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I know this has to have been discussed before, but I could not find it in a search. I know the connector poles work with the 520 and 520 rails, but am not sure if they are the same heights when used on the same pole. Can someone tell me? Watching some tables on the auction site. 510 are more common and cheaper. I would like to use them as I feed/out feed tables.

Only difference will be the fence rails.

49chevyman wrote: ↑Fri Aug 20, 2021 2:58 pm I know this has to have been discussed before, but I could not find it in a search. I know the connector poles work with the 520 and 520 rails, but am not sure if they are the same heights when used on the same pole. Can someone tell me? Watching some tables on the auction site. 510 are more common and cheaper. I would like to use them as I feed/out feed tables.

The 520 table surface is roughly 2" above the connector tubes where on 510 that measurement is more like 1/2".

I knew a guy that used infeed/outfeed tables with a 520 rail on one side and 510 tube on the other to save a few bucks. That works, but the tables can't be used for much else. He got a deal on a half set of rails (fronts only) someone had swapped out for the ones with magnets for the scale.

IIWM - Buy once cry once; just get the 520's.

- David

I misinterpreted what "pole" meant.

As David said the 510 and 520 table rails have different heights where the connector rods go through the rails. Buying 510 Floating tables to use as infeed/outfeed tables would have them at different heights unless a special connector bracket was made for them. The 510 Floating Tables could not be used inline connected to 520 Tables. 510 Tables for sale used are generally cheaper than 520 Tables. To convert 510 Floating Tables to 520 Floating Tables costs $108.52 plus shipping each for the parts listed below to convert them. More if you want them to have the magnetic ruler strip on the front rail.

Reference # Part # .... Item ................................ Quantity . Price ... Total

242 ......... 518403 ... Table Spacer for Fence .......... 2 .......... 4.95 .... 9.90
243 ......... 518460 ... Screw Flat Head for Rip Fence . 2 .......... 4.95 .... 9.90
244 ......... 522367 ... Front Rail (Short) ................. 1 ......... 37.23 ... 37.23
245 ......... 518491 ... Extension Table Rear Rail ....... 1 .......... 31.69 ... 31.69
246 ......... 515859 ... Knob with Stud ................... 2 ........... 4.95 .... 9.90
247 ......... 518462 ... Spring for Tables ................. 2 ........... 4.95 .... 9.90
Total for change over parts for each table $108.52

244a ....... 522297 ... FRNT RAIL EXT TBL AS ............ 2 ......... 45.51 .... 45.51
Total for change over parts for each table with front magnetic strip rails $116.80

You will also need the 1/4"-20 nuts and lock washers from the 510 rails unless you are converting early 510 Tables. In that case you will have to get the nuts and washers. The 1/4"-20 x 1-1/4" Flat Head Hex Screws, Reference 143 can be purchased locally and save some money. $4.95 is generally Shopsmith's minimum price for parts which accounts for them getting, stocking and handling parts.

Before you consider buying 510 Tables because they are cheaper than 520 Tables note how much it will cost to convert them at a later date. Something you will likely want to do.

One more thing... I can't find the video right now but there is a Doug Reid tip where he reverses the extension table and sets up a floating table as an outfeed table tied back to it. (Requires a couple of the adjustable height vertical poles.) Since it is independent from the main table you can use a 510 extension and floating table for it and just adjust it to be at the same height as the 520 main. I've done this and it works fine. I still sometimes use the tip, but I do it with all 520 tables now.

- David

Thanks for all the replies guys. David - that is exactly what I have been doing with my tables after watching Doug’s video. I will keep watching for some reasonable 520 tables. In the meantime I think I will copy Dusty’s out feed table design.