Shopsmith router

putttn · Post by **putttn** » Wed Feb 22, 2012 11:32 pm

I wondered if anyone is using the Shopsmith router setup and how satisfied are you with it? Using the drill press mode seems strange but maybe it's easier?

fjimp · Post by **fjimp** » Thu Feb 23, 2012 7:44 pm

I am a bit confused by your question. Are you referring to the Shopsmith "Router Table" or the OPR "Overarm Pin Router" or some other idea? Jim

damagi · Post by **damagi** » Thu Feb 23, 2012 10:23 pm

Heh, there are many shopsmith router configs:

OPR (old style, standalone)
OPR (new style - mark V mounted)
Shopsmith router table (SPT mount)
Shopsmith router table (mounts on table rails)
Shopsmith Router chuck (on a standard Mark V)
Shopsmith Router chuck (on a power pro)
Speed increaser SPT

putttn · Post by **putttn** » Fri Feb 24, 2012 8:20 am

Evidently there's a setup to replace the chuck and use a router type bit.

damagi · Post by **damagi** » Fri Feb 24, 2012 10:33 am

putttn wrote:Evidently there's a setup to replace the chuck and use a router type bit.

Ah yes, the router chuck (1/2" or 1/4")

If you have a standard shopsmith mark V then your max speed is 5200 rpm. Thats 1/2 to 1/4 the speed of standard routers, so you will probably want to take it slow and light. If you have the powerpro then it will go up to 10,000 rpm and you are at the bottom end of standard routers.

The nice thing is that you can go vertical or horizontal, so you can do slot mortising type tasks pretty easily.

Overall, it works ok.

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Fri Feb 24, 2012 10:35 am

putttn wrote:Evidently there's a setup to replace the chuck and use a router type bit.

As opposed to chucking a router bit in a drill chuck, there is a "Router Chuck" to be used in lieu of the drill chuck. Is this what you are asking about. Read the CAUTION in the link.

putttn · Post by **putttn** » Fri Feb 24, 2012 2:45 pm

Yes, the Router Chuck is what I was thinking about. I have a very old hardly used Craftsman and seldom use the router function but I thought since I have the SS I might as well get all I can out of it.

charlese · Post by **charlese** » Fri Feb 24, 2012 9:18 pm

dusty wrote:As opposed to chucking a router bit in a drill chuck, there is a "Router Chuck" to be used in lieu of the drill chuck. Is this what you are asking about. Read the CAUTION in the link.

Got a kick out of reading Shopsmith's description. They said there are two set screws for the spindle and one for the router bit.

Actually, it is the other way around - One for the spindle and two for the bit.

a1gutterman · Post by **a1gutterman** » Sat Feb 25, 2012 12:22 am

putttn wrote:I wondered if anyone is using the Shopsmith router setup and how satisfied are you with it? Using the drill press mode seems strange but maybe it's easier?

Sticking to the subject; I have it and have used it. It does the job, but I like my "real" routers better.

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Sat Feb 25, 2012 2:26 am

charlese wrote:Got a kick out of reading Shopsmith's description. They said there are two set screws for the spindle and one for the router bit. Actually, it is the other way around - One for the spindle and two for the bit.

And the 'second' set screw is at the(or very close) to the 5/8" to 1/2"(1/4") boundary and will only secure router bits that are long and fully inserted(SS 1/2" bits are long enough).