Are older units better?

[RobertTaylor]

the 500 table does not have the support legs (unless you make some support jigs) and there can be some flexing with large Forstner bits (probably less of a problem if I ever learn to sharpen them). it is still a nice drill press - just not as nice as the upgraded versions.

Ivan[/QUOTE]

i'll have to call ya on that ivan. i have an ajustable support leg from shopsmith that i use for my 500 in the drill press mode. it is not a common accessory (not sure if they still offer it) but i have one and use it.

edit: they do indeed still offer it. checkout http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/cata ... rt_leg.htm

or part #555627

[iclark]

i'll have to call ya on that ivan. i have an ajustable support leg from shopsmith that i use for my 500 in the drill press mode. it is not a common accessory (not sure if they still offer it) but i have one and use it.

edit: they do indeed still offer it. checkout http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/cata ... rt_leg.htm

or part #555627

nice catch and thank you. I did not know about that accessory. it would have come in very handy when I only had the 500. I'll be keeping an eye out for that one going on sale. much appreciated.

Ivan

[RobertTaylor]

no problem. hope you took it in jest as it was meant.

[charlese]

the 510 and 520 main tables with the adjustable support legs make the SS one of the nicest woodworking drill presses. the T-track in the fence is very handy for stops and clamps. the depth stop is also a dream to use versus the usual 2 nuts on a threaded rod system.
Ivan

You can also add one or two floating tables with support legs onto the drill press table giving you a huge stable table for working with larger pieces. You can also add to the sides of the table - - the SS support table http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/catalog/swd_supporttable.htm and/or the infeed/outfeed brackets (555997)with floating table, then your drill press table is humongous!

These are things, I think, can't be done with the 10er or the 500s

[iclark]

no problem. hope you took it in jest as it was meant.

not sure that "jest" is the term that I would have used, but I was very pleased to see your post and to learn from it. adding to my knowledge in a friendly manner (as you did) is always a goodness.

thanks, again,
Ivan

[JPG]

not sure that "jest" is the term that I would have used, but I was very pleased to see your post and to learn from it. adding to my knowledge in a friendly manner (as you did) is always a goodness.

thanks, again,
Ivan

Y'all take note of the interchange between 'Betty' and 'Ivan'.

Ivan learned something and was not upset that he had been corrected.

Betty felt a need to stroke Ivan(emotionally, not physically).

Folks we are all here to glean whatever new knowledge is offered and to offer it to those who either ask for it or just demonstrate a need for it.

It ain't 'personal'. When 'correcting' a misconception(or whatever) not only does the 'target' of that correction learn, but any others who were off track get aligned also.

IMHO do not ever be hesitant to point out something that another is not aware of. Do not take 'correction' as criticism, it be guidance.

End Soap Box Dissertation.

[mmorris]

When doing the morticing for all my kitchen cabinets, I had a longer quill handle machined for added torque and cut a 2X4 brace for below the table. Worked just fine.

the 500 table does not have the support legs (unless you make some support jigs) and there can be some flexing with large Forstner bits (probably less of a problem if I ever learn to sharpen them). it is still a nice drill press - just not as nice as the upgraded versions.

Ivan

i'll have to call ya on that ivan. i have an ajustable support leg from shopsmith that i use for my 500 in the drill press mode. it is not a common accessory (not sure if they still offer it) but i have one and use it.

edit: they do indeed still offer it. checkout http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/cata ... rt_leg.htm

or part #555627[/QUOTE]