Shopsmith Forums

Is the overarm pin router still available from SS? The links on their website don't work, suggesting it might not be. I need it for leveling butcher block and shaping guitars in my small workshop. The overhead router chuck isn't working well for me; it doesn't maintain consistent cutting depth, possibly due to slippage. I'm now building my own overarm router, but I'd prefer a proven solution or advice on improving the router chuck. Any information would be appreciated.

anatolewilson,

Welcome to the Shopsmith Forum.

The Overarm Pin Router is no longer made. It was available around 35 years ago. Used ones come up for sale from time to time. A typical one is shown below.

Shopsmith changed their online catalog a little less than a year ago. It still has some bugs and missing information.

I'm not sure what "slippage" you may be experiencing with your Router Chuck. The Router Chuck should seat firmly on the Quill's Spindle and be locked in place by the first (closest to the Headstock) set screw. The middle and other set screws hold the Router Bit in place. The other moving part, changing depth, would be the Quill itself. Once the depth is set the Quill Depth Lock should be locked in that position. The lock slipping could be the problem.

Because the top speed on a conventional Shopsmith Headstock is much slower than a typical Router you have to go much slower through the material.

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The above Overarm Pin Router setup also allows for under table routing. This one is shown without a Router mounted.

There is also a later version OAR that clamps on the Mark 5/V/7 (etc.) way tubes. But it also has been out of production for quite a while. As far as the headstock router chuck, my first thought was whether all three setscrews are engaging. I've always felt that the middle setscrew on the 1/2" chuck is a bit high for some arbors. After that, try to determine what is moving. In addition to what Russ said, though less likely, the headstock or table carriage could be moving.

In the past there have been drill press mounted planers, you might look into that. I think that StewMac(?) is still selling those, mine is older and a Wagner I think. Someday someone will make one with those four sided disposable carbide cutters...

The conical disc can also be set up to thickness plane, I personally haven't done that on a wide scale like a cutting board requiring offset passes. There was a sawdust session on this, IIRC it involved a sled and they discussed its width limitations. I can't seem to find all of the old sawdust sessions videos on the new website.

- David

David mentioned the Wagner Safe-T-Planer which if you can find one, or similar, may be a good alternative to using a router bit for your butcher blocks. It covers a wider pass than a router bit. The limiting factor, which is slightly more than for a router bit, is the distance between the Way Tubes and the outer edge of the Safe-T-Planer. The Safe-T-Planer is shown below.

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David makes a good point about other possible causes for slippage. Always check ALL LOCKS prior to starting any operation on the Shopsmith.

Additional table support in Drill Press mode may help too. For the Mark V 500 or earlier Original Table System Mark 5's Shopsmith sells a Table Support Leg (PART # 555627) that clamps to the table. For other Mark V models and the Mark 7 you can use the Connector Tubes and Adjustable Legs for extra support.