Router for SS Overarm Pin Router

[mlettini]

I recently purchase the SS Overarm Pin Router and I find it a well made and a better approach than the under table router approach. But I have a question, I use a PC690 which is 1-1/2 hp and it seems to work fine. What advantage would a larger horsepower router provide?

[Nick]

Very little, unless you were using your router arm for production woodworking. The extra hp (and the extra mass that comes with it) would help keep the router from burning out in a situation where it was in constant use or constantly required to remove large amounts of stock in a single pass.

I suspect that because you're using the Porter-Cable 690, you took advantage of Shopsmith's offer to provide a router for $50 when you ordered the router arm. Smart move, but not for the reason that you or Shopsmith suspect. The stash of 690s here at Shopsmith were built before Porter-Cable all but abandoned their Tennessee plant and began making power tools in Mexico. The box that your PC-690 came in still flies the American flag in the upper-righthand corner, correct? It probably works better than the stuff that Porter Cable is now importing from Mexico, regardless of the horsepower.

Recently, I purchased a PC-7336 for the Academy -- the Porter Cable 6" Random-Orbit Sander. There is no American flag on the box and the fine print on the label announces it was made in Mexico. It works well enough and I would have been reasonably happy with it if I didn't already have two American-made PC-7336s, one in my home shop and another at the hangar where I help kids build airplanes. Although these machines are older and have seen considerable use (the sander used by kids has seen considerable abuse), both older sanders will sand rings around the brand new Mexican-made PC-7336.

I can't tell you why, but I suspect that there is more to this discrepancy in performance than just the differences between American and Mexican labor. My guess is that when Porter-Cable moved most of their manufacturing south of the border, they also made other cost-cutting decisions -- cheaper materials, bearings, motors, and so on. My next guess (and these are only guesses; I have no proof) is that these changes affected the entire line of PC tools, not just the PC-7336. If my guesses are correct, then the American-made PC-690 that you currently own will perform better and longer to the Mexican-made PC-690s currently on the market.

The point is, I certainly wouldn't trade that router for another, even another router of higher horsepower. If you do lose your mind and decide to get rid of your PC-690, please let me know. If there's an American flag on the box, I'll buy it.

With all good wishes,

[nutball]

Nick,

I also recently purchased an overarm pin router as part of the 3 SPTs for the price of 2 deal. I don't recall an offer to include a router. Was it offered only if the OPR was purchased by itself? If not, I probably would have opted to get one and wonder if there would be any way to still take advantage of the offer.

Thanks in advance for your response,

Paul

P.S.: Thanks for all your informative posts on these forums. It's great to get the point of view of someone with your experience and "inside" information!

[Nick]

Thanks for your kind words, Nutball Paul. As for the router deal, I doubt whether they will extend it to you since you've already had one huge discount. We don't have many "double coupon days" here at Shopsmith. However, you might be able to pick one up at the right price in the "Internet Sale" now going on. I noticed a pile of these out on the factory floor specifically designated as fodder for that marketing effort.

With all good wishes,

[charlese]

Just trying out my brand spanking new Overarm Pin Router and trying to get used to the various adjustments. Today made up a couple of raised door panels, routing the edges with a 1/2" core box bit. Worked pretty good! Used the "horizontal" mode and could extend in a little over 3/4" from the edge of the panel. Didn't want to take any shorter bite on my 1/4" shaft bit. Did both sides of the panels. A little sanding and they look good.

Just need to figure out new ways to attach the vacuum dust shield. Used a piece of High density - (high molecular weight) (or something like that) plastic for a fence rather than the SS fence.

P.S. April 15th Just finished the paneled doors, was reviewing the forum and found my error in posting. It was a 1/2" core box bit from the sides of the panels (in Horizontal mode) to make the raised panels. (Must have had round-over on my mind for some reason.) It took several passes to get in 3/4" from the side, but I like the look.

I think the versatility of the Overarm Pin Router upgrade is super!