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510 to 520? Is it worth it?

Posted: Fri Nov 07, 2014 3:32 pm
by ibskot
So, I am wondering after in having my new (to me) 510 table system if the 520 is that much better. Compared to my 500 table the 510 is awesome. Wondering if the 520 is as much better then the 510 as the 510 is better then the 500. To my knowledge it's just a fence and guide for the fence, right? Everything else is the same?

Thoughts?

510 to 520?

Posted: Fri Nov 07, 2014 4:56 pm
by mike1959
yes I think it is. I have two 520s and I love the fence system on them.
It has 4 t slots on it, two on top and one on each side. they come in real handy for tall fences, stop blocks, and all kinds of jigs. So there is my 2 cents.:)

510 to 520? Is it worth it?

Posted: Fri Nov 07, 2014 5:12 pm
by dusty
It all depends. This is a very personal decision and my 2 cents worth is stated here.

What can be done using a 520 that cannot be done using a 510? If there is anything, is that increased functionality worth the cost?

Posted: Fri Nov 07, 2014 5:34 pm
by mbcabinetmaker
Yes you will not regret the up grade. I have owned quite a few 510's and I would not take double the money that the up grade cost if I had to down grade to the 510 fence system.

Posted: Fri Nov 07, 2014 5:36 pm
by ibskot
The only real tangible thing that us tempting me is the ability to use a feather board on the fence to hold down the stock as it passes over the blade.

Posted: Fri Nov 07, 2014 5:47 pm
by JPG
ibskot wrote:The only real tangible thing that us tempting me is the ability to use a feather board on the fence to hold down the stock as it passes over the blade.
One can 'make' a fence adapter to mount to the side of the 510 fence that has a 'slot' like the 520 fence side.

Posted: Fri Nov 07, 2014 5:55 pm
by ibskot
JPG wrote:One can 'make' a fence adapter to mount to the side of the 510 fence that has a 'slot' like the 520 fence side.
You are correct sir. I do, however, appreciate finely extruded aluminum too.

Posted: Fri Nov 07, 2014 10:17 pm
by JPG
So, use an extruded aluminum miter slot on the 'adapter'.:D

http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/catalog/np_jigsfixturesA.htm

Posted: Fri Nov 07, 2014 10:21 pm
by ibskot
JPG wrote:So, use an extruded aluminum miter slot on the 'adapter'.:D

http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/catalog/np_jigsfixturesA.htm

Aren't you clever....really though, good idea.

Posted: Sat Nov 08, 2014 12:59 am
by ibskot
http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/cata ... rboard.htm


Check this out....I am all over this with my order next week.