What makes tablesaw inserts grow????

[BKind2Anmls]

I also have a Delta contractor saw. It is about 5 years old and I have the same issue. The red metal insert will no longer fit in the opening...not even close. My top is also flat.

[Glennbear]

Originally Posted by BKind2Anmls

I also have a Delta contractor saw. It is about 5 years old and I have the same issue. The red metal insert will no longer fit in the opening...not even close. My top is also flat.

I do not have a Delta saw (Skil & Craftsman tablesaw's ) but this has gone beyond weird to downright spooky . I hope that SOMEONE can solve this mystery.

[RandyJ]

Originally Posted by Glennbear

I do not have a Delta saw (Skil & Craftsman tablesaw's ) but this has gone beyond weird to downright spooky . I hope that SOMEONE can solve this mystery.

Me TOO, Glenn!!! Since Susan has the same problem maybe everyone will not think I'm just crazy... or stupid.

[junquecol]

Originally Posted by Alan in Little Washington

Before this thread dies- my brother (also a tinkerer ) is adding stepper motors, gears, cog belts, computer interface, etc. etc. to convert his Bridgeport mill to a CNC mill.

One of the first things he is going to machine for me is a tablesaw throat plate; an aluminum throat plate that will accept removable wood inserts so you can have multiple, inexpensive, zero clearance inserts with the same plate, easily change the insert for different blades and angles, and easily make you own replacement wood inserts. It will likely look something like the Wood Dynamics insert pictured below that Norm used on the NYW. It is no longer available since Wood Dymanics folded a few years back.



I don't know if my brother would be interested in making more and selling them, and if so, what he would charge (I think the originals were a bit pricey at around $120 - $140).

I would like to know what kind of interest you guys might have in something like this?

There is a thread on making one of these using a router table. (Yes aluminum works with carbide router bits.) I believe the thread is located in the "Shop Shots" over at Wood Central. Many years ago, Shop Notes did an article on making inserts using UHMW and hardboard. The cut out that goes all the way through, could easily be done on a Bridgeport. The channel for the replaceable insert could be roughed out with an end mill, and then the sides beveled with a dovetail bit in the router table. Somehow, the last time I went to salvage yard, I just happened to come home with some 1/2" 6011 aluminum.

[Dusty Sawyer]

I have a Jet contractor saw with a red metal insert, zero-clearance Jet componsit insert, and several wood inserts that I fashioned myself. I've never had a problem with them though, but your situation worries me.

Looks like most of the obvious possibilities have been covered, but here are a couple more to check:

• Is there anything inside the insert hole that feels or looks out of place or might prevent the insert from fitting?
• Can the insert be turned around and/or upside down to see if it fits - that would indicate that one end or side of the insert is out of shape.

I hope it's something simple that has been overlooked and not something major and expensive.