Table Choice

Create a review for a woodworking tool that you are familiar with (Shopsmith brand or Non-Shopsmith) or just post your opinion on a specific tool. Head to head comparisons welcome too.

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jdonovan
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Table Choice

Post by jdonovan »

I currently have a Mark V and I am thinking about upgrading the table. Looking for input 510 vs 520. Is one better than the other ? Thanks in advance..Joe
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jsburger
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Re: Table Choice

Post by jsburger »

jdonovan wrote:I currently have a Mark V and I am thinking about upgrading the table. Looking for input 510 vs 520. Is one better than the other ? Thanks in advance..Joe
The 510 and the 520 TABLE are the same size. The same for the aux and floating tables. The difference is the fence. IMO the 520 is far superior to the 510. Others will say the 510 fence is more than adequate. It may be but the 520 fence system is far superior to the 510. For the $125 (approximately) difference in cost you won't be disappointed. I would not hesitate at all to go for the 520. You get everything a 510 has and a much better fence.
John & Mary Burger
Eagle's Lair Woodshop
Hooper, UT
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JPG
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Re: Table Choice

Post by JPG »

I concur! I predict if you get the 510, you will later want the 520.
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╟JPG ╢
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Goldie(Bought New SN 377425)/4" jointer/6" beltsander/12" planer/stripsander/bandsaw/powerstation /Scroll saw/Jig saw /Craftsman 10" ras/Craftsman 6" thicknessplaner/ Dayton10"tablesaw(restoredfromneighborstrashpile)/ Mark VII restoration in 'progress'/ 10
E[/size](SN E3779) restoration in progress, a 510 on the back burner and a growing pile of items to be eventually returned to useful life. - aka Red Grange
thunderbirdbat
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Re: Table Choice

Post by thunderbirdbat »

I agree with John, the 520 is a way better fence. The only difference between the 510 and 520 upgrades are the fence and rail system. For the $115 difference in the upgrade kits, the 520 is worth it. If you go with the 510 and later want the 520, it would cost an additional $576.
Brenda

1998 510 upgraded to a 520, upgraded to power pro with double tilt and lift assist.
1998 bandsaw
2016 beltsander
jointer
overarm pin router
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reible
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Re: Table Choice

Post by reible »

I will not brake the trend, yes I like the 520 a lot better then the 510 system. So my vote is for the 520, but having said that there are a lot of people happy with the 510 so either one is better then the small tables of the other 500 series tables for table saw tasks. And adding the rail make a huge difference in what can be done.

Ed
{Knight of the Shopsmith} [Hero's don't wear capes, they wear dog tags]
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JPG
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Re: Table Choice

Post by JPG »

The 500 to 510 upgrade only made sense when the 520 upgrade was not yet available. JMO
╔═══╗
╟JPG ╢
╚═══╝

Goldie(Bought New SN 377425)/4" jointer/6" beltsander/12" planer/stripsander/bandsaw/powerstation /Scroll saw/Jig saw /Craftsman 10" ras/Craftsman 6" thicknessplaner/ Dayton10"tablesaw(restoredfromneighborstrashpile)/ Mark VII restoration in 'progress'/ 10
E[/size](SN E3779) restoration in progress, a 510 on the back burner and a growing pile of items to be eventually returned to useful life. - aka Red Grange
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dusty
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Re: Table Choice

Post by dusty »

jdonovan wrote:I currently have a Mark V (Model 500) and I am thinking about upgrading the table. Looking for input 510 vs 520. Is one better than the other ? Thanks in advance..Joe
]
I will not follow the trend!

Both the 510 and 520 fences are good. The 520 fence is heavier (more stout) but is not more accurate than the 510. If properly installed and aligned both versions are more than adequate for the type of woodworking tasks they were designed to perform (the tasks of a home hobbyist).

I have and use regularly both the 510 and 520. The 520 was an upgrade and when I first got it, I was impressed. I was not so impressed though that I would down talk the 510. In fact, I acquired the 510 later and had no regrets with either one.

I my opinion, the decision to upgrade is simple. Go for it. The decision to go 520 rather than 510 is purely a matter of economics.

If you do decide to upgrade, the real decision here is whether to go part way (to a 510 configuration) or to go for the works (to a full 520 configuration). Invest $1300 or Invest $1500???
"Making Sawdust Safely"
Dusty
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wa2crk
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Re: Table Choice

Post by wa2crk »

Bite the bullet if you can. If you buy the 510 system and go to the 520 system later you will actually wind up paying more. The 520 is a superior system. Just one old guy's opinion.
Bill V
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