Shopsmith Forums

So, I have a Shopsmith Mk V, model 510.

I'd like to use it as an overhead router as well.

Exactly what all accessories do I need? I have plenty of 1/4" and 1/2" router bits, so I am good on those.

You need a router collet to go on the Shopsmith quill and patience. Because a Mark 5's highest RPM is 7000 you need a slow feed rate to increase the cuts per inch. I have found if your feed rate is slow enough you can produce mirror smooth cuts. But if you force the wood through the cut will be rough.

Slow feed on Woods like cherry will tend to burn so you have to take shallow cuts in those types of wood.

Ed has it right. Slow feeding of the wood to match the slow rpms of the motor. Multiple shallow cuts keep it cutting smooth rather than trying to take too much wood at once.
I did my routering with my Shopsmith for a few years and decided I needed more speed so I picked up a portable 2.5hp router and table mounted it. It runs at 23,000 rpms. The higher speeds make routing so much easier and getting good results is much easier.

Ed and Gary gave you great advice on the speed but here is what you will need to actually do some routing. Start with the 1/2" and 1/4" Router Chucks so you can attach the Router bits you have to the Shopsmith. A Shaper table insert will allow your router bits to go below the table surface when needed for partial edge cuts and with the dust collection connection it will help keep the shavings cleaned up. Add to that a Router shield for safety. Depending on the type of routing you want to do you may want a Shaper Fence which is helpful for straight edge work. For curved edge work the pins on the shaper insert are a helpful guide. Remember to get the correct Shaper Table Insert and Shaper Fence for your 510, it's the same as the one for the 520 and new Mark 7, but not the one for a 500 or old Mark VII. For more ideas on what you might need and types of Routing check out the book Power Tool Woodworking for Everyone. This may be the best place to start then decide which accessories you need for your type of Routing.

Thank you for the advice and the parts I'll need.

I'm well experienced in routing in general. I have 3 other routers, a smaller DeWalt hand router, a Skill plunge router, and a Bosch fixed onto a router table. I just wanted to, on occasion, be able to do some stuff from the top with a fixed router, so I can see what I'm doing, and the Shopsmith looks like it will fit the bill.

Top speed on a Mark 5/V is 5200 rpm.

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