Shopsmith Forums

I'm wondering how many of you out there are actually using the tablesaw function on these machines, particularly those with 10e/10er machines.

What sort of "upgrades" have you done to increase the capacity/usefulness of the small stock table? Bigger table? Better fence? Other ideas/recommendations?

Thanks,

Doug
Portland, OR

I have been using the 10ER while the 520 was setup as dado, and cussing the small table every time I use it.

I've been using a standard mark 5 table my entire life. There are bigger tables? Why would anyone need a bigger table?

terrydowning wrote:I've been using a standard mark 5 table my entire life. There are bigger tables? Why would anyone need a bigger table?

Because some of us are getting old and weak. Wrestling a 4x8 sheet of plywood has been getting more difficult for me as the years pass. 20 years ago, I thought nothing of it. This winter I decided to upgrade my 500 to a 510 to get a larger table.

garys wrote:Because some of us are getting old and weak. Wrestling a 4x8 sheet of plywood has been getting more difficult for me as the years pass. 20 years ago, I thought nothing of it. This winter I decided to upgrade my 500 to a 510 to get a larger table.

I hear ya, Gary. I was attempting a little humor. "Darn Little" as my dad would have said.

The small size and tilting table feature are known limitations of the SS as a table saw hence the 510 and 520 upgrades. That being said, I have yet to drill a hole or turn a bowl on a table saw. Much less sharpen tools, stationary sanding and on and on.

If cost were not an issue I would have a full blown cabinet saw in a full blown shop with all the bells and whistles. However, since both space and cost are primary factors for me at present, I make do with my little table. The best and IMHO safest modification I can suggest for an original Mark 5/500 table is the employment of an assistant. This provides a great opportunity to introduce younger family members and even spouses in some circumstances to join in the fun.

If the 'small' table ain't broke, why 'fix' it?

FWIW it is a lot easier to pick up/install in the carriage than that gargantuan/heavy 510 table that I have!;)

agreed with if it ain't broke...

Look at it this way. If you use an electric hand saw (aka Skilsaw) on a sheet of plywood you are working with table that is likely less than 12"X12".
My "Sawsall" type saws have a table about 1 1/2" wide and 3" long.

Now I have been known to use an extension table on each end and that makes a pretty big table. Then if you sit another SS behind (or in front of or both) the one you are using that makes for a lot of support too.

This is how I handled a need for more table on the old craftsman saw (terrible picture).
[ATTACH]12449[/ATTACH]

Due to the fact I get in some production work, I just had to have a dedicated tablesaw, bandsaw, and 15"planer. I just couldn't spend the time to set-up the SS and do it accurately each time. Not to say, if I could afford it, I'd have about 4 SS units set up in different configurations. Just not enough room or money. As far as the stock ER table, too small for anything other than smaller projects. Now don't flame me guys! You COULD do a big job on a SS, but it would reflect many repeated set-ups. JMHO jimsjinx