Purchase used shopsmith

[robinson46176]

[quote="mbcabinetmaker"]I would try to talk them down on price and just buy both!]




Now your talking...
I sold all of the cast iron table band saws I had when I got a late one with the bigger aluminum table but I don't consider the bigger aluminum table a big deal. With it you lose the cross slot and using the miter-gauge as a fence.
All other factors being equal like condition etc. I would probably go for the 510. I do consider the 510 table system a big deal. I have no experience with a 520 but looked at them. they look pretty nice but - "for my use" - I couldn't see enough advantage to spend to upgrade to it.
Some things I would not let influence me much such as a tired cord or less than perfect paint. The cord is a wear out/age out item. Now if there were a breakage of a casting or the like I would want to look pretty close.

[wa2crk]

Personal opinion only but I would go for the 510 and get the BS and the jointer. With the 510 system you will (should) get the two sliding tables which will be an asset. The 505 was sold without the sliding tables and I consider that aspect alone to go for the 510.
Bill V

[iclark]

all other things being equal, having a full set of matched tables with the 510 would make the decision for me. there have been too many discussions here about how many different versions there are of the floating/extension tables and of the 505/510 rails (different mounts, different IDs and wall thicknesses) for me to want to try to match the ones on any given 505. of course, some people do seem to suggest that there is an Irishman who likes hanging out around me.