Shopsmith Forums

I have a Mark V Model 500, pretty much rebuilt over the years with a new headstock, upgraded rip fence, etc. I'll admit that I really don't like even the upgraded rip fence, as it is difficult to keep accurate, not all that solid. There are 500 > 510 "upgrade" kits available here and there, but generally a long distance from me here in western NY State.

I recently saw for sale locally what appears to be a Model 510, with the better rip fence and extension tables. Physically, it looks pretty well used, and I didn't ask the owner for any kind of demo - yet. But I wonder if parts can be removed from a Model 510 to move over to my well-maintained 500? Or is the conversion dependent on other parts that are not just standard 510 parts?

The 510 table system can be installed on a 500, 505, 520, 4, 7, and beyond. Off hand I can't think of problem mounting the carriage for the main table on a 1960s Mark VII either.

Coincidentally, today someone asked about the 510R designation for an upgraded Mark 5: viewtopic.php?p=320764#p320764

The only issue with the MK VII is that the rack will have to be removed from the way tube to mount the carriage.

sawdust2710,

Yes, you can change the 500 Original Mark 5/V Table System to the Mark V 510 Table System. Notice I referred to them as a Table System. To make the change you must also change related parts that are for the Table Assembly. The main additional part is the Carriage. The Carriage for the Original Mark 5/V aka 500 is different than the Carriage for the other Mark V models. The Saw Guards are different as well plus a number of accessories because of the Saw Guard differences between the Mark V 500 and the other Mark V models. I recently was given a 1957 Mark 5 Greenie from my wife's uncle that he upgraded to a 510. It works fine as a 510 although it is currently disassembled from traveling home last June and is awaiting restoration.

Another consideration you may want to look at would be upgrading directly to a 520. Many of the parts for it are the same as the 510 but with the Pro Fence System. Mark V 520 upgrade parts generally sell for more than the 510 parts do.

Buying a used Mark V 510 to upgrade your Mark V 500 may be less expensive than buying just the parts to upgrade.