Shopsmith Forums

I just completed putting together my new OPR. I was going to use my Craftsman Router in it, but it's impossible since the switch is in the handle. Does anyone have any recommendations for a router motor to use? I plan on dedicating it solely to OPR use.

Thanks,
BPR

I use the Porter Cable 690LRVS with 1 3/4 hp in one of mine and have found it to work well.
ldh

I drive a Porter Cable 890, 2-1/4 HP Router. I really like it for the OPR because of the power switch at the top of the motor. With a little modification of the "Dust Shield/Deflector" or the OPR, you can change bits with one wrench, by depressing the locking button while still mounted. (Photo below) When mounted, the power cord comes out at the front, but this is not a problem as the cord is then hung over the protruding parts of the headstock.

For a little lighter duty, the Porter Cable 690 is a 1-3/4 HP (11 amp) variable speed router for less $. Many folks like it.

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I too am just getting my OPR up and running. I had the same problem with the old craftsman I had planned on using. Just too much work to rewire around the handle switch. I went with a PC 690 in the arm and a Freud FT1700 under the table. The FT1700 allows above the table height adjustment.

Ryan,

MY OPR had that router in it when I got it. IIRC, if you disconnet the cable at the motor housing the motor will be 'on' all the time, so you would have to use a foot switch to power it on and off. Or you could use velcro to mount the switch somewhere on the OPR arm.

Sincerely,

Ron309753

I had a Porter Cable 690, 1 1/2 HP router on mine for several years, but I switched last year to a Craftsman 2 HP, 11 amp router that seems to work just fine. It's variable speed with electronic feedback and the price is right -- I paid about $99 through the Craftsman Club. It comes with both a fixed and plunge base, and also has 1/2" and 1/4" collets. It's made in China, so how long it will last is another question, but to this point I'm pleased with it's performance.

Hi,

You didn't mention which Craftsman router you have but here is an example of how the previous owner of my old style OPR had set up to use his:
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I have a Hitachi router in both the top and bottom of my setup and they work very well for this application. You may see one at:
http://www.amazon.com/Hitachi-M12VC-4-H ... 357&sr=8-1

I own 4 of these so all I can say is that I love this router.

Ed

Thanks, guys for your assitance. I found a Porter-Cable Router on e-bay that I hope will work. Does anyone know anything about a PC 1001-T2 router?
BPR

ryanbp01 wrote:Thanks, guys for your assitance. I found a Porter-Cable Router on e-bay that I hope will work. Does anyone know anything about a PC 1001-T2 router?
BPR

My Google search shows a PC 1001 is a fixed base for a PC 690, 630 or 100 model routers.

I picked up both of the routers in my OPR reconditioned and on sale. Here's a link to what looks to be a deal on a Hitachi for $80. Tempted to pick one up myself. http://www.reconditionedsales.com/Routers___c362.aspx