Shopsmith Forums

I just picked up another 510 a few weeks ago and have run into an interesting issue. I attempted to mount one of the floating tables from the new acquisition to my old 510 and it is so far out of level that it is not possible to adjust it to where it is level with the main table. Probably about 1/8 inch below the level of the main table. Were there manufacturing differences within the 510 models ?
Paul

I lay my 510 tables up side down on the bench (a known flat surface) and secure them there. Then I loosen the rails, slide the two extension tubes through the Main and into the floating (or extension) table. At this point, all there is left to do is tighten the bolts that secure the rails.

If this is done with out difficulty, I would expect the tables to be on the same plane with one another. The one idiosyncrasy that I have experienced is the tables may only be aligned one to the other when kept in that same orientation.

Were there manufacturing differences coming out of the plant? Probably. Only the Shadow knows!

I may be off base here, but I recall reading some threads that there are differences between the original 510 and something called the 510R (R for revised?). I believe these will not play well together.

The 'early' 510 rails mounted to the table with screws and tapped holes in the table. i.e. no way to adjust vertically.

Also the id of the tubes was increased(albeit a small amount), which can contribute to vertical alignment issues.

1/8" seems excessive.

More likely the vertical difference is due to the tube positioning above/below the clamping screw.

Sight unseen, that is how I 'see' it.

Thanks for the input. The tubes on both are secured to the table by nuts onto the studs attached to the tubes. I had to give up on the issue and get some work done in the shop. Tomorrow is another day !
Paul

algale wrote:I may be off base here, but I recall reading some threads that there are differences between the original 510 and something called the 510R (R for revised?). I believe these will not play well together.

Yes, there have been multiple discussions about this general topic and how different versions of the front and rear rails might effect alignment. Since all of Pauls' rails have studs that bolt to the table, most of those deviations have been eliminated. Without hands on, there is not much else that can be said. The alignment procedure that I use (and stated in this thread) should either work well or should point out the cause of the problem.