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Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2013 3:11 pm
by JPG
EricD wrote: . . .
How many versions of the headstock casting were there and what were the differences?
Three - 'A' 'B' 'C'
C is the current version with the square power switch.
B is the same but with the earlier toggle switch.
Both B and C are die castings.
A is the 'unique' one. It is the original 'Sand Casting'. It is thicker and has fewer openings. The speed control hole is small and rectangular. That makes it heavier. It also is 'rougher' and has what some would consider defects(flash etc.). However all the bores are in the correct places and dimensions where needed. It's worst feature is the absence of the access hole under the logo on the back side.
At some point a hole was added to the two wings that guard the toggle switch. They allowed one to lockout the switch in the off position.
Posted: Fri Jul 18, 2014 12:29 pm
by elkhunter
terrydowning wrote:Also keep in mind that the DIY upgrade is for the headstock internals only.
It will NOT get you the larger 520 tables, or double tilt. Those are separate upgrades as well. Oddly enough to upgrade a older 500 model to be equal to a new Mark 7, you will only save a couple hundred bucks if doing all new upgrades.
A used 510 or 520 would be a better candidate for upgrade IMHO due to the table improvements.
I have just completed the double tilt upgrade and can tell you it is quite expensive on the older machines as you also have to change out the bench tubes as the diameter of the newer tubes are smaller than the older tubes and the cost of the tubes from SS are $161.69 each. Then of course one needs to check all of the alignments for the tables and attachments because of the upgraded ends.
Posted: Fri Jul 18, 2014 1:19 pm
by JPG
elkhunter wrote:I have just completed the double tilt upgrade and can tell you it is quite expensive on the older machines as you also have to change out the bench tubes as the diameter of the newer tubes are smaller than the older tubes and the cost of the tubes from SS are $161.69 each. Then of course one needs to check all of the alignments for the tables and attachments because of the upgraded ends.
Not having seen the 'new' castings, I would be inclined to ream the bench tube holes to take the larger tubes. A 1/16" need also be shaved off the inner casting 'spacer'. I assume the clamp/two screws is the same.
Posted: Sun Jul 27, 2014 10:36 pm
by teacherman
I'd be more inclined to look for a deal on a newer machine, as anything from SS is very costly. However, if it is what you want, then that's what you get. I bought a new Harley a few years back, and I didn't quibble about it.
I'm just happy to have found my greenie, and then a bandsaw attachment. It all fits on this cart now, and I am NOT going to start accumulating a ton of new stuff, but I do relate to those who are into doing that. I relate to that in a big way, which is why I am resisting........
