Shopsmith Forums

Hi everyone ... I'm new to the forum but not to Shopsmith. I first bought a Model 500 in 1983 and recently sold it and then bought a used 510. I kept some of the 500 items. However, when installing a saw blade, I find it contacts the inside of the lower saw guard, and I do not want to start it for fear of wrecking the guard. I think I may be using a saw blade arbor from the old 500 on the 510. The question is ... is the arbor different between a 500 and a 510?

Thanks for any input you may have.

Welcome to the forum.

Yes, the arbors for 505/510/520/Mark 7 machines are longer than the arbors for a 500 machine. You can order the correct arbor for your 510 from Shopsmith, or you can frequently find them used on ebay or Craigslist. A word of caution: Not all sellers are aware of the differences either, and you will find arbors for a 500 advertised as fitting all models and vice versa. Study the Shopsmith images and become familiar with the differences, and if in doubt, ask the seller to measure length of what they are offering.

Hey, br549,

Thanks for the tip. Looks like I have some parts-sorting to do. I thought hanging on to some of the Model 500-related parts would be a good idea. At first I was a little confused ... my initial thought was 'did the previous owner of this 510 install something wrong?' but then it hit me that maybe the saw blade arbors are longer for the 510. I just wanted to verify before buying something I may already own!!

The next step in this is to post some Model 500-only stuff on eBay I don't need to get back a few bucks.

Have a good weekend!!

You're welcome. I too bought my 500 in the early 80's, and as new models came out, I didn't pay too close of attention to the incompatability of some of the accessories as I was satisfied with what I had and have stayed with the 500. Only after many years of using my 500 and needing help with some maintenance issues did I discover this forum (and the Shopsmith website in general) and you will find a LOT of useful threads, tips, videos, etc here from many knowledgable users.

This description of an upgrade from a 500 to a 510 explains some of the differences between a 500 and 510:
http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/catalog/500to510.htm

And to paste from that page, "Note: Due to the increased size of the Model 510 table and how certain accessories connect to it, Some model 500 accessories may not fit the Model 510 upgrade. These include (but are not limited to) all table inserts, front table extension, rip fence, mortising hold-downs and some saw arbors."

You were probably wise to keep what you thought you might could use from your 500 as so many of the accessories are compatable, but if it turns out you can't use something, you will make some 500 owner's day when you sell what you don't need.

First JDC, welcome!

The 500 'stuff' that is not 'compatible' with the 510... is those that are affected by the increased table width, slot shape, and that mount to the rip fence and rip fence guide.

Every thing else is pretty much AOK.

The saw blade arbors are 'incompatible' with the lower blade guard, otherwise also OK(quill advance will accommodate the increased table width without the lower guard). Whether to do that is a personal decision not recommended by many.