Smitty
MAY/JUN
2003
Volume 46/Issue 3
IN
THIS ISSUE
Project
Articles
•
Wall-Hung Curio Cabinet
• Mobile Potting Table
• Pencil and Stamp Holder
DEPARTMENTS
•
Ask Smitty
• Owner’s Gallery
• Letters from Owners
Academy Notes
Furniture
Joinery
Service Pointers
MARK
V Speed Change Mechanism
Safety Tips
Safety Do's and Don'ts
What's
New
Shopsmith
and Lowe's Team Up
EDUCATION
• Find
A Shopsmith Woodworking Academy Near You
• National
Woodworking Academy in Dayton, OH
ONLINE
CATALOGS
• Online Accessory Catalog
• Request
Printed Accessory Catalog
• Online
Replacement Parts Catalog
MARK
V INFORMATION
• Find
A Shopsmith
MARK V Demo Near You
• Request
MARK V Information Package
LINKS
•
Links Worth Visiting
•
Free Woodworking
Tips
FEEDBACK
Contacting
Shopsmith
Copyright
2003.
Shopsmith, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
ASK
SMITTY!
Here
are the questions . . .
and SMITTY’S answers for this issue!
Routing
& Shaping with and without the Shopsmith Speed Increaser
From Ed, via email:
I have a question about routing and shaping with the Shopsmith MARK
V. Is the Shopsmith Speed Increaser required for performing these functions?
I have tried to use a router bit in my MARK V in the past and I had very
terrible results trying to accomplish simple routing. I have owned my
MARK V for almost eight years. It was my Grandfather's, which he purchased
in the 50's. I have not purchased a Speed Increaser and would like to
create some large raised panels for installation onto a wall surface behind
a bar area. By the way, the new Tips Page with the link about raised panels
is great. Maybe in the future, you could have more items that include
links to blow up plans.
There's no question that the speed increaser makes the MARK V a much better router than it is without this accessory. However, if you have an older MARK V (which you apparently do), part of your problem stems from the fact that you have a single bearing quill in your machine...combined with the age of this machine, of course.
Even when new, the single bearing quills would allow excessive "runout" and wobble during use....especially with operations involving a lot of side thrust (such as routing, shaping, drum sanding, etc.) This causes chatter and results in disappointing results. That's why Shopsmith switched to a two-bearing quill in 1984.
A two-bearing quill upgrade kit is available for your machine (Part # 555088 -- about $90)..and you should be able to install it yourself. This will make a significant difference in your routing/shaping results...and other operations, as well.
When routing, be sure to use the Router Chuck and not your drill chuck. Drill chucks are not designed to withstand the forces involved in side thrust operations. Will the speed increaser improve your results? You bet it will! Especially with routing operations. That's because router bits typically have two flutes...and two-fluted bits cut more smoothly at higher speeds. The issue here is really one of “cuts-per-revolution”. Consider that hand-held routers typically run at between 18,000 and 25,000 rpm's. At 20,000 rpm's, a 2-flute bit is making 40,000 cuts-per-minute!
The Speed increaser will make some difference in your shaping, as well...but top-end MARK V speeds (5,700) are acceptable for work with these THREE-flute cutters.
Another thing to consider when performing either of these operations on a MARK V is “how big of a bite” you're taking in a single pass. At lower speeds, it's important that you take lighter passes -- and more of them.
For guidance on your 2-bearing quill upgrade, I advise you to contact our TOLL-FREE Technical Services Hotline at 1-800-762-7555. Hope this info helps.
