Upgrading a 500 (1985)

[franknsled]

The Canada/US exchange rate is ridiculous now. I don't think Ill be buying upgrades for a while. I bought the saw guards thinking they would fit my 500 but the table leg hits the dust collector outlet about two inches before the blade lines up with the insert. I also bought a 520 carriage only to find out it takes the wider 520 table legs (to clear the collector). I guess I won't be using the table saw.

[franknsled]

Can I use a 510 table and attach the 520 fence rails to it and use the 520 fence?
Searched the forum and found out that both tables are the same size so I am assuming that the 520 fence will work as long as I have the 520 rails.
Am I correct? If yes then I need to get on ebay!

[RFGuy]

Can I use a 510 table and attach the 520 fence rails to it and use the 520 fence?
Searched the forum and found out that both tables are the same size so I am assuming that the 520 fence will work as long as I have the 520 rails.
Am I correct? If yes then I need to get on ebay!

Yes. I had a 510 and purchased the upgrade several years back. All you do is swap out the 510 rails for the 520 rails and then use the 520 fence. IF you can find what you need on eBay then that is all you need. From my point of view, the 520 fence is a big improvement over the 510 so for me it was well worth the upgrade. Good luck.

[HopefulSSer]

Can I use a 510 table and attach the 520 fence rails to it and use the 520 fence?
Searched the forum and found out that both tables are the same size so I am assuming that the 520 fence will work as long as I have the 520 rails.
Am I correct? If yes then I need to get on ebay!

Yes. I had a 510 and purchased the upgrade several years back. All you do is swap out the 510 rails for the 520 rails and then use the 520 fence. IF you can find what you need on eBay then that is all you need. From my point of view, the 520 fence is a big improvement over the 510 so for me it was well worth the upgrade. Good luck.

Seconded. I just updated my 510 to 520 spec and it's a big improvement

[franknsled]

Thanks guys. I'm going shopping!!

[RonKlein]

A couple of things to remember: the 510 table will not fit in the 500 carriage, so you will need the 510 carriage as well. Also, there is an aluminum gauge for setting the 520 rails, which is handy to have.

[RFGuy]

A couple of things to remember: the 510 table will not fit in the 500 carriage, so you will need the 510 carriage as well. Also, there is an aluminum gauge for setting the 520 rails, which is handy to have.

Ron,

Thanks for pointing this out. I forgot that this thread started out discussing a 500 and the carriage would be different.

[chapmanruss]

franknsled,

You asked,

Can I use a 510 table and attach the 520 fence rails to it and use the 520 fence?
Searched the forum and found out that both tables are the same size so I am assuming that the 520 fence will work as long as I have the 520 rails.
Am I correct? If yes then I need to get on ebay!

As I said before about the tables, the 510/505 Tables are the same as the 520 Tables. The difference is the Fence Rails and the Fence itself. I know it is a lot of information to keep track of.

The prices I see for the tables are a bit higher for the 520 then the 510/505 on the used market and new parts for that matter. If you are wanting the 520 Pro Fence, I would suggest looking for that instead of buying the 510 and upgrading, it. That would likely be less expensive in the long run. Since you already have the Carriage and Saw Guards for the 510/505, 520 etc. models you would want the Main Table Assembly (including trunnion and posts), the Extension Table (it uses the same lags as the 500), The 2 Floating Tables (they are the same as the Extension Table without the mounting bolts for the legs), the 4 Connector Tubes and the 2 Adjustable Support Legs. Add to that the longer Saw Blade Arbors both 5/8" and 1-1/4" if desired plus the longer Hub for the 12" Steel Sanding Disk. 12" Sanding Disks with the shorter Hub or aluminum ones can still be used but not with the Lower Saw Blade Guard for dust collection.

There are two versions of the 520 Front Fence Rails. The original one and when the Mark 7 was introduced it added a magnetic strip to the hold ruler scales. Either version will work for you and I have both types. I really don't use the scales myself.

As RonKlein said you will want the Alignment Gauge for setting the 520 Fence Rails. Sorry I don't currently have a picture of it.


Again, I know it is a lot of information to keep track of.

[JPG]

One other picky 510 detail: There are two versions. Only the later version will not require machining of the main table to accept the 520 rails. That earlier version machining consists of drilling out the threads of the tapped rail mounting holes(and possible relocating one[two?] of the holes).

[HopefulSSer]

As RonKlein said you will want the Alignment Gauge for setting the 520 Fence Rails. Sorry I don't currently have a picture of it.

Quick sketch of the gauge(s -- there are two)

IMG_1012.jpeg (86.39 KiB) Viewed 1225 times

It appears to be milled from 1/8" thick aluminum angle. The 3-3/4" length is unimportant -- longer would be better.