Although overarm pin routing has been around for decades,
it has been limited to commercial use. Commercial pin routing machines are
most often large, dedicated and stationary. They also cost thousands of
dollars. However, our Veritas® Pin Router Arm now makes this type of
routing an affordable option for anyone.
Essentially, pin routing uses stationary pins to guide a template, which
is mounted to the workpiece to be routed. Because the rotating bit does
not come in contact with the template, templates stay accurate and can
be used over and over again. Pin routing goes further than just making
it easy to copy items; it also simplifies the process of making templates,
inlaying work and making relief or incised signs.
Conventional pin routers usually have a dedicated router suspended from
an overhead arm, which means the router is above the workpiece and the
rotating bit is left exposed. A pin, which guides a template, is mounted
to the table. The Veritas Pin Router Arm reverses the set-up; the pin
is in the overhead arm, while the router is mounted under a table. This
inverted design makes it safer to operate. With the rotating bit below
and the workpiece acting as a safety shield, fingers are kept away from
the cutting area. Also, because the guide pin is suspended from an arm,
a template is much easier to follow because the guide pin is always in
view.
When the Veritas Bit Jack is used with the Veritas Pin Router Arm, you
get the added benefit of being able to preset cutting depths, which helps
to reduce overall set-up time. With a foot pedal you also get the convenience
of being able to plunge and retract the bit, leaving both hands available
where you most need them.
The Veritas Pin Router Arm has integral clamps for repeatedly accurate
and easy mounting and dismounting. The included alignment pin is used
to guarantee concentricity between the router bit and the guide pins.
The arm itself is a single (and solid) 7-1/2 lb aluminum casting to ensure
stiffness. Mounted on the corner of the router table, the arm provides
for a full 12" throat clearance, allowing routing to the middle of a 2'
workpiece. The arm can also be mounted on shop-made router tables by replacing
the clamps with machine screws that pass through the table. 
The guide pin mechanism is spring loaded and adjustable for pin height.
Three aluminum guide pins are included (3/8", 1/2" and 3/4" diameters)
and can easily be switched by loosening only one setscrew. To use the
pin router arm for inlay work or signmaking, a signmaking guide pin is
available separately. One end is 1/4" diameter for inlay work and the
other end is pointed and used as a stylus for letter tracing. Made in
Canada.
The pin router arm is also available as a set including the bit jack.