Shopsmith Forums

Sorting thru the parts that came with mu SS500. Can anyone identify this one? Thanks

That is a router bit arbor.

They make a 1/2" router chuck and a 1/4" router chuck. I use a sleeve from from another router chuck for 1/4" bits. I'm not positive that it's all that secure in the Shopsmith 1/2" chuck. I think I'd prefer a collet type chuck for both sizes.

edma194 wrote: ↑Sat May 11, 2024 4:29 pm They make a 1/2" router chuck and a 1/4" router chuck. I use a sleeve from from another router chuck for 1/4" bits. I'm not positive that it's all that secure in the Shopsmith 1/2" chuck. I think I'd prefer a collet type chuck for both sizes.

I don't think I would trust a sleeve in combination with the setscrews either, but IIRC SS used to sell one for the 1/2" chuck. I think it was for 3/8" shanks.(?) I've never seen one. I would like to see SS offer a collet style chuck, preferably one of the industry standards like ER-25 or ER-32 that would then give us availability of a wide range of usable collets, including metric. (0.039" - 0.630" clamping range for ER-25.) Seems an obvious choice for a multi-purpose machine...

The SS router chuck pictured by the OP is the 1/2" version.

- David

An adapter sleeve works IF one includes a notch for the set screw to fully contact the bit shank. BTDT A bronze bushing bearing seems to have close enough dimensions.

Thanks to all. I'm leery of setscrews as well, however, that's how (nearly0 all SS attachments are mounted to the head stock drive shaft. So, i guess we are trusting that some engineers did their homework when we do anything with a SS

tprowood wrote: ↑Wed May 15, 2024 9:24 am Thanks to all. I'm leery of setscrews as well, however, that's how (nearly0 all SS attachments are mounted to the head stock drive shaft. So, i guess we are trusting that some engineers did their homework when we do anything with a SS

The setscrews for mounting the chuck on the main spindle aren't a problem. The angled flat on the spindle will keep the attachments on securely. Router bits don't have that feature. Two of the set screws in the router chuck are to hold the bit in securely, only one is needed to mount the chuck securely on the spindle.

I'm sure this has been pointed out elsewhere on this forum before, but any kind of setscrew-secured shaft is inherently non-concentric, whereas a collet-secured shaft is inherently concentric. Maybe not by much, but at high RPM (as with a router) it really matters. There has to be some amount of slop in a setscrew mount, and this always results in some eccentricity of the rotary tool when mounted.

Shopsmith got away with setscrew router bit arbors because the Shopsmith RPM's were not high enough to matter much. And cheaper than collets, of course.

Replacing all setscrew-type cutting tool mounts with collet mounts would eliminate one source of Shopsmith inaccuracy.

While we be on the subject of set screws, do be aware that cup tip and serrated cup screws are to be avoided. Flat or oval tip are the proper choice.

JPG wrote: ↑Thu May 16, 2024 2:49 am While we be on the subject of set screws, do be aware that cup tip and serrated cup screws are to be avoided. Flat or oval tip are the proper choice.

Might this depend on the particular tool, arbor, or drive hub being anchored? Serrated set screws being preferred for more permanent drive hub attachments on SPT's perhaps?