Maximizing Your Shopsmith's Potential with something you may ALREADY OWN!

[@MyGrowthRings]

This video has spawned an excellent conversation over on the Shopsmith Forums. If you own a Shopsmith 510, 520 or a Mark 7 you should check it out: forum.shopsmith.com/viewtopic.php?t=31954

[@jfgreen1959]

Thanks for the link.

[@scottsherwood8555]

Great video, thank you for the reminder of what these extension tables and legs can do.

[@patricksheets3192]

I liked it so much that I hit the like button three times! 😜

[@arondaniel]

Haha I liked it so I hit thumbs-up three times. 👍

[@woodshopnerdery]

Another great one, Scott. A picture is worth a thousand words, now I get what you meant by not putting the fence on a floating table. And it makes sense, I would not put the rip fence on the floating in the configuration you showed. But, I did put rip fence on my floating 510 tables with great success, but also a few caveats. 1. I aligned the tubes by putting the whole table system top down on the work bench, loosened the rail nuts, inserted and tightened the connector tubes, then tightened the rail nuts. This was a suggestion I saw on the forums or somewhere. 2. The floating tables (when used for rip fence) were always mounted on connector tubes connected to one rail screw in the main table AND one rail screw in the extension table. This greatly decreases the degree the tubes may be out of parallel. 3. Tighten the rail/tube screws all front then all back or other way around. I still do this on the Pro Fence system. 4. After tightening the front fence lock, measure from front and back of blade to the fence. Takes a few extra seconds only, including removing and re-installing the blade guard. About 10% of the time, with the fence on a floating table, I found a light pressure was needed at the rear of the fence to make parallel before locking the rear clamp. Something that always annoyed me about the Shopsmith out feed table or using the floating tables as outfeed is that it limited the width of cut because the system interferes with placement of the rip fence. This is what drove me to search for stand alone adjustable height outfeed options and ultimately to the Husky worktable.

[@sandysmeltzer2975]

I love the flexibility of the SS and the greater size of my current 510 table system. However, for all the 500 owners out there, I want to mention that when I bought my first SS in 1974 I built all kinds of thing with that much smaller table system, including a 7' by 7' entertainment center for my living room. It has doors, drawers, and several full length pieces in the cabinetry. I cut miters, molded trim pieces, doweled face frames and door frames, all on the standard 500 tables. That's just one of the many furniture projects I built with that machine. The Mark V is a great tool no matter which version one has. Thanks for another wonderful video; as a former high school teacher I appreciate how detailed and well filmed your videos are. They are easy to follow and always at the right tempo. Blessings, Glen

[@MyGrowthRings]

Hey Glen, thank you for your kind words. You’re absolutely right, no matter which Shopsmith, tall you own, there are ways to make it sing. Scott

[@hleigh842]

Excellent information that would be impossible to find in a single place other than your presentation. Thank you.

[@MyGrowthRings]

I’m glad you found it useful. Scott.

[@jfgreen1959]

Hit it twice, I love it. I don’t have a Shopsmith yet, a woman I went to high school with many years ago just bought a retirement home in North Carolina, and the previous owners left one behind. Her husband has the tool’s individually that the Shopsmith has, so they said I can have it for free. Can’t wait to pick it up, I’ll need it to mill teak for my boat trim, and to make a work table for the garage. Thanks for the content.

[@MyGrowthRings]

That’s awesome. We live in the High Point area and love it. Welcome to NC and to the Shopsmith family. Scott

[@danasmith8950]

Hi Scott, did you ever do a video on filling in the blank spot?

[@MyGrowthRings]

Yes, it's in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f6PZiGytd8iYf6csi=hShe8nUEXvG56_uM

[@danasmith8950]

@@MyGrowthRings Thanks Scott.

[@billmclaughlin8438]

Thanks for the video. Learned a lot. Looking forward to the video on how *you* fill in the hole. Shopsmith should be paying you for these video.

[@MyGrowthRings]

Thanks, Bill. I’m OK with keeping this channel viewer supported. Scott

[@nobuckle40]

My first wood-working machine was a Mark 500 (used). It was green and came with a jointer made by the Magna Tool Corporation. It served me well for many projects.

[@EricFrazier-c2i]

This was my second time around watching this video! A lot of great information contained in one quick segment. Scott, you might consider renaming it so it's easier to find. I had a hard time finding it to re-watch it. Anyway, it's a great primer on the differences of the Mark V table systems! Well done... again!

[@MyGrowthRings]

@@EricFrazier-c2i Thanks for that. Yes, I have considered a name change, but I haven’t dedicated the brain power to it yet.

[@ericmoorehead1100]

A wonderful video, history, insights and tips. I upgraded a 520 to a full PowerPro, dual tilt and floating tables. This video really brings me clarity.

[@MyGrowthRings]

Happy to hear it, Eric. Thanks for dropping by. Scott

[@johnhoshock9034]

That was great! I never thought about using the extension table and tubes to mount the floating table for an outfeed table. The versatility and innovative engineering of the Shopsmith never ceases to amaze me.

[@hfmann1]

Thanks Scott. I never thought about using the floating table on the outside of the extension table. Very helpful. Thanks.

[@larryjacobs5713]

I have 2 510 and one 500. Very helpful Scott.

[@roberthiday3342]

nice one. thanks. Shopsmith Doug showed me this trick several years ago. I, like you, seldom use it, but it is a nice trick when you want/need it. Keep 'em coming Scott.

[@MyGrowthRings]

Yes, Doug did show that trick too. It's one we used to show in the Shopsmith Academy, but even then it was rare that we needed to pit it into action. Scott

[@ChathamJackTar]

Very well done.

[@MrMarkpeggy]

Well, bless your heart, Scott. I have learned so much from this excellent video. Thank you so much!

[@MyGrowthRings]

Thanks of r watching a commenting, Mark.

[@mikeking7470]

I have a Mk.5/500 and bought the wider extension table, used, without the legs. Just a few fiddly minutes to swap in the wider table and it really does make a difference.

[@markb8954]

As we have come to expect Scott, once again great information. Thanks much. Happy New Year from Maryland.

[@jethlaq8678]

Your videos are extremely valuable and informative, thank you for so freely sharing your knowledge! I wanted to share with you and your followers an issue I just recently experienced with my 1997 ShopSmith 510. I had been ripping some material so the saw blade was attached. All of a sudden the motor started up as a result of the power switch failing! I was taught and ALWAYS try to adhere to unplugging any power tool prior to making any changes or setup adjustments. This experience reminded me how important it is to ALWAYS do so. I reached out to ShopSmith to see if this would be an expected behavior of a failed component and hope to hear back from them soon. As a precaution ShopSmith owners PLEASE check the integrity of your power switches and make sure that they are not compromised!

[@MyGrowthRings]

I had that same switch failure occur to me during the class I was conducting while working at Shopsmith. It is true that switches can fail in either the on or off mode, so, as you said, unplugging, the tool is a critical safety step. So sorry you experienced that. Scott

[@frankfowler8295]

Scott, Great video thanks. I frequently use the floating tables and extra legs on my Mark 7 to support my panel cutting sled on the infeed side. Cutting a half sheet (2' X 8') of plywood is easy this way.

[@Grimlock250]

Having a 500 I of course did not know any of this. Good stuff. I actually get the 505 now. I always wondered why someone would not want the floating tables but all your missing is extra crosscut support. The wider extension table is 7.5" and does help. I have two. One I use for the fence and the other on the SPT side only, just for crosscut support. The wider table provides a little over 12" rip when the main table is against it. So back to the 505, it would give you even more ripping and space in front of the blade then the 500 with the tables together, e.i. no moving the tables. And if that is good for the work you do, then it's an upgrade. Take care!

[@MyGrowthRings]

All that and the guards actually work well!

[@andymilligan8485]

I'm with you on the "L" shaped fence addition. It even provides support for sheet goods in addition to "solid stock."

[@drumaganger]

Great video on a very important feature of the Shopsmith. I have a 510. The last time I put the extension table on, like you did at time 9:47, I used PVC couplings between the tables to get it close and then a 4 foot level to zero it in. Once again, It's just a support and when I put the fence on it, I'm not cutting precision but it's good enough for roughing out.

[@kevintravis2154]

Learned something again. Have SS from mid 70s. Upgraded table to 510 some years back.

[@jamespierson4324]

Another informative video! I never considered there was a limitation of the 510 floating table while using the fence. As I recall I did struggle with accuracy when I tried it. Makes sense now. Thanks

[@kielcottongim3263]

Thank you so much for this! I’m ripping some 8ft 1x6 and needed that support!!! Had the extra tables and the leg support that came with my 510 and had no idea I could do this! Love your informative videos!!

[@MyGrowthRings]

Glad it helped

[@chetnash5991]

I liked it so much I hit it three times!

[@MyGrowthRings]

Woohoo!

[@daveschmitt6369]

Great video. Comments as always are great. I bought 1” x 60 steel tubes at my metal supplier. Gives me a lot more stability and flexibility. ❤

[@MyGrowthRings]

I'd love to see a photo of that.

[@jackdunigan1408]

Thanks for the enlightening videos. When I saw the slop in the fit when using the extension tubes from Shopsmith on the 510 tables I was surprised. I bought some shiny structural steel tubing in the plumbing department at Lowe's that fits much more snugly. Much...more...snugly. There is virtually no slop. Now, the caveat. Using a file, I did need to smooth out the welded seam on the inside of the Shopsmith tubes on some of the 510 tables but with some fine tuning it's now a removable but quite snug fit. I am remodeling and reorganizing my shop right now so it is chaos out there but when I am finished later this week I want to check the parallel alignment to the miter slot.

[@daveschmitt6369]

I tried the same thing but abandoned the idea. Instead I purchased 1” stock from my metal supply store. It was an exact fit. 3/4 pipe is too large conduit is too small, but like the three bears 1” stock is perfect.

[@markbeiser]

@@daveschmitt6369 I did something similar, but with 1" OD stainless steel tubes, and gave them a light polish.

[@mikethiel5994]

Thanks. I was never sure if I owned a 510 or 520. Love your videos. I have a 500 as well.

[@kirkschweighofer2966]

Another great video Scott as they are all. Sorry for the double post I think. I tried to edit it my first post and it wouldn’t allow it. Then I trying copy and delete and it didn’t seem to like that as well. Insight of talking about the different in the tables, you forgot to also inform us that there a table brackets and that there are also the Longer tubes for the floating tables . I have two sets of the table brackets so I can use my three main tables as in and out feed as well. I also own two sets of five ft tubes as well as three set of the shorter tubes, ten floating tables, and three extension tables. With all of these I can put some very interesting tables system together with infeed and outfeed for long and wide stock if need be. But before I got all those I also bought the Support table I like the older version of the support legs better then the newer ones because I can use two tubes to the legs if I ever decide too.

[@markbeiser]

You can buy the wider 2 set screw Speedrail fittings to swap out the skinny ones from most places that sell Speedrail fittings.

[@Old52Guy]

Good stuff to know! Thanks!

[@MyGrowthRings]

I don’t disagree, but I just don’t have the time.

[@jasonmillette3134]

I’m very well rounded with every option that the shopsmith offers. But I’d cut off my arm a learn to operate single handed to have one. It’s a masterpiece tool. I’d love nothing more than a weekend morning maintenance on my shopsmith before a project

[@johnrice6793]

I’m looking forward to the next video. Again, well done. The historical information is very interesting. How the machine is today from the original. That Shopsmith even though difficult times continued to improve the product and yet was able to use existing parts in the development of the newest table system.

[@nhowell2687]

I have used the floating table between the main and extension tables for better stability. The extension table supports the tubes like the legs, but keeps the alignment better.

[@alexsafonov7270]

the unfinished sheetrock background resembles the paintings of Rauschenberg

[@MyGrowthRings]

Could use a little color, but I see what you mean.

[@larrylosciale9656]

Scott, can the 510 tables be upgraded to the 520 by just changing from the tubes to the extrusions and the newer fence?

[@MyGrowthRings]

Yes, that’s just about all it takes.

[@larrylosciale9656]

@@MyGrowthRings nice, I haven't looked does SS sell an extrusion/fence only kit or would they need to be purchased separately?

[@larrylosciale9656]

@@MyGrowthRings, Nvrm I just found it on their site

[@bobwebberkc]

I keep trying to come up with a cheap shot! To no avail! What’s the matter with me?😂 great stuff Scott!

[@MyGrowthRings]

I’ve got one, but you’ll have to look close to spot it, or check out the photo that I posted on Patreon. Scott

[@douggraham5812]

There was a photo on the Shopsmith Forums that showed one man's taking this to an extreme. He had a series of extension and floating tables and tubes that basically created a HUGE worktable area. It looked rather like a checkerboard of aluminum rectangles and blank spaces. I was surprised you didn't flash that one up in this video!

[@sassafrasvalley1939]

I discovered the rear support configuration by accident. I was ripping half sheets of plywood and didn’t have enough roller dummy’s to support the off fall. I spent what seemed like an hour clearing projects off my workbench to use it as a support. Once I backed my 520 up to it I discovered the benchtop was about 1/2” too high. As I was looking around for a piece of plywood to put under the 520 base… I noticed the two floating tables sitting on their rack… that got me to thinking… why can’t I just use them as supports? My first attempt involved the use of a roller dummy to support the outbound end of the floating tables. But, while trying to level that up, it occurred to me that I could use the legs that were made for that purpose. And, every since it has been a front of mind consideration when needing out feed support. I have even used them similarly for drilling hinge cups on tall cabinet doors in the drill press configuration. With one fore and one aft… The tables make a great place to clamp positing stops, while supporting the doors. Thanks Scott. Well done.

[@MyGrowthRings]

As always, great minds think alike.

[@stased7343]

Scott, another great video! I do have to say I have been pleased with the infeed/outfeed extension brackets that I bought a number of years ago. They have really worked well on a few of my bigger projects. I sent you an email yesterday. Hopefully you aren't being overwhelmed with emails! What kind of heater do you plan on having installed in your shop? Hopefully sooner than later!!!

[@stevemontgomery3359]

In speaking with shopsmith they said my model 5-10R is no longer supported, is that true?

[@MyGrowthRings]

What do you mean by that? The only part of the 510 that is no longer “supported“ would be the rails and the fence itself. Every other part of that machine is identical to the 520, which is still in production. What needs supporting?

[@markbeiser]

Outfeed support is easy, just roll 2 or 3 of your extra Shopsmith machines up against the one you are working with!🤪

[@MyGrowthRings]

That's exactly how i do it when the camera is off!

[@jerbear7952]

It seems like getting two used identical shop smiths might be a good moove. Less changes and you can swap parts as you need them. Orrr if I get 6 or 7....

[@MyGrowthRings]

Now you’ve got it!

[@BadAppleWoodwerx]

I really wish I could afford to do the 520 upgrade on mine.

[@marcs4095]

Shop Smith made the support tubes upside down. The way they are made requires me to bend down near the floor to make my adjustments. My fix: I removed the swivel top connector and with some shims made of a scrap of a copper tube split lengthwise, I was able to make it fit the lower (smaller) tube. I then forced the rubber feet over the larger end and inverted the whole works. Now I can make my leg length adjustments without stooping to the floor and alignment with the table top is much easier to sight along while making the adjustment. Since the crutch tip rubber legs are the wrong size, they will eventually split out and have to be replaced by proper-sized crutch tips. So far that has not happened.

[@MyGrowthRings]

Smart

[@ObjectiveC18]

Nice video like always. The SS is versatile. I think the table system is very cool and that’s what it is a system. Maybe you know this but others may value from is method of using two more adjustable fittings ‘knuckles’ to floating tables. On the out feed of the main table have the rod then add a knuckle to each end, add two more rods on each knuckle. This will allow the rods to come up to table height, add the floating tables and stabilize with telescopic legs. I wish I could show a picture to clarify. Maybe you can show this on your next video?

[@MyGrowthRings]

I am not sure that I’m following.

[@jeffbaker8883]

Yeah, me either

[@MyGrowthRings]

@@jeffbaker8883 He send me a pic and now I get it.

[@thebeggarswoodshop8756]

Didn't the 505 have similar tables to the 510? I thought I had seen pictures of that.

[@MyGrowthRings]

The 505 is a 510 without floating tables.

[@michaelharris3765]

Hello Scott, I just recently found your videos. I have a SS Mark 500. I really love my machine. I purchased it in 1984 I believe. My question is; Can the table system for the 510 or 520 work on my machine? I haven't been able to find any information about this...

[@MyGrowthRings]

Hey Michael. The answer is "Sort of".When Shopsmith created the 510 back in the 1980's they started with designing a guard system that would actually be useful, and in order to make it work they had to redesign the main table support tubes by spreading them apart. That also provided more stability for the largr table top. Anyway, this necessitated a redesign of the carriage, so in order to use the 510 or 520 table system on a model 500 the carriage and everything above it needs to me replace. For a least 20 years Shopsmith offered what they called a 510 retrofit kit, and who knows, they may still have such a kit. I would check Shopsmith.com and while you're at it, take a look at Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace. Thanks for dropping by! Scott

[@michaelharris3765]

@@MyGrowthRings Thanks for the info. I will check it out.. Mike

[@sincerelyyours7538]

Good one, Scott! I like your extension table idea and could have used it a few years ago when I cut up an old, very heavy conference table for disposal. The weight and awkwardness of the wood made me nervous as heck, but luck was with me and the old Shopsmith performed perfectly. Also, is it a good idea to take a belt or palm sander to the extension tables and scroll saw table to make them smooth like the main table, or was the rough finish left like that for safety reasons? And finally, I have not been able to use the lathe function for anything but small projects because the darn machine is too low for my 6'2" frame. Gives me a backache every time. Can you discuss in a future video ways on how the legs of the SS can be put on blocks or something to allow a more comfortable turning height for tall people while not affecting the tool's stability? What to do with the retractable casters in that case would also be useful. Thanks for answering these questions!

[@MyGrowthRings]

I just took a look back at all of the comments you've left, hoping that you stated your name somewhere so that I could address you by name. "Sincerely" I don't think I would go to the trouble or sanding or polishing the extension and floating tables or the scroll saw table. That would make them smoother, but you might also find that you would only increase friction. And yes, we should talks about methods of raising the lathe because like you, I find it too low for extended turning sessions. Scott

[@sincerelyyours7538]

@@MyGrowthRings Thanks. SY is just one of my internet handles - but you can call me Bruce. The scroll saw table seems particularly rough and causes the blade to cut in the wrong spots at times. At least that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it. It also has an ugly corrosion ring etched into the surface by a cold drink that I left on it for too long. Didn't think it would rust so noticeably so I would like to sand that off if possible.

[@MyGrowthRings]

@@sincerelyyours7538 Nice to meet you, Bruce. In that case I would absolutely wet sand the scroll saw table.

[@edmalin7359]

I was wondering why you said never use the fence on a floating table. Should have realized the reason from past experience. To get extra support, workspace, or someplace to put your miter saw the 510 tables floating tables are great. But for work needing precise and stable positioning they leave something to be desired. I learned the trick with creating a rear extension table on a webinar. I tried it a couple of times, you can use 2 support legs by pushing the joining tube through the table tube so it sticks out both sides. I thought you might go into the table extension brackets, I don't have any but it seems a better solution for extending the front or back of the main table, hope to see you cover them in the future if you haven't done so already. I like hearing about the history of Shopsmith development that you know about like the evolution of the table joining tubes and the 520 table system. From the start I couldn't figure why the 510 tables have a locking screw intersect the side of the tube instead of the top or bottom of the tube. It didn't need to be a vertical screw, it could resemble the locking screw on the double-tilt mechanism with an pointed end that wedges against the tube forcing it up or down. Nobody can think of everything ahead of time though, and the 510 table system was a huge improvement over the 500 tables.

[@jamesbrunk9817]

I am confused as to the usefulness of the 2 floating tables at a level below the main table. Looking forward to your next video for explanation.

[@jamesbrunk9817]

Ok. Ahter looking at the video a few more tomes, they are at same level and I see the hole. I look forward to filling it.

[@reaper060670]

Where can I get one of those table saws my friend?? It's the craziest looking saw I've ever seen. I only found ur channel this morning b4 heading out to work. It's like nothing I've ever seen man.. Is it expensive or what??

[@MyGrowthRings]

It’s a tool called a Shopsmith and they’ve been made here in the USA since 1947. This particular model is a Mark V model 520. It is a table saw, a drill press, a lathe and more. Because they have been made so well and for so long, they are available on the used market quite reasonably. They are still produced in Dayton, Ohio and are about $3000 new. Scott

[@jonepps8631]

Scott, what about using a Separate main table (purchased from eBay or marketplace) in between a fixed extension and an existing main table? Should be able to use the fence on that.?

[@daveschmitt6369]

That sounds like a good idea. I have two 510s. I’ll try it. I bought 60” x1” steel tubes from a metal supplier, cost $15 each. It gives me a lot more stability.

[@MyGrowthRings]

Jon, I'm sorry that I missed this comment. Yes, you could do that using the backward support table method and that would give you tons of support.

[@kenc4104]

The only shopsmith I own these days is a machine I converted to a dedicated drill press. However, I enjoyed my 510 for many a year before building a woodwork shop where larger machines were possible. The ONE improvement I would like to see on the shopsmith - and it especially shows in drill press mode is crank operated headstock adjustment rather than just sliding up and down the way tubes. A simple rack and pinion setup would be a big upgrade IMO.

[@MyGrowthRings]

That would be nice.

[@JK-qp4jy]

Wait, I just hit the "like" button twice and it added it then took the like away.. had to hit it a 3rd time lol.

[@jamespierson4324]

Scott, a thought came to mind while in my shop. I heard the extension tubes used to tie the 510/520 tables together may not be exactly round due to the welding process. I always put the weld down (6 o’clock) position based on what I recall from an older video I seen. Do you have thoughts or concerns about about the best way to position the tubes or isn’t it necessary? Thanks?

[@MyGrowthRings]

Hey Jim. It’s worth checking to see if they are bowed, but if they are off by much I would replace them. But be that as it may, I have no issue with that approach.

[@mikecalhoun8497]

The Shopsmith table system is kind of a big "Lego" set. The only thing that stops you is your own imagination in to getting the system set up for your needs at that time. LOL

[@MyGrowthRings]

And a simple set-up is always best.

[@mikecalhoun8497]

@@MyGrowthRings Agreed, but it's still fun to "play" with your Shopsmith "Legos" LOL

[@gjacobson76]

Who doesn't like Lego!

[@jvmiller1995]

Damn you Scott!!!... My wife is going to be pissed at you. LOL I have always wanted a 520 but never seen a real justification. I have put a fence on a floating table of my 510 but only if my floating table is flush against the main table. I have never had a issue. But is forsure a issue if you have a lot of space between tables. I just saved a 520 with newer bandsaw jointer molder, biscuit jointer 2 disk sanders and more on market place for $800 a hour ago. Of course I also saved a belt sander with a disk sander on a workmate for $250. More in my budget at the moment. Not sure I need another workmate but I could most likely sell it. But either way by the end of the year I will be having to ask forgiveness from the wife over this video. Lol

[@MyGrowthRings]

Please, extend my apologies to your wife.

[@jvmiller1995]

@@MyGrowthRings 🤣🤣

[@philipallard8026]

The table system isn’t understood by a lot of non Shopsmith people because of the objections they raise. “The table is too small”. “There is no way to do an out feed table”. And other similar things. I have used the extension table and legs with the drill press with excellent results.

[@choochoo3985]

Scott, I posted another video on my Power Pro and I think I found a serious problem created at the factory which may be causing my problem. It is Shopsmith Power Pro Problems Part 2. Read my posted note that I did after I posted the video. Thank you, Ted

[@MyGrowthRings]

I’ve already commented on it. Under one of John’s comments

[@Breakrite]

No way I’m pressing the “thumbs down” twice. Got to be a trick!

[@MyGrowthRings]

Awe man, you got me!

[@gjacobson76]

Hi Scott, I am new to shopsmith. I just bought a Shopsmith Mark V 500. I am missing a bracket, I guess, to mount the top blade guard. The manual that came with the unit doesn't really show the mounting procedure very well. I have a Dewalt job site table saw so I am not really using the table saw function of the SS. What is the best approach to upgrading my table system on my 500? New, used? I am on a budget and I already have 825 dollars in to the 500. I mainly got the unit to help me build some cabinets for my home. I am considering a second used Shopsmith. I have found that it is super easy to use and have been glued to your channel for the last week! Thanks for posting the excellent content!

[@MyGrowthRings]

Thank you for your kind words. The best way to upgrade these days is to buy a used machine. There’s actually quite a bit involved in switching a 500 to one of the newer models, and a used 510 is usually a better buy, and then you’ll have two, or a 500 to sell or swap. BTW, welcome to the Shopsmith family! Scott

[@chriskelvin248]

If I like and subscribe, will you kindly finish taping and painting your shop walls? I would appreciate it.

[@MyGrowthRings]

Find a newer video. It's been done.

[@larryfisher7056]

Is there anyway to put the Shopsmith models in the summary so we know if the material is relevant to the viewer's SS. I bought mine in 84. Most of this video has nothing that applies to my situation. Thanks for the consideration.

[@MyGrowthRings]

That’s an interesting point, Larry. You are right that this particular solution is for the 510 & 520 and not easily adapted to the 500. At one point SS sold a part that bolted to the main table of the 500 that would simulate the rear fence tube of the 510 so that 500 owners could use the their rear support table, but if mention this I suspect that means you don’t have that either. The challenge is that the 510 is different than the 500 !which is different than the mark seven, which is different than the mark two, which is different in the 10 ER. They all share some common idiosyncrasies, but not everything will apply equally to each. Perhaps there’s something I can do in the thumbnail or title or description that could be helpful. I’ll have to give that some thought. Thanks for the comment and suggestion. Scott

[@JK-qp4jy]

This video alone makes me want to bite the bullet and do an upgrade to the extrusion. I've run into the "play" problem more than a handful of times plus I'm left handed and my brain sometimes thinks totally backwards when pushing stock through and/or watching tutorials of others doing so. When the table saw is setup for my brain I feel more confident making my cuts, which sometimes means doing things *ss backwards from others. Anywho, Thanks as Always Scott GREAT VIDEO

[@daveschmitt6369]

I went to my metal supply store and bought two 60” x 1” steel rods. They fit perfectly in my 510. That way I can put the floating table on the outside of the extension and align it to the main table height. It’s much more stable and if I need to put the rip fence on it, I realign the fence to the blade after it is secure. Upgrading is tempting but the few times I need to rip something that wide don’t justify the expense to me.

[@JK-qp4jy]

@@daveschmitt6369 Thanks Dave! I might just keep that as an option. I agree that the price is still a little overwhelming for me as my Shopsmith was gifted from my father in law who never used it so I'm definitely dabbling in a rich man's world. Luckily, I use it for my Luthier business so they have paid for some of the investments over the 2 years I've owned it. It's still a balance though when I make the upgrades and Alot of research. That's why I Love Scott's channel. His expertise helps me decide if I "really Need it" or just "want it".

[@daveschmitt6369]

@@JK-qp4jy I inherited my first Mark V from my Dad, although he used it and taught me to use it when I was in the 8th grade back around 1968. I've been using them ever since. Four years ago, I purchased a 510 and sold the Mark V, since then I added another 510. I troll Craigs list within a couple of hundred miles from my home and wait till things have been sitting and not selling, then I make an offer, so I've gotten two Mark 510s for around 300 as well as a duplicating set up for the lathe a 1" belt sander and a router table all for cheap. I'm thinking about starting to look for a 520 to replace my one of my 510s with but will be patient and see what turns up. A lot of old Mark V models are for sale and if you are looking for SPT tools and are patient you should be able to pick one up for a couple of hundred dollars with the SPT attachments you want. Since many of the parts are interchangeable with the 510, you can cannibalize the maintenance parts and store them for further use. Just a thought

[@JK-qp4jy]

Yeah, luckily I've come across some great people on Ebay. Haven't made any large purchases yet but my Mark came with jointer and almost every accessory tool, fence, and full table extension system they must've offered at the time of my father in laws purchase back in early 90s. When I start doing the math on it all compared to the Shopsmith website it's up over 10,000 so he must've had a good salesman. I can't believe it set in his garage for over 10 years covered and forgotten but he was a machinist and constantly traveling. He loved the drill press but never really used it for woodwork so it's tough to even ask him about some items. That's why I'm grateful for Scott and everyone on here, including you, for being so friendly and giving me tips along the way or I'd have been lost. Still feel lost sometimes but the community backing the SS is Amazing and I'm blessed to be a part of it . About to turn 40 next month and I'm well into supporting 2 small businesses solely off of this machine and some effort right out of my walk out basement. I think that's everyone's dream is to Love your Job and be your own Boss so I feel blessed

[@alberttreado3713]

Hit it four times for good luck!

[@paulbuckner375]

Look, one is larger than the other, wow.

[@MyGrowthRings]

@@paulbuckner375 One Shopsmith fence system is larger than the other?

[@danasmith8950]

Looking forward to the next video because you kinda lost me on what you're trying to accomplish with the "open space" setup.

[@pdlngsqrs9547]

I am sorry to say, but my 510 tables, floating or otherwise never seem to allow square alignment to the fence/blade.

[@MyGrowthRings]

That's quite possible. I've aligned my extension table on the right end of the machine and only ever use it on the right, and I never use the fence on a floating table. Is that you approach? If not, you will have issues. Scot

[@QNSwebmaster]

It seems that the 510 system is quite inferior to the 520? In my case the fence is a nightmare ? Anyone else find the fence is not well done. ?

[@MyGrowthRings]

Donald, I prefer the 510 for all but those situations where the fence needs to go on a floating table, and when then I have the support table. What issues do you have? By chance are you using the set screw in the base to align it? Scott

[@QNSwebmaster]

@@MyGrowthRings hello Scott. It seems that the fence does not align parallel to the blade. I usually do not use then set screw. Thanks for helping

[@MyGrowthRings]

@@QNSwebmaster Ok, I was worried, because the folks who use the setscrew for alignment will always have issues. Did you happen to catch this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZmrKiYWvg5Z-atU

[@QNSwebmaster]

@@MyGrowthRings that is an excellent video and just what was looks for. Thank you. 😊

[@3dpfeeney]

paint your walls

[@MyGrowthRings]

It’s in the works.

[@alberttreado3713]

Hey Scott, nice video! Cold in the future shop today huh? Couple of times, I saw your breath. I’m confused. You once told me you prefer the 510, but that system on the 520 looks pretty nice… Is there a reason to leave the planer engaged while running the table saw functions and visa versa?

[@MyGrowthRings]

Yes, it was a tad bit chilly. I do prefer the 510, for several reasons. I still need to do a side-by-side video to explain why. That said, there are a few situations where the 520 wins the day. Being able to put the fence on the floating tables can be a big win, if you’re using a lot of sheet goods. The jointer is frequently used while ripping, solid wood, but would be a necessary when working with plywood.

[@alberttreado3713]

@@MyGrowthRings I understand leaving the planer on for weight, but I always disconnect the drive when sawing, or remove the blade when planing.

[@jamespowell9757]

Very informative video! The Shopsmith engineers never cease to amaze me! I seem to recall you saying that you prefer the 510 over the 520; but your video shows more pro s for the 520, and more cons for the 510. Would you clarify why you prefer the 510? Also, when Shopsmith still had traveling salesmen and traveling seminars, the salesmen demonstrated a wide variety of floating table setups. Shopsmith also sells a dedicated outfeed table for each of the models 500,510 and 520 which are directly attached to the main table and thus moves up and down and tilts with the main table. I like the extension brackets which allows the addition of indeed and out feed support. These give more options if you purchase extra floating tables. If space and $ are not issues, a second Shopsmith can be used for outfeed(or infeed) support. Removing the blade and upper saw guard allows for a large surface that can be adjusted to match the working unit. The upgrade for the old 4 inch extension table is 7 inches wide (and recently on sale at Shopsmith - be sure to sign up for the weekly specials-under the products tab). jim