Shopsmith Forums

I have read a lot from you guys that went from and 500 to a 520 and I can see why it would be worth it. I have a 510 and wanting to know who has gone from the 510 to 520 and was the fence and change over worth the expense on doing this. I do know the 510 fence has it limits and the 520 fence look larger and able to have more attached to it but is it really worth the expense.
Thanks

Search the threads here and you will find this discussed in depth. The bottom line is "Git'er Dun"

I bought a new 520, ten years ago, then upgraded a '54 Magna to 520. Wouldn't have it any other way. I used another friends 510.....I'm too spoiled by the 520 system.

Doc

Hi,

I'm still at 510. The 520 looks drool-worthy. The only downside I've heard at all is a slight view-block of the table-trunnion, by which you might need to kneel down somewhat lower than you would for a 510, to see your table angle. I'll keep dreaming of the 520.

Bill;

I believe that one can do with a 510 everything that can be done with a 520. The fence can be adjusted just as accurately. There are several 510 users here that can and will readily attest to that. Some have posted photos that clearly show that.

I upgraded to the 520 and do not regret doing so. I like the feel of the 520 fence and I like the ease with which I can relocate the fence and still have that same level of accuracy. With the 510, I always felt I had to double check. With the 520 I don't feel that need.

If you go to your shop every now and then - you don't need a 520 (not for $450.00). If you are there every day with some sort of project - I'd suggest you upgrade.

nuhobby;

I think I know who has reported that one must kneel down to read the tilt angle and I agree. Even eye surgery hasn't changed that. But I don't believe this is a characteristic only of the 520. They share the same trunnion mechanism and the same obstacles to clear viewing as does the 505/510.

I no longer use the angle gauge on the trunnion to set table tilt anyhow; not even when I set the 22.5 degree and 45 degree stops. I use my trusty Wixey for that.

I've gone digital and don't be surprised when Shopsmith does the same. I will really be surprised if you don't see changes like this being made to the Shopsmith design in the future.

Gotta admit the 520 is drool worthy! I have been tempted, by a couple of the sales to upgrade. Then I reasoned that an OPR was a better, more worthwhile expenditure.

I feel the need to stick up for the 510 fence. Yes, the 520 is bigger and has features which enable it to hold more things without the use of clamps or jigs - it is also said, the 520 fence is easier to adjust. (however screws get stuck on the 520 similarly as they can on the 510)

I can attest that a 510 fence, correctly aligned will perform admirably! It stays in perfect alignment with the blade in any position along the rails. Also the 510 fence has no deflection for normal operations. I recently did a test to see if I could force deflection in my 510 fence by pushing on it with the quill. The fence only deflected a small amount (.002" I think) when the pressure on the quill was strong enough to scoot the Mark V across a concrete floor.

One day I might up grade, just because I want to. As of now, I use the 510 almost daily. The fence is used less frequently because of operations other than ripping or drilling.

In the final analysis, you, the purchaser must make the decision whether change or not.

My personal opinion is that there is a lot you can do with the $450 to improve/upgrade your shop and woodworking abilities other than spending it on this upgrade.

nuhobby wrote:Hi,

I'm still at 510. The 520 looks drool-worthy. The only downside I've heard at all is a slight view-block of the table-trunnion, by which you might need to kneel down somewhat lower than you would for a 510, to see your table angle. I'll keep dreaming of the 520.

Chris
That is right, the new fence rail design sets lower and forces you to bend lower or if you have bifocals to kneel and tilt you head back to see the angle marks. I didn't have nearly as much of a problem on my 510.
That said I would never go back to a 510, to me the 520 rail system is superior and I love it. The benefits far out way the any problems that might exist.
Ed

Before making a decision on the 520 upgrade I suggest watching Nick's June 14 sawdust session on buying tips for used Mark V's. After hearing the history he explained and the various configuration short comings versus advantages one will better understand why I love my 520. Jim

I've been drooling over the 520 upgrade also, but there were so many other items I needed and wanted. Since I've joined the forum in April, I have spent $4000, and the 520 upgrade is not in that cost. Right now, $340 is looking real good, but one of my purchases is the Ultimate Incra TS router package thing-a-ma-jiggy. Well, there is a difference in that package between the 520 and the 510. I don't know what it would cost to upgrade that also. By the way, it looks like that and the Incra Miter 2000 shipped today from Texas. All that is left, is the pro-planer, I think.

One of the other problems, that system comes with the 5' poles, and about 2 weeks prior to that, I ordered a set of the 5' poles. Not sure what to do with 2 sets.

So, I'm still thinking, and maybe I'll end up passing on the 520 upgrade.

Pat,

I purchased my shopsmith as a 520. I wavered between the 510 and 520 and have been thrilled with the decision everytime I use the fence. Nick finally explained why on his last sawdust session about buying older version tips. I have also bought the Incra TSIII and 5000 models. For most of my work the 520 is more than sufficient. When I want greater accuracy the Incra set ups are fantastic. I now have most of the shopsmith accessories I intend to purchase for the forseeable future. I do still intend to buy the Planer Pro and perhaps the ring master. I have a great planer but would welcome the ultimate features of the Planer Pro.

Good luck with your new tools. Jim