks like those functions (or maybe just one) require the double tilt feature. And instead of spending the ~$400 for the upgrade, couldn't I just turn the headstock around?


The other function that you did not mention was the reversible motor on the Mark 7
INSERTED by JPG in the wrong place :o :o :o :o
Yes the headstock flip(along with the carriage flip and a few other flips) will work. A reversible motor would be a plus.

Among the additional flips is the reconfiguration of the table height and carriage lock to the 'back side'(that is where the headstock controls will now be located.
END wrong place :D
Yes, I believe it is possible to convert a standard Mark V to under table routing/shaping if you remove the headstock and carriage, and remount the headstock first and backwards.

To compensate for a lack of reversible motor, just feed from the opposite direction.

While possible, it is still impractical because it obviously is not a convenient thing to do every time you want to route or shape. Now, if you wanted to dedicate a second Shopsmith to this set up, that's another story. And I think your intro post said you somehow ended up with two (Shopsmiths apparently are like potato chips and sometimes I feel like I'm the only Forum member with just one).

By the way, most will tell you the standard Mark V headstock is a little slow for routing. It works, just slow your feed rate to compensate. Not a huge deal if you aren't in a big hurry.

Re: 510 Routing/Shaping

Posted: Sun Jan 10, 2016 8:38 pm
by lilgodwin
Thanks for the replies. In no way was I planning on keeping both. I was happy with the first one until I got such a great deal on the second, and it's newer and in much better shape. But I think my mind has been quickly changed. I won't be selling either until I go through them both and make sure they're in good enough shape for continued use. But as of right now, I'm planning on keeping both.

Re: 510 Routing/Shaping

Posted: Mon Jan 11, 2016 6:47 am
by WildHorseHans
All you need is a speed increaser. That doubles the speed of the headstock and allows the router or shaper bit to be under the table. New they are like $280.00 and can be found used for around $100.00 or less.

http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/cata ... reaser.htm

Re: 510 Routing/Shaping

Posted: Mon Jan 11, 2016 10:48 am
by lilgodwin
Thanks for the heads up. I didn't know that was a thing, but I'll certainly keep an eye out for one in the SoCal area. I'm also looking for the belt and strip sanders at a good deal. Seems difficult to find. Though, before using any of it I need to pick up a coupler or two.