Shopsmith Forums

We have enjoyed numerous discussions on a wide variety of OPR preferences and questions. All of which I have found very interesting. In that I plan to set up my OPR/520 set up this weekend its time I decide whether to use one of the PC890 routers I have on hand or invest in a brand spanking new and potentially more powerful router for the OPR. Several of our members have the OPR now and I am curious which routers you have selected and advantages or disadvantages you have encountered? If you had the router purchase to do over which would you buy? Why? fjimp

Hello Jim,

My thoughts don't come from a wealth of experience, but are as follows: I am using a PC690. I use primarily smaller-diameter bits. I would hope that any need for very-wide-diameter bits can be avoided by using the OPR in horizontal mode and using the much narrower "complementary" matching bit shape in that mode. So I don't need a huge amount of horsepower or a very low bit speed. And of course with the OPR there is no need for a plunge or crank mechanism. Simple routers can work quite well with the OPR. Anyone else care to comment?

My router is part of a PC 893PK kit. It has a motor with 2¼ HP motor. Works just fine for me as OPR router, fixed base and plunge base applications. Not all at the same time however!:rolleyes:

Isn't 2 1/4 horse the maxium recommended power for the SS Overhead Pin Router?
If so you might want to rethink replacing you PC890 with something more powerful.

Geez! I didn't think there was such a thing as a maximum recommended HP for the Pin Router. Only a round motor casing!

Ed in Tampa wrote:Isn't 2 1/4 horse the maxium recommended power for the SS Overhead Pin Router?
If so you might want to rethink replacing you PC890 with something more powerful.

Maximum or Minimum????

Ed in Tampa wrote:Isn't 2 1/4 horse the maxium recommended power for the SS Overhead Pin Router?
If so you might want to rethink replacing you PC890 with something more powerful.

According to the website specifications, the max hp is 3.

Specifications
Maximum router motor HP 3hp
Router motor diameters accepted* 2-1/2" to 4"
Throat depth (bit center to Way Tubes)** 10-1/2" to 18-1/2" ***
Verticle motor travel (lever-controlled) 3-1/2 "
Maximum workpiece thickness Approx. 11" ****
Fence size (2) 13-1/4" w x 1-1/4" h
Worktable size (laminate-covered MDF) 18-1/2"d x 28" w x 3/4" h
Guide/Starter pin diameters furnished 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2"
Maximum bit diameter (with insert) 1-3/8"
Maximum bit diameter (without insert) 2"
Dust port diameter 2-1/4"

* Round motors only.
**With 3-1/2" diameter Router Motor. Distances vary, depending on diameter of router motor.
***Maximum dimensions, depending on which set of Arm mounting holes are used.
****Varies, based on router motor and bit used.

Just guessing, but the Max HP limit may be a thermal consideration. The OPR installation instructions take pains to place the router in such a way that some airflow is able to reach the router as it sits in the arm/clamp. They warn that if the router sits too directly against an obstructing structure, it can overheat.

After looking up the router specs in my manual this afternoon, found as did lv2wdwrk, a 3 HP limit. In wondering why, I guessed it is related to size of the motor casing. However it may be, as nuhobby supposed, a heat related thing .