Shopsmith Forums

Has anyone tried to find a substitute for the very expensive 520 extrusion parts to convert 510 tables to be compatible with a 520 system?

Some have used the rail system from a Ryobi BT 3000

https://forum.shopsmith.com/viewtopic.php?t=11770

I should clarify; rails to work with the 520. The same rails only less expensive.

JonE wrote:I should clarify]with[/I] the 520. The same rails only less expensive.

I guess I'm confused. The "520" is referring to the rails. Are you looking for aftermarket rails that work with the factory 520 fence? Otherwise the factory 505/510/520 tables can be used with different rails (like the BT3000 rails linked above).

I don't know if anywhere you can buy aftermarket rails that are identical to the factory ones.

The only rails that I know of that are Shopsmith 520 compatible are those that you have already discovered to be costly. However, I believe they are a worthwhile investment.

Don't bother trying to find someone to manufacture compatible extrusions. It can be done but is cost prohibitive.

I wanted rails that would span the width of the main table and two floating tables. I have settled on the 520 rails and extension tubes that I already owned.

Try it! You'll like it!:):)

JonE wrote:I should clarify]with[/I] the 520. The same rails only less expensive.

I'm not aware of another source for the extrusion Shopsmith uses for the 520 rails (which, by the way, are not identical front and rear). Whoever makes it for them does not, as far as I know, offer it for sale directly. If you could find it, you'd also need to find the rip fence, since the 500, 505, 510 fences won't work with the 520 rail extrusion.

Other extrusions could probably be gerry rigged but you'd still need to figure out a rip fence to work with it and it probably would not align with the extension tubes that fit in the 520 rails.

Of course if you don't like Shopsmith's prices, you can always look on ebay (where you may find the upgrade kit or someone just parting out a 520) or on Craigslist (where you are likely to find the whole 520).

Al

that I have come to but just wondering at this point. Thanks for the responses.
Again, a clarification. I'm not trying to create my own whole machine 520 modification. I just would like to use the 510 tables I already have on my 520 set up. I usually buy shopsmith products....because....support the company, ensure compatibility, etc. but to have to pay $67 per floating table for just the rails....I felt a bit excessive. I am fortunate enough to have 4 510 floating tables, 2 510 ext tables. Translates to over $500 in hardware to use the tables with the 520. More than the cost of a stand alone table saw (well, a job site saw anyway). Just wishing for a less expensive alternative. Oh well, I'll be biting the bullet over time.

You are right about the cost, it is a lot of money but as you have found there is no chance that someone else is marketing them. I'm also guessing it cost shopsmith a lot of money for the die's and this would be a very low volume run at who ever does these. This will also raises the price you end up paying.

Keep in mind that there are the springs and knobs to buy in addition.

You might get lucky off ebay but if you need them now I would start by getting a set or two and expanding as you see fit. Spreading the cost around will not save you in the long run but it might make it a little easier to take it a mouthful at a time.

Ed