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What is a zero clearance blade insert?
A zero clearance insert is a term used in woodworking for one where you only have a minuscule gap between the side of the blade and the kerf on the insert.
How does a zero clearance table saw insert work?
The opening in the insert is cut on the table saw to the exact width of the saw blade’s kerf, thereby preventing thin slices of wood from jamming in between the blade and the throat plate during a cut, and reducing the amount of tear-out that can happen with a standard insert. …
What is a zero clearance cut?
A zero-clearance insert matches a specific kerf width. That eliminates the gaps on the sides of a blade that loose materials can fall in. The lack of a gap between the saw blade and insert also provides extra support that reduces chipping as you make crosscuts.
Do you need a riving knife with a zero clearance insert?
A zero-clearance insert is a must-have accessory for making splinter-free cuts on the tablesaw, Gary. Creating the opening for the blade is pretty straightforward. But making the opening for a riving knife is a little more involved. Lower the blade below the tablesaw top and fit the uncut insert into the opening.
Do zero clearance inserts work?
Zero-clearance inserts improve cut quality and make your saw safer to use. Zero-clearance slots are no wider than the blade, so off- cuts can’t get stuck and tear-out is dramatically reduced. Zero-clearance is safer A perfectly sized opening won’t allow the workpiece to sag, catch and kick back.
What’s a riving knife do?
A riving knife rides within the kerf, pivoting on the saw’s arbor in relation to blade height, to maintain an even gap between the two cut sides of the board, preventing jamming which could cause the stock to be forcefully ejected rearward toward the saw’s operator.
How do you level a table saw insert?
Starting at one corner, adjust the screw so it lifts the straight edge slightly and then back it off till it just touches the table. Repeat for the other corners and then go around one more time. The insert should be level with the straight edge along it’s entire length.
When do you have a zero clearance insert?
When you have a zero-clearance insert, it leaves less room for sawdust to spill onto the table (and directs it down the dust chute). Or at least that’s what I’ve heard. Highly active question.
How do you put a zero clearance insert on a table saw?
Set the bevel angle on the saw blade for the ZCI. Turn on the table saw and slowly raise the blade all the way up. The blade will cut through the insert giving you a slot for just the saw blade. It is now a zero clearance insert for that specific blade and that specific bevel angle.
Why are zero clearance inserts used in kitchen cabinets?
Others have mentioned that they’re used for two reasons (1) to reduce chipout and (2) to prevent pieces from falling through the hold. Let me add a third: to improve dust collection. When you have a zero-clearance insert, it leaves less room for sawdust to spill onto the table (and directs it down the dust chute).
What’s the advantage of using un-cut inserts?
You can make one by slowly raising the blade through an un-cut insert. The advantage is as aaron says, they prevent things from falling through the hole, and more importantly, they reduce chip-out by ensuring that the piece has support and thus chips won’t tend to get pulled away from the board.