Newbie TS Question

[Canuck]

Can anyone tell me why new TS's don't come equipped with a zero clearance insert from the factory?

Everything I have read indicates that you get a cleaner cut and don't have a tendency to loose narrow cutoffs down the throat of the standard insert.

I apologize if this is a very elementary question that has an obvious answer I am missing.

Thanks,

Wayne

 

[toolferone]

It's all about $$. Why don't they come with really great miter gauges,$$. They sell an item for what the think the customer will pay for it, and figure out how to make the most profit at the same time.

 

[Joe Scharle]

That's to allow blade clearance when you tilt the blade.

 

[Canuck]

Thanks Joe! I hadn't tilted my blade all that often and it didn't dawn on me that the additional clearance would be needed.

And thankyou Tom. I also thought that marketing was a reason! - Woodworkers always looking for accessories!

Thanks again guys!

Wayne

 

[michaelgarner]

its no bid deal though,,just go to walmart and pic up a plastic cutting board,,you can get a couple out of the small ones and they are super cheap compated to buying,,of course you will have to make them yoursefl,,but hey were craftsmen right?

 

[davisjarrett]

yeah a plastic cutting board is an idea that I hadn't thought of, but a scrap piece of melamine does the trick for me.

 

[4yanks]

I have about 4 different inserts I use for different jobs (crosscut/ripping, dado's, bevels, coves). Whatever material you use (I use plywood) make sure to add leveling screws.

 

[NCPete]

Michael, that is a great idea. I had been considering one for my saw, and now I can also make a ZCI for a dado blade cheaply, too. Thanks!

 

[Ray Martin]

There's a lot of money made in the 'after-market' sales of add-ons, accessories, etc. But we also have a lot of fun making jigs, extensions, and accessories too.

I wonder, do we spend more time making jigs or doing work on actual projects? Jigs do give me an excuse to make sawdust between projects.

Ray

 

[DavidF]

Cutting boards... Great idea Michael:eusa_clap

 

[sapwood]

Yep, cutting boards is a great idea! I tend to make ZCIs as I need them and use whatever is available, usually plywood. And you know they have to be easy if I can do it :-? I made one for regular blade, dado, and for tilting. Same applies to the mitre guage support. I've made several to accommodate 45 tilt, cutting from right mitre slots, and a somewhat fancier version with t-track for stop block.

Sapwood