510 vs the 520

[donalexander]

In 1980 I purchased a Mark V model 500 and have used it regularly over the years. I recently bought a 1984 Mark V model 510 with some accessories for $375. It was rough looking but it cleaned up well. After doing all the routine maintenance, cleaning it thoroughly, and aligning the machine, my best guess is it saw almost no use over the ensuing 28 years.

I've been debating about doing the upgrade to the model 520. A buddy of mine with a 510 and a 520 says the difference isn't worth the cost. I'm not so sure and now they just put that upgrade on sale.

I'm curious what opinions I might get here as to whether the upgrade is worth it or not. The fence looks nicer and the ability to measure directly on the machine (if it's accurate) seems really nice. What say ye? Upgrade or put my money into wood?

Thanks,

Don

[fredsheldon]

I elected to budget for a PowerPro upgrade on my 510 over an upgrade to a 520 because I didn't see the advantage to me since I'm just getting into woodworking. At my skill level, the difference wouldn't help me much I would suspect. But if I spot a good deal on craigslist or e-bay I will upgrade in the future.

[dusty]

I am inclined to disagree with Fred's logic. He says he is new to wood working. Being new, I doubt that the PowerPro offers him anything that he really needs to peak his skills.

He, in my opinion, has budgeted for his PowerPro because he wants it but not because he needs it or because it will help develop his wood working skills.

I also do not believe that the 520 upgrade changes the versatility of his 510 all that much. I love my 520 but it has not made me a better woodworker. I miscut just as many pieces with my 520 as I did when it was a 510.

I prefer the way the 520 rip fence slides and locks but that is about the only thing that makes it significantly 'different' than the 510.

BTW: I will be purchasing a PowerPro one day too but not until I have some other priority items paid for.

[donalexander]

While I appreciate Fred's comments on the Power Pro, it isn't under consideration. I've seen it, considered it, and I don't think I'll be buying one unless I see a great deal on Craigslist. I'm just looking for opinions on the 520 vs the 510, now that the upgrade is being discounted.

Don

[fjimp]

I have a 520 (now PowerPro) and a second machine that I purchased as a 510 and quickly upgraded to a 520. The opinion that there is little difference between the two I cannot personally buy. The tables are the same, the rails supporting extension tube are different like day and night. The 520 tubes extrusions allow easier table alignment. The rip fence on the 520 runs circles around the 510 fence. it is easier to adjust and doesn't move once set properly. This user is totally convinced the upgrade is well worth the investment. Please Ladies and Gentlemen do not take my opinion as attacking others. It is as presented simply this old guys opinion. Which combined with a dime still won't buy a decent cup of coffee. Jim

[donalexander]

I have a 520 (now PowerPro) and a second machine that I purchased as a 510 and quickly upgraded to a 520. The opinion that there is little difference between the two I cannot personally buy. The tables are the same, the rails supporting extension tube are different like day and night. The 520 tubes extrusions allow easier table alignment. The rip fence on the 520 runs circles around the 510 fence. it is easier to adjust and doesn't move once set properly. This user is totally convinced the upgrade is well worth the investment. Please Ladies and Gentlemen do not take my opinion as attacking others. It is as presented simply this old guys opinion. Which combined with a dime still won't buy a decent cup of coffee. Jim

And yesterday I ran through the assembly process. In order to get the front center bolt out of the main table I had to take the trunion off. Taking it off and putting it on isn't straight forward BUT (and there is always a but) it means I've got to go back and realign the table, which is a bit tedious but certainly understandable and doable. Other than that the only surprise was how easy it was to upgrade and where as most projects like this take twice as long to do as I plan, this one took less time than expected.

My impressions were similar to Jim's. The table alignment process seems much easier now and there is AT LEAST a night and day of difference between the 510 fence and the 520 fence. All-in-all it makes me wonder why SS even bothers to sell the 510 any longer.

My other impressions were for the price I would have expected a higher grade of hardware but what they sent was certainly adequate. The small amount of machining done on the extrusions looked like it came out of a high school shop but again, it was adequate and fortunately it doesn't show once assembled.

I'm glad I bought it on sale ('cause I'm tight <g>) but I am pleased with the purchase. Now if I can just sell my early 80's Model 500, I expect I'll have horse traded into this like new Model 520 for about $300.<g>

Don

[Ed in Tampa]

And yesterday I ran through the assembly process. In order to get the front center bolt out of the main table I had to take the trunion off. Taking it off and putting it on isn't straight forward BUT (and there is always a but) it means I've got to go back and realign the table, which is a bit tedious but certainly understandable and doable. Other than that the only surprise was how easy it was to upgrade and where as most projects like this take twice as long to do as I plan, this one took less time than expected.

My impressions were similar to Jim's. The table alignment process seems much easier now and there is AT LEAST a night and day of difference between the 510 fence and the 520 fence. All-in-all it makes me wonder why SS even bothers to sell the 510 any longer.

My other impressions were for the price I would have expected a higher grade of hardware but what they sent was certainly adequate. The small amount of machining done on the extrusions looked like it came out of a high school shop but again, it was adequate and fortunately it doesn't show once assembled.

I'm glad I bought it on sale ('cause I'm tight <g>) but I am pleased with the purchase. Now if I can just sell my early 80's Model 500, I expect I'll have horse traded into this like new Model 520 for about $300.<g>

Don

Don
I totally agree with your assessment, I don't know why Shopsmith even bothers with the 510.

I started with a 500 which I loved. I upgraded to the 510 which I hated to the point I stopped wood working. I then saw the 520 and decided to give it a try. What a joy! It restored my interest in Woodworking.

If I was Shopsmith I would do everything I could to get people to convert from 510's to 520's.

I really believe the 510 has hindered Shopsmith from gaining the recognition and respect that is due the 520.

I believe the Power Pro does the same thing but Shopsmith has priced the upgrade too high for it to have the universal acceptance among Shopsmith users that is needed for the wood working world to recognize and agree that Shopsmith does deserve a place as a premier wood working machine.

Two really bad calls on Shopsmith's part in my opinion. Decisions that brought in initial profit but will adversely effect long term profitability.

[dusty]

Don
I totally agree with your assessment, I don't know why Shopsmith even bothers with the 510.

I started with a 500 which I loved. I upgraded to the 510 which I hated to the point I stopped wood working. I then saw the 520 and decided to give it a try. What a joy! It restored my interest in Woodworking.

If I was Shopsmith I would do everything I could to get people to convert from 510's to 520's.

I really believe the 510 has hindered Shopsmith from gaining the recognition and respect that is due the 520.

I believe the Power Pro does the same thing but Shopsmith has priced the upgrade too high for it to have the universal acceptance among Shopsmith users that is needed for the wood working world to recognize and agree that Shopsmith does deserve a place as a premier wood working machine.

Two really bad calls on Shopsmith's part in my opinion. Decisions that brought in initial profit but will adversely effect long term profitability.

Strangely, I sort of agree with you, Ed in Tampa, in regard to the marketing value of the 505 and 510. Most people who are seriously considering a Shopsmith in todays's market are less likely to buy a 505 or 510 configuration given the existence of a 520 or Mark 7.

The PowerPro, on the other hand, is attractive to any user who wants the capabilities of the PowerPro. It fits in any of the Mark 5/V configurations.

As to the price, I'm not going there with you. We have already learned that that discussion is fruitless.

[Ed in Tampa]

Dusty
Don't miss my point.
I'm told there are approx 1 million Shopsmith's out there, where ever out there is.

Now suppose every existing owner bought a Power Pro upgrade and actively started using it. That influx of user would beseige accessory manufactures with requests to produce aftermarket products for their machinces. Much like we see now happening with INCA and a few others.

Imagine if every manufacture started making all their aftermarket produces avail to Shopsmith.

All of sudden Shopsmith and it's capabilities would be thrusted onto the limelight in wood magazines by their advertisers.

Shopsmith would have to be noticed and recognized as a serious premier wood working machine it is instead of the current almost condescending reactiion it now invokes.

[robinson46176]

We all have different needs / wants... That is what keeps it interesting.
In my case I see little value to going from the 510 to the 520 but that is just me. Most of that is probably due to the fact that I only occasionally use my 510 (or any of my SS's) as a table saw. When I do it is usually some kind of special set up or for a few simple cuts when I have my big tablesaw sat up for some repeat special cuts and don't want to change it.
When I bought my 510 new in 1988 after wanting a SS for 28 years I was not even trying to buy a 510... I didn't even know what constituted being a 510. I was just buying the newest and best SS available and that 510 was it. I have never in the years since had a single compliant about it even back when it was my primary tablesaw. Maybe I didn't notice its weaknesses since I had always had to use (or do without) so much old crap in the years before I got the 510. Kind of like the old song line, "I've been down so long it looked like up to me"...
I also must confess that my 510 has done more millwork and carpentry over most of its life than fine furniture making and almost never has it been used on tiny stuff.


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