Need Help with my New 520

mountainbreeze · Post by **mountainbreeze** » Fri Dec 23, 2011 5:53 pm

So, I went out today and picked up the 520 with bandsaw I found on Craigslist which will replace the 1977 Mark 5 that was handed down to me. It's in really good shape. The previous owner said he used it as a table saw which seems to be supported by the fact that the drill chuck, drill bits, sanding disk, and lathe tools have never been used. The band saw looks like it has been lightly used.

When I got it home and started looking it over it would appear there are some missing parts and this is where I need some help so that I can make a single order to Shopsmith.

First, and the item I think I need the most is the missing owners manual. There are obviously big differences between my old Mark V and the 520. Setup and alignment is probably where I need the most help. For example, how do you make the floating tables co-planer with the main table?

Also, no PTWFE. I have the one that came with the 1977 Mark V but I would expect there is a newer one that covers some of the 520 operations. Is the online version current? Is it worth buying the latest version?

Next, I only have 6 black knobs that tighten the tables to the extension tubes but there are 10 holes. Am I missing 4 knobs or am I supposed to move them as needed?

Finally, here is a picture of some parts I have but I don't know what they are for. I actually have two sets of the knurled knobs & bolts. Maybe the Owners manual will help. Any hints?

[ATTACH]15382[/ATTACH]

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Fri Dec 23, 2011 6:01 pm

mountainbreeze wrote:So, I went out today and picked up the 520 with bandsaw I found on Craigslist which will replace the 1977 Mark 5 that was handed down to me. It's in really good shape. The previous owner said he used it as a table saw which seems to be supported by the fact that the drill chuck, drill bits, sanding disk, and lathe tools have never been used. The band saw looks like it has been lightly used.

When I got it home and started looking it over it would appear there are some missing parts and this is where I need some help so that I can make a single order to Shopsmith.

First, and the item I think I need the most is the missing owners manual. There are obviously big differences between my old Mark V and the 520. Setup and alignment is probably where I need the most help. For example, how do you make the floating tables co-planer with the main table?

Also, no PTWFE. I have the one that came with the 1977 Mark V but I would expect there is a newer one that covers some of the 520 operations. Is the online version current? Is it worth buying the latest version?

Next, I only have 6 black knobs that tighten the tables to the extension tubes but there are 10 holes. Am I missing 4 knobs or am I supposed to move them as needed?

Finally, here is a picture of some parts I have but I don't know what they are for. I actually have two sets of the knurled knobs & bolts. Maybe the Owners manual will help. Any hints?

[ATTACH]15382[/ATTACH]

I believe the two aluminum parts are the gauges to set the rails to the table so they are all the same.

The two bolts and knurled nuts look like the ones that hold the wooden miter gauge extension to the miter gauge.

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Fri Dec 23, 2011 6:36 pm

JPG40504 wrote:I believe the two aluminum parts are the gauges to set the rails to the table so they are all the same.

The two bolts and knurled nuts look like the ones that hold the wooden miter gauge extension to the miter gauge.

That is certainly one use for the bolts and knurled nuts but to the best of my knowledge those are piece parts.

Yes, those are the rail alignment gauges. I use mine in a fashion different than stated in the instruction sheet however. The objection is to get the front rails all set at the same height with respect to the table surface.

[ATTACH]15384[/ATTACH]

[ATTACH]15385[/ATTACH]

mountainbreeze · Post by **mountainbreeze** » Sat Dec 24, 2011 8:33 am

A few more questions...

If you get the rails to be aligned relative to the top of the table, how do you get the floating table to be co-planar to the main table when both are tightened to the connecting rails? How does Shopsmith suggest they be used?

Are those black end caps standard equipment or was this something you added? I didn't get them with mine.

Is the use of the alignment blocks covered in the Owners Manual (which I need to purchase) or do I need to get a separate sheet of instructions?

How many black knobs that tighten the tables to the rails am I supposed to have? I have 6 but there are 10 holes.

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Sat Dec 24, 2011 8:54 am

mountainbreeze wrote:A few more questions...

If you get the rails to be aligned relative to the top of the table, how do you get the floating table to be co-planar to the main table when both are tightened to the connecting rails? How does Shopsmith suggest they be used? I loosen the screws that secure the rail to the table. I then install the extension table on tubes that have been inserted in the main table and tightened in place. Then I clamp a straight edge that is long enough to bridge both tables (I use my 4' levels) to the main table. With the extension table snugged up against the levels (clamped), I secure the screws that hold the rails to the tables.

If everything is PRECISE, the extension table can be used on either side of the main table. Any deviation from PRECISE may prevent the table from being transportable (without tweaking or ignoring the imprecise fit).

Are those black end caps standard equipment or was this something you added? I didn't get them with mine.

The black caps are my own. I am forever scrapping against the ends of the rails. I put those rubber covers on the extension tubes to protect me. Got them at ACE Hardware.

Is the use of the alignment blocks covered in the Owners Manual (which I need to purchase) or do I need to get a separate sheet of instructions?

The alignment blocks are discussed briefly in the instruction sheet that came with the upgrade kit (555771). However, there is very little vital information contained therein.

How many black knobs that tighten the tables to the rails am I supposed to have? I have 6 but there are 10 holes.

There are three knobs used on each main table rail and two on each extension or floating table rail (front and rear).

The knobs are part number 515859 and with each know you need a spring part number 518462.

Hope this helps.