Shopsmith Mark V model 510, 520 and Mark 7 Floating Tables

Video link: https://youtu.be/8KE7U2GrsZ4

In the video below I discussed the introduction of floating tables for the Shopsmith Mark V model 510, 520 and Mark 7 and their evolution over the years since their introduction in the 1960's as part of the original Mark VII. The modern version of the floating table was introduced in the mid-1980s with the launch of the Mark V model 510, which along with improved dust collection, better guards, a riving knife that stays tight against the blade, and T-slots in the miter gauges that improved cutting and jigs and fixtures, the floating tables added to the support system when working with large stock.

In my opinion there are some limitations to the 510 floating tables, primarily being inability to put the fence on the floating table. While this is debatable, and Scott even lands on both sides of that debates, there is a greater chance that the table and the fence rail tubes can be out of parallel with the blade, so care needs to be taken to measure the fence from the front and back in relationship to the blade to make sure that the floating table is locked on properly.

I also discuss the changes that were made to the floating table over the years, such as the holes in the face of the main table tubes being replaced by welded threaded studs and the steel tubes being swapped out for aluminum extrusions in the 520 model.

I conclude by saying that the floating table is an interesting idea to be able to have an adjustable table that moves with the main table, but it does have some limitations. He also mentions that he will show more about the evolution of the floating table in an upcoming video.