router table insert

[psargeant]

This is my first post to this forum. I have been a Shopsmith Mark V owner since 1978 and have enjoyed my machine all these years with very little trouble. I purchased the free-standing router table and overarm pin router arm in 1990. I would like to make or buy another table insert to facilitate the use of a second router. The current insert is 5/16" thick and I have not found any insert material in anything but 1\4" or 3/8". Shopsmith no longer makes the old style tables and inserts (fortunately for new owners they have incorporated a standard sized insert manufactured by Woodhaven that will eliminate this problem) so I'm hoping someone out there can give me some help.

[reible]

Hi,

This is for the 515489 router table right?

Just to be sure what we are looking for.... the black part that mounts the router and sets in the table is called a table plate "shopsmith name" part number 515496. When you do a parts search on that number it show that it is in stock and priced at $16.73 (quantity is low) and they now call it a router plate.

If you wanted to make one the router plates the overarm router would allow you to reduce the 3/8" material to 5/16 around the corners where it contacts the table in short order. Or you could redo the table for a new plate size and 3/8" deep....

Hope this helps, and if you need some more help with this let us know.

Ed

[Nick]

Suggest you visit any plastics supplier, Sarg, and purchase a small sheet of 5/16"-thick acrylic. (Don't get Lexan; too flexible.) Because it's an odd size you may have to special order it, but the local supplier I use says it is available.

You can also use your Shopsmith as a milling machine and mill a small sheet of 3/8"-thick acylic to 5/16" thick. You'll need the router chuck (555191) and a carbide straight bit or core-box bit, the wider the better. Adjust the bottom edge of the bit 5/16" above the table and position the fence to guide the plastic. Turn on the machine, adjust the speed to "Slow," and guide the plastic under the bit. Move the fence over the width of the bit (minus a hair) and repeat until you've milled enough plastic to make the insert. It won't be very smooth, but you can turn the milled side down.

With all good wishes,

[psargeant]

I appreciated the replies from Nick and reible regarding my router table insert dilemma. Yes, I was referring to the 515489 model router table and I was referring to the table "plate" or "router plate" as Shopsmith calls it. The original plate has a large number of holes drilled in it to accomodate several different models of routers and it works great for my Porter Cable 690. I tried to attach a Porter Cable 7518 and none of the pre-drilled holes seem to line up right and I was afraid to drill more holes in the plate for fear of weakening it as this router is a pretty hefty machine in comparison. I also need a larger diameter hole in the center to accomodate large diameter bits. I have since learned that Shopsmith does make a blank plate (part number 515973) for this table and I have one on order. I will let you know how this turns out. The sales rep I talked to said they had only two of the original style plates left in stock and that they did not anticipate producing any more. She assured me that the blank ones would continue to be made available.
Thanks again. Sarge