Shopsmith Forums

I have a model 500 with the old lever type table height adjustment. Can I add the new circular height adjustment wheel to my existing carriage, behind the wing lock, or is it neccesary for me to replace the entire carriage? Thanks in advance - Alec

Have an answer for you tomorrow, Alec. Jim gave me the parts and I'm going to take them home and see if I can get your idea to work on my old 500.

With all good wishes,

Terrific Nick - Thanks! Alec

Any luck Nick? Not trying to pester you - just curious. Thanks again, Alec

Sorry, Alec; I got busy on this week's Sawdust Session. Drew is on his honeymoon and I'm busier than a two-peckered goat. Anyway, I found that you can substitute the 520 crank wheel for the 500 lever, but it gets in the way on a very few operations when the Mark V is vertical. For instance, you cannot retract the table far enough back toward the way tubes to use the drum sander table insert when you're drilling and sanding. You'll have to put a scrap of plywood or particleboard on the table when drilling; otherwise the drill will bite into the table. And you'll have to make a special table with a cutout for the drum sander to use the drum sander in the vertical position.

With all good wishes,

That's good news Nick - Thanks plenty for investigating that for me! All the best, Alec

Alec if you upgrade to the 510 or 520 you won't be disapointed. It is so much nicer in every way than the 500. I did almost 2 years ago and wish I did it sooner.

scottss wrote:Alec if you upgrade to the 510 or 520 you won't be disapointed. It is so much nicer in every way than the 500. I did almost 2 years ago and wish I did it sooner.

Alec let me second what Scottss said, only I will be more direct upgrade to the 520. I liked the 510 but when I went to the 520 I felt it solved every concern I previously had with the Shopsmith. I know it is costly but I would do everything I could to make it happen.
Ed

Ed in Tampa wrote:Alec let me second what Scottss said, only I will be more direct upgrade to the 520. I liked the 510 but when I went to the 520 I felt it solved every concern I previously had with the Shopsmith. I know it is costly but I would do everything I could to make it happen.
Ed

Hi Ed;

Here's a question for you 520 owners, especially those who have spent time with the 500...

I have an old 500 with a 50th anniversary headstock, so I have the new drive and the 2 bearing quill. I have the wider auxilary table that I use on the right hand side, and the cross-cut sled. The old auxilary table now does double duty as the permanent mount for my sharpening jig and also as the left-side auxiliary table. I have 2 front table extensions that I use when wide work requires it. I have upgraded the rip fence and intend to upgrade the carriage and table very soon. So, here's the question:

I have been saving my dimes and in June, when I retire from full-time work, I plan on honoring the ocassion by placing an order with Shopsmith for some of the SPT's that I don't have, along with the planer and some other misc parts, pieces and goodies. (can't wait for June!!). Now, I could take that money and upgrade the MkV to a 520, but then I would have to wait longer for the belt sander, planer, speed reducer etc etc. Honestly, I don't see the compelling need to upgrade, since my 500/505 does everything I need it to. 520 owners, put yourself in my position and then, based on your experience, let me know...which would you choose?

Thanks,

Ed
Idaho Panhandle
MkV 500/505, not nearly enough accessories

I love my 520 but do I "need" the 520 because the 510 didn't do the job? The answer is absolutely NO. Would I do what I did if I could do it all over again? The answer is absolutely YES.

However, would I sacrifice buying other accessories and SPT that I felt like I needed so that I could do a 520 upgrade. NO.

Don't invest money into your Shopsmith (especially for this upgrade) when you feel the money could be better spent for SPT to complement your existing shop.

Several people that I could name will agree with me "on this" 100%.

Later, when there comes a compelling need, you can then upgrade.