Swapped to a zero-clearance insert on my table saw last week

I used to just run dado stacks with the stock throat plate, which left a huge gap around the blade. Last Wednesday I finally cut a zero-clearance insert from some 1/4 inch birch ply I had lying around. The difference in tear-out on plywood edges is night and day, especially on crosscuts. Has anyone else made the switch and noticed less chipping on melamine?

2 comments

2 Comments

king.robin1d ago

Hold on a second there Adam. A dull blade is a problem no matter what insert you're using, sure. But the zero-clearance insert actually helps with melamine too, because it supports the material right up to the cut line. I've run plenty of melamine through mine and it makes a real difference in chipping, especially on the top face. A sharp blade with a good top bevel is still key, but the insert stops that little bit of tear-out you get from the blade lifting the fibers.

adamthompson2d ago

Zero-clearance insert" reminds me of the time I tried cutting melamine with a dull blade...