Shopsmith Forums

Short story:

My headstock says it's a 510, serial number 172752, which the chart says was 1984, but the history says the 510 was introduced in 1985.

Long story:

I'd owned a 510 sometime ago and "lost" it (long story). Been looking for used one off and on since then. Recently found one, seller said it was a 500 that he upgraded (presumably the tables). It had the 510 tables and I bought it for $500. It needs cleaning, but that's another story.

Looking for the serial number, I found the circular plate around the high speed shaft and it said it was a Model 510, serial number SS 172752. Model 510? He'd said it was a 500, how much did he upgrade?

I checked the Shopsmith site for a serial number chart, found http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/serialnumber.htm, with an entry for 1984, number range 166958 - 196118, that's mine. 1984. I also noted a link to the Shopsmith Mark V/Mark 7 Tool History. According to that, the two bearing quill was introduced with serial number 190000. Maybe I should upgrade mine?

But wait... it also says the 510 was introduced in 1985. Mine says it's a 510, serial number on the chart says 1984, history says 510 was introduced in 1985. I'm confused.

Can anyone unconfuse me?

Thanks

No, I can not. I would, however, trust what the circular data plate says. If it is stamped with that serial number and at the same time declares it to be a 510, I would say that you have a 510. Furthermore, if you have the tables that come with a 510, there is little else that you could ask for as an owner of a 510.

Check the motor to see what size it is and pull the quill to determine whether it is a one bearing or two bearing quill. I assume that it is a rough gray finish.

I have the same sort of situation only I have no question about what I have. I bought a new 510 but it now has 520 rails and a 520 rip fence. All the markings say I have a 510. All the charts, to which you have been referring, will say it is a 510.

A more important question is, which 510 did you get?

There were two versions.

The early version has the rails mounted differently than the later one.

I believe yours should have the holes in the front of the rails that provides access to the screws that are tapped into the table edge. The design was changed in 1986.

Only motor difference would be the brand, not the size. It s/b 1 1/8 hp.

Be aware the original rails are somewhat incompatible with the newer version. As long as you do not mix tables from the two version all is good.

I agree with Dusty! Believe what the hardware tells you. That 'history' stuff is not totally accurate in more ways than one.

Some pix would help us help you narrow it all down.

As for the two bearing quill, wait until you determine you actually need one before pulling the trigger.

P.S. The vent plate may have been 'updated' with the table upgrade with a stick on label stating '510'(IIUC).

Ok, looked more closely at the label, the 510 is indeed a sticker, that says 510-R. And it says 1 1/8 HP.

I don't know quite what you meant about the rails. I've included a picture of the side of the main table.

Two new points...
Way tubes... there's a spot of "rust", it's black not brown. Doesn't wipe off or scrape off with fingernail. I'm assuming a little steel wool, and then waxing would deal with it. Or.. not? Is it worth spending $100 for a set 4 of shiny, used, tubes. I've attached a photo.

The quill. I pulled the quill. I understand that with the two-bearing, the second bearing is about six inches down. But mine has a bearing, or something, about 2 1/4 inches down. What's up with that?

"Is it worth spending $100 for a set of 4 shiny, used tubes"? Not for my money. It is only worth it if you want shiny tubes. Even then, you can shine what you have to look like new.

Be aware...the bottom two tubes are referred to as Bench Tubes and they will not shine up like the top two which are referred to as Way Tubes.

I'll bet that you have a two bearing quill. The 510-R was a Shopsmith factory upgrade and I believe they included the two bearing quill. Someone here will tell you for sure. Just be patient.

Welcome to the forum.

Cornell wrote:Ok, looked more closely at the label, the 510 is indeed a sticker, that says 510-R. And it says 1 1/8 HP.

I don't know quite what you meant about the rails. I've included a picture of the side of the main table.

Two new points...
Way tubes... there's a spot of "rust", it's black not brown. Doesn't wipe off or scrape off with fingernail. I'm assuming a little steel wool, and then waxing would deal with it. That will do! Or.. not? Is it worth spending $100 for a set 4 of shiny, used, tubes. I've attached a photo.

The quill. I pulled the quill. I understand that with the two-bearing, the second bearing is about six inches down. But mine has a bearing, or something, about 2 1/4 inches down. What's up with that?

The rails are on the front and back of the tables. They be 'tubes'.
That be a spacer that centers the splined shaft in the quill body. An 'assembly aid' for factory and later.

Having trouble getting pix attached?

Where'd the pictures go? Trying again... Ah, they were too large...

Headstock disk showing sticker that says 510-R, and 1 1/8 HP. Main Table side, showing rail. Way tubes (and Bench tubes), showing corrosion. Top tube was wiped clean, the lower tube shows how dirty it is.

Yes, JPG, I had trouble with the pictures... but I got them up.

So, you think it's a spacer. mmm... then how to tell if it's a two-bearing quill? The Shopsmith video, http://www.shopsmithacademy.com/SS_Arch ... enance.htm, He talks about pulling the quill and running the allen wrench in, if it bottoms at about 6 inches, it's a two-bearing.

Or can I assume that, as a 510-R, Shopsmith factory upgrade, it is a two-bearing, as dusty indicates.

Cornell wrote:Yes, JPG, I had trouble with the pictures... but I got them up.

So, you think it's a spacer. mmm... then how to tell if it's a two-bearing quill? The Shopsmith video, http://www.shopsmithacademy.com/SS_Arch ... enance.htm, He talks about pulling the quill and running the allen wrench in, if it bottoms at about 6 inches, it's a two-bearing.

Or can I assume that, as a 510-R, Shopsmith factory upgrade, it is a two-bearing, as dusty indicates.

Look at it. It will not look like a bearing. Also it tends to fall out.

I think it is a single(original) bearing quill.

JPG wrote:

Cornell wrote:Yes, JPG, I had trouble with the pictures... but I got them up.

So, you think it's a spacer. mmm... then how to tell if it's a two-bearing quill? The Shopsmith video, http://www.shopsmithacademy.com/SS_Arch ... enance.htm, He talks about pulling the quill and running the allen wrench in, if it bottoms at about 6 inches, it's a two-bearing.

Or can I assume that, as a 510-R, Shopsmith factory upgrade, it is a two-bearing, as dusty indicates.

Look at it. It will not look like a bearing. Also it tends to fall out.

I think it is a single(original) bearing quill.

Well... I'm not that familiar with bearings... but it does look a bit like plastic, and there's a gap between it and the wall. But it doesn't fall out.

I was looking at quills on ebay, Found a fellow who sells rebuilts. He says "How to check the quill if it is 2-bearing? Remove the quill from the headstock. Use the long Allen wrench and stick it into the end/opening of the quill casing. If you feel resistance (bearing) at a depth of 6”, it is 2-bearing. If the resistance (sheet metal dust cover, with gap) is at 2”, it is single-bearing."

So, yeah, it does seem like single bearing.