Shopsmith OPR

[wdelliott]

I could use some guidance on my new Shopsmith OPR. Nick removes the powerplant in the Sawdust sessions. Is this required on account of space on the way tubes or on account of weight? Is removal of the Power Plant optional?

Removal of the Powerplant seems to be a burden.

Thanks.

W.D. Elliott
Ravenna, TX

[nutball]

W.D.,

It is not necessary to remove the headstock - I believe Nick removed it because they had set up a 'dedicated' OPR station with a spare base & carriage.

The OPR manual states the following in the assembly instructions:

"Slide the headstock all the way to the left until it rests against the Way Tube Tie Bar. Tighten the headstock lock. Position the carriage so the distance between the carriage and the headstock is about 15". Tighten the carriage lock handle. Raise the Mark V into Drill Press position."

So, it is meant to (or more precisely, can) be used with the headstock still on the way tubes.

Hope this helps.

[wdelliott]

Thanks. I tried what you suggested, read more closely my instructions to find the passage you quoted, and it worked. I'm on my way.

I'm working up the gumption to cut the slots in my brand new router table, as Nick suggests.

[charlese]

Hi, W.D! When searching for the post where I had answered this question earlier for another member. I found this - http://www.shopsmith.net/forums/showpost.htm?p=5962&postcount=4 Just about the same question and this is the answer I gave then.

However, now Ive had a change of mind. (and I'm still too frugal to buy a 'Lift Assist') I find with the headstock moved all the way over to the left, against the tie bar, it is too awkward and also heavy to lift, without a grunt or two. Now here is the setup I use every time, with the headstock 7 or 8 inches to the right of the tie bar. This position gives me room to get a hand hold on the way tubes making for an easy grip. Also the weight of the headstock is closer to the fulcrum, making the lift lighter.http://www.shopsmith.net/forums/showpost.htm?p=8131&postcount=1

Here is a repeat of that photo showing this setup, with a little more explanation. You can see the headstock spindle at the top of the pix.

(don't be alarmed that the workpiece is clamped to the table and the wood fence is on the back side of the workpiece. I was about to move the entire table toward the way tubes to mill a cross dado. This photo was taken prior to making a sliding table)

Another note - don't drill holes, like I did on the way tube side of the table. I've filled these from the bottom, but the holes are wrong!!!!:o
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[wdelliott]

Thanks Chuck on placement.
What router are you using in the OPR? I'm trying to decide whether to obtain another router for this purpose. I'm thinking of obtaining one with sufficient power for a 1/2 inch collett. Any suggestions?

[nuhobby]

Hi,

I used my brand-new OPR (on a chopped old 500 stand) for the first time today. Hurray! I am using my only router which is a basic PC690 I got this past year. My setup today (after some initial toying with other orientations) looks a lot like Chuck's, but with no headstock above.

The PC690 fit in just so, with the power-switch landing where I'd want it. Any rotation away from that position would usually cause a minor interference between the pegs on the router's case and the retaining clamp of the OPR.

I just fashioned a few blank Table Inserts for the Mark V table saw. Definitely I'm going to like this tool.

Good luck,

[reible]

You have a wide range of routers that can fit. In general something that has variable speed, can use both 1/4" and 1/2" bits and at least 2hp might be the best features to look for. Please check the manual for size and other details before spending your money.

I like the Hitachi M12VC and have one in my OPR. In fact I like that router well enough to own 4 of them. The first thing you notice is how quiet it is! If you want to go the reconditioned route and don't mind waiting for a bit they are on sale at:
http://www.reconditionedsales.com/Hitachi_M12VC_2-14_Peak_HP_Variable_Speed_Fixed_Base_Router_(Recon ditioned)___i310.aspx
for $74 and shipping it is not a bad deal. I bought 3 of mine new and the last one I got on sale from these people. I believe it come with a one year guarantee rather the the 5 year Hitachi gives on the new one. They also have a KIT version that provides a case, both fixed and plunge base, centering kit, guide bushings, and of course the router motor and collets for both 1/4" and 1/2" bits ($102.00". They also have a grade "C" class version for only $59.00... this is what I got last time... and it sits under a table so the looks don't much matter and the true be told it is only when it sits next to one of the other ones you notice the cosmetic differences.

Ed

[charlese]

Thanks Chuck on placement.
What router are you using in the OPR? I'm trying to decide whether to obtain another router for this purpose. I'm thinking of obtaining one with sufficient power for a 1/2 inch collett. Any suggestions?
There will be no shortage of suggestions, when you ask what brand and size of router to buy. I'll tell you what I have, and I have been very satisfied with it. It is a Porter Cable 890 series.

It works, is not too noisy. is not underpowered for my work, on/off switch just takes a slap to turn off (or if the router is free, just set it on its top and it will shut down) and will has two collets for both 1/2" and 1/4" bits, easy to find parts and accessories and best of all, it has a one wrench change and a spindle lock that turns locks off the power when in use. (see black button in photo)

In order to fit it to the OPR so I could use the spindle lock, I had to do a modification to the dust guard. (photo attached) I mount the router so the power cord is coming out toward the front and the spindle lock is toward the rear.

We might think that the power cord coming out toward the operator would be a problem, but it is not. The router has a very long cord and it easily fits up over the headstock or way tube tie bar and there's still room to reach an outlet.

P.S. My L.O.M.L. bought me the 893 so now it is the only router in my shop. The fixed base is mounted to my router table and the plunge base is for free use (which has not been used).

If you wish there is a simple 890 unit available without buying a base at Tyler Tool for $179.00 on sale http://www.deltaportercable.com/Products/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=16386
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