510 to 520? Is it worth it?

ibskot · Post by **ibskot** » Fri Nov 07, 2014 3:32 pm

So, I am wondering after in having my new (to me) 510 table system if the 520 is that much better. Compared to my 500 table the 510 is awesome. Wondering if the 520 is as much better then the 510 as the 510 is better then the 500. To my knowledge it's just a fence and guide for the fence, right? Everything else is the same?

Thoughts?

mike1959 · Post by **mike1959** » Fri Nov 07, 2014 4:56 pm

yes I think it is. I have two 520s and I love the fence system on them.
It has 4 t slots on it, two on top and one on each side. they come in real handy for tall fences, stop blocks, and all kinds of jigs. So there is my 2 cents.

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Fri Nov 07, 2014 5:12 pm

It all depends. This is a very personal decision and my 2 cents worth is stated here.

What can be done using a 520 that cannot be done using a 510? If there is anything, is that increased functionality worth the cost?

mbcabinetmaker · Post by **mbcabinetmaker** » Fri Nov 07, 2014 5:34 pm

Yes you will not regret the up grade. I have owned quite a few 510's and I would not take double the money that the up grade cost if I had to down grade to the 510 fence system.

ibskot · Post by **ibskot** » Fri Nov 07, 2014 5:36 pm

The only real tangible thing that us tempting me is the ability to use a feather board on the fence to hold down the stock as it passes over the blade.

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Fri Nov 07, 2014 5:47 pm

ibskot wrote:The only real tangible thing that us tempting me is the ability to use a feather board on the fence to hold down the stock as it passes over the blade.

One can 'make' a fence adapter to mount to the side of the 510 fence that has a 'slot' like the 520 fence side.

ibskot · Post by **ibskot** » Fri Nov 07, 2014 5:55 pm

JPG wrote:One can 'make' a fence adapter to mount to the side of the 510 fence that has a 'slot' like the 520 fence side.

You are correct sir. I do, however, appreciate finely extruded aluminum too.

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Fri Nov 07, 2014 10:17 pm

So, use an extruded aluminum miter slot on the 'adapter'.

http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/catalog/np_jigsfixturesA.htm

ibskot · Post by **ibskot** » Fri Nov 07, 2014 10:21 pm

JPG wrote:So, use an extruded aluminum miter slot on the 'adapter'.

http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/catalog/np_jigsfixturesA.htm

Aren't you clever....really though, good idea.

ibskot · Post by **ibskot** » Sat Nov 08, 2014 12:59 am

http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/cata ... rboard.htm

Check this out....I am all over this with my order next week.