Shopsmith 510 to 520 upgrade

[twistsol]

Last August I sold my bench top table saw, drill press and bandsaw and bought a used Mark V 510. I'm not really happy with the table saw aspect of the Mark V. I can't seem to consistently get the fence to be parallel to the blade after removing it for other operations and then placing it back on for table saw mode. Everything else about it has performed above expectations.

I'm considering either the 520 upgrade or just adding a dedicated table saw to the shop. The table saw function in my shop is used only for ripping narrow parts e.g. cabinet face frame parts and rails and stiles for doors. Everything else is done on my multi function cutting table with a track saw or at the sliding compound miter saw.

Finally, to my question. Is the 520 upgrade that much better than the 510 or would I be throwing away good money? The upgrade itself is more expensive than many serviceable entry level saws.

Space and money are not issues, but I do expect reasonable value for what I spend.

[reible]

Welcome to the forum!

I think the best course of action is to get your 510 working right if possible. Changing to the 520 might not fix what ever is wrong so spending the money right now may not be the best solution.

Perhaps if you could post a picture of your machine and then describe in detail what is making you unhappy we here as a group of dedicated users might be able to get things working like they should.

When buying used you never know what damage might have occurred or what un-matched parts might be involved so it could be you will have to spend some money but then it equally likely that it might just be an investment in time on your part to get things working correctly.

It is also possible that a call to shopsmith might be worth your time. Customer service is normally a strong point for shopsmith so if you haven't gone that route it might be worth the call.

Ed

[charlese]

Last August I sold my bench top table saw, drill press and bandsaw and bought a used Mark V 510. I'm not really happy with the table saw aspect of the Mark V. I can't seem to consistently get the fence to be parallel to the blade after removing it for other operations and then placing it back on for table saw mode. Everything else about it has performed above expectations....

I agree with reible Fixing your 510 is the best course of action. We need to get your 510 fence working properly. There is defintely a problem causing the fence to not be consistently parallel with the saw blade.

I use a 510 almost daily. I had problems with the fence after once dropping it on the concrete floor. A new fence solved that issue.

Your problem may be fence related or it may be table/rail related. Let me ask a few questions --

When you tighten the fence to the front rail, do you first push it into firm contact with the rail? Have you checked the rear clamp to see that it is not dammaged (twisted) a little that will cause the rear of the fence to move sideways?

I assume you have aligned the table so the miter gauge slots are parallel, with the saw blade, but have you checked the front rail to see it is parallel to the table and is not bent? Same with the rear rail.

Looking forward to hearing from you - - Photos will help

[JPG]

First check the set screw in the front of the rip fence base.

Either remove it or fully retract it so it never touches the rail.

Also the sequence of tightening the clamps is crucial. Clamp front(turn buckle) first and rear(lever) last.

[everettdavis]

If you are comfortable updating your profile with your city you may find another member is just around the corner from you.

AS others have stated, a few pictures and a few links on the forums may get yours in adjustment where this doesn't happen at all.

There are many here willing to assist you. It's who we are.

Everett

[twistsol]

When you tighten the fence to the front rail, do you first push it into firm contact with the rail?

I think you may have solved my problem with that simple question. My old saw was a Ryobi BT3000 which registered alignment by pulling backwards before locking it down. It registered alignment on the back side of the rail.

I'm traveling this weekI'll give that a try when I get home. I'm located in Cannon Falls, MN and updated my profile.

Thanks everyone for the quick replies. If nothing else, it alleviated my fears that this was a system problem

[dusty]

Have you read the Rip Fence Alignment Procedure. If not, doing so might help you fix the problem.

[dusty]

Have you read the Rip Fence Alignment Procedure. If not, doing so might help you fix the problem.

[tomsalwasser]

I'm considering either the 520 upgrade or just adding a dedicated table saw to the shop.

I enjoy the luxury of a dedicated table saw, even though it's an old Craftsman. The Vega Utility fence turns it into a precision machine, always ready, never fussy, always spot on. My simple shop built sled is also a favorite table saw accessory.

[db5]

First check the set screw in the front of the rip fence base.

Either remove it or fully retract it so it never touches the rail.

Why is that set screw even there?