woodburner wrote:Hi All,
I for one have always owned a 510 and use it with no problems whatsoever.
I like the fact that you use the large wing handle/lock to bring the fence into alignment before locking it down, as this helps prevent the fence from moving before using the one locking handle that is similar to the 520's fence. The 520 fence has two locking handles, but no wing handle to bring everything into alignment. I think that is why some of the 520 users have problems with movement of the 520 fence when they lock it down. I myself have not had this problem when using my 510 fence.
I did however purchase the Incra system (with router accessories) a couple of years ago and use that fence for most of my ripping now. The fence system itself (without the router accesories) cost just a little more than what you will pay for a 510-to-520 upgrade. If I were thinking about upgrading a 510, I would really consider the option of purchasing the Incra fence first. It is not only more accurate than both the 510 or 520 fences, but you can also add on the Incra router table accesories at a later date if you like.
The main question you want to ask yourself is "how much ripping will I actually be doing?" "Will I be doing enough to justify the expense at this time, or will what I have now do the job I need?" After all, that is pretty much all a fence is used for (ripping).
Depending on that answer, only you can decide on what you truley need. The 510 is perfectly capable doing exactly what a 520 fence can do, and I am still very pleased with my 510 fence after all these years. Sure, the 520 fence looks more modern and has a couple more bells and whistles, but depending on what you plan on making with your system should be your answer.
Since you are just starting out with the 510, give yourself a year with it and see how much you really use your fence. The 520 upgrade goes on sale at least twice a year, so you won't be missing out on anything if you bypass this sale and wait for the next one.
Woodburner
I tend to agree with you on the 510 fence, I actually like it better than the 520 fence. However the 520 is so superior to the 510 in table alignment that I will learn to live with the 520 fence.
On the 510 the floating tables were held in place by a pinch screw that came in from the side. The could pinch high, near the center or low in reference to the connecting tube depending on a multitude of things. On the 520 the table lock in place by pinch screw from the bottom, therefore each and every time they lock in at the same place.
On my 510 I learned to turn the wing nut just enough to move the fence but tight enough to hold the fence parallel. On the 520 using the lever this way is very difficult and almost every time I set my fence I have to lock it, unlock it, bump it, lock it, unlock it, bump it, lock it.
The biggest difference between the 510 and the 520 in my opinion is quality. My 510 upgrade was an absolute mess. The connecting tubes were rusty and discolored, the table rails were simply awful (looked like they spend the winter underwater) my fence was bent and the table was warped. I was not happy. Shopsmith sent me replacement connecting tubes, tables rails and two replacement tables all warped before I finally got feed up, threw all the junk and in the corner and and stopped using the Shopsmith. It sat there basically unused for 10 + years. Then I saw a Demo of the 520, talked to the salesman who convinced me of the superiority of the 520 and I ordered the upgrade. Everything that came was first class quality.
However I still have a warped main table and discolored connecting tubes but hey it is not like a paid a premium price for it .... Hey wait!?! I did pay a premium price. Okay I'll stop my rant. I go off about once a year everytime I think about my 510 upgrade Urrrrgh!!!!!!!
