Shopsmith Forums

The only 'downside' IMHO is the denial of 'service' of the table saw function when set up as something else that 'needs' to remain set up. Not a show stopper, just a matter of 'convenience'.

After all we are not 'in production' with a quota/profit to make.

algale:
on the Forrest site check out the options available for each blade. For an increase in price (I paid $11) they will send you a blade for the SS 1 ¼ arbor. No need to have to keep both size arbors IMHO.
Forrest (again, no financial involvement with Forrest Blades)

I remain surprised by the hesitant thoughts regarding the 510/520 table saw functions.

Since the 510 is the ONLY table saw I've ever used, I find absolutely NO issues at all in it's use.

Is it too high? Don't know since it's the only saw I've used.

Does the tilt function fail and slip? Not on my saw,

Is it easy to set up? It is for me!

Do I find the cuts exacting? Absolutely YES!

Is it a space saver and fun to use? YES!

Have I made lots of good looking large furniture? Yes! Sawn large boards? Yes!

Do I use it to break down 4X8 plywood? NO! I do that with a hand held saw, then cut the exact pieces with the Shopsmith, using extension tables.
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I agree I was wrong. I bought into all the negativity I read about the Shopsmith table saw. Once I used it it has been great! I even did end up
Getting a 5/8th saw arbor and mounted my Forest WWII blade. It is all good. I see admin deleted the spam that revived this thread but I am glad it gave me a chance to set the record straight and tell the rest of the story.

charlese wrote:I remain surprised by the hesitant thoughts regarding the 510/520 table saw functions.

Since the 510 is the ONLY table saw I've ever used, I find absolutely NO issues at all in it's use.

Is it too high? Don't know since it's the only saw I've used.

Does the tilt function fail and slip? Not on my saw,

Is it easy to set up? It is for me!

Do I find the cuts exacting? Absolutely YES!

Is it a space saver and fun to use? YES!

Have I made lots of good looking large furniture? Yes! Sawn large boards? Yes!

Do I use it to break down 4X8 plywood? NO! I do that with a hand held saw, then cut the exact pieces with the Shopsmith, using extension tables.
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Ditto to everything Chuck said...all those points have been my experience too. I also use a circular saw and a saw guide to break down sheet goods and find that is a good system. I have used the SS table saw as my only table saw for decades with no complaints...well, except for maybe one little quibble...and this probably does not apply to the 520...the 500 fence system, once clamped down, is rock steady and works great...however, before you get to the clamping it down stage there can be a bit of fiddling to make sure it is aligned correctly. Maybe its me, but I can't rely on the fence staying adjusted between setups, so I check it with a combination square every time before use. It would be nice to have a fence that could just slide into position and lock down without having to be tweaked...well, other than that issue, which is pretty minor really, I find no fault with the SS used as a table saw.

I am glad to hear some of you experienced guys showing some love for the table saw. Being new to woodworking and Shopsmith, I read all of these negatives about the "weakest part" of the Shopsmith. So far, I am finding the SS table saw working very well for me. I do use the 10ER as an outfeed table for longer rips, but other than that, in my limited experience, I don't know how I will need any more than the Mark 7/V and 10ER.

Thanks for being honest and voicing your opinion. I for one appreciate the real world feed back of real master SS owners.

rjent wrote:I am glad to hear some of you experienced guys showing some love for the table saw. Being new to woodworking and Shopsmith, I read all of these negatives about the "weakest part" of the Shopsmith. So far, I am finding the SS table saw working very well for me. I do use the 10ER as an outfeed table for longer rips, but other than that, in my limited experience, I don't know how I will need any more than the Mark 7/V and 10ER.

Thanks for being honest and voicing your opinion. I for one appreciate the real world feed back of real master SS owners.

Aaah but it is not all good. I am a shorty (5'7") and I do find the Mark V to be a bit taller than I would like. I have toyed with lowering it by taking the legs off and remounting on a bench. That would work if the saw table was all I use. Lowering the Mark V table also lowers the other SPT. Therefore, I deal with the table height.

dusty wrote:Aaah but it is not all good. I am a shorty (5'7") and I do find the Mark V to be a bit taller than I would like. I have toyed with lowering it by taking the legs off and remounting on a bench. That would work if the saw table was all I use. Lowering the Mark V table also lowers the other SPT. Therefore, I deal with the table height.

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Me too, Dusty! In the old days, I used to be 5'7", but nowdays it's a stretch to say I'm that tall. Supposed I never had a problem because it is the only table saw I've ever used.

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charlese wrote:

dusty wrote:Aaah but it is not all good. I am a shorty (5'7") and I do find the Mark V to be a bit taller than I would like. I have toyed with lowering it by taking the legs off and remounting on a bench. That would work if the saw table was all I use. Lowering the Mark V table also lowers the other SPT. Therefore, I deal with the table height.

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Me too, Dusty! In the old days, I used to be 5'7", but nowdays it's a stretch to say I'm that tall. Supposed I never had a problem because it is the only table saw I've ever used.

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My only issue is that I cannot always see the cut as well I would like to. I'd like to be looking down onto the blade/work piece.

edflorence wrote:

charlese wrote:I remain surprised by the hesitant thoughts regarding the 510/520 table saw functions.

Since the 510 is the ONLY table saw I've ever used, I find absolutely NO issues at all in it's use.

Is it too high? Don't know since it's the only saw I've used.

Does the tilt function fail and slip? Not on my saw,

Is it easy to set up? It is for me!

Do I find the cuts exacting? Absolutely YES!

Is it a space saver and fun to use? YES!

Have I made lots of good looking large furniture? Yes! Sawn large boards? Yes!

Do I use it to break down 4X8 plywood? NO! I do that with a hand held saw, then cut the exact pieces with the Shopsmith, using extension tables.
----

Ditto to everything Chuck said...all those points have been my experience too. I also use a circular saw and a saw guide to break down sheet goods and find that is a good system. I have used the SS table saw as my only table saw for decades with no complaints...well, except for maybe one little quibble...and this probably does not apply to the 520...the 500 fence system, once clamped down, is rock steady and works great...however, before you get to the clamping it down stage there can be a bit of fiddling to make sure it is aligned correctly. Maybe its me, but I can't rely on the fence staying adjusted between setups, so I check it with a combination square every time before use. It would be nice to have a fence that could just slide into position and lock down without having to be tweaked...well, other than that issue, which is pretty minor really, I find no fault with the SS used as a table saw.

Are you saying the 500 rip fence needs fiddling/verification between setups? If so when you fiddle, what are you doing? Is the 'offset' screw(s) fully retracted?