A neat way to easily add a ZCI

bobgroh · Post by **bobgroh** » Sat Feb 28, 2015 1:36 pm

I found a new product which makes it really, really easy to add a zero clearance insert (or ZCI) to, in my case, a DeWalt 10" power miter saw. OH, not only easy to do but quite inexpensive! Important point that.

Anyways the product is from FastCap and they call it 'Zero Clearance Tape'.
[attachment=1]ZCI_ComboPic.jpg[/attachment]

It is basically a thin, tough plastic with double sided tape on the back. You simply cut the tape to size, peel off the protective layer on the back and lay it down on the existing saw guard. Then turn the saw on and cut a slot and ... you're done!
[attachment=0]ZCI_Done.jpg[/attachment]

So no more losing pieces through the huge normal slot (and, sometimes, kicking the remnant across the shop). When the tape gets chopped up, I'll just remove it and replace it with a new one.

Cost was $5 for a set of 6 strips. Each strip is 2" wide by 16" wide. I got mine from Highland Woodworking but a web search will turn up other sources. I intend to use some of the left over from my first strip to stick on the bandsaw to make a 'zci' of sorts.

Very nice and inexpensive change.

john · Post by **john** » Sat Feb 28, 2015 5:51 pm

Neat idea!

Good thing there is someone always thinking creatively.

John

db5 · Post by **db5** » Sat Feb 28, 2015 7:32 pm

So, how do I create a ZCI for my shopsmith with this product?

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Sat Feb 28, 2015 11:36 pm

db5 wrote:So, how do I create a ZCI for my shopsmith with this product?

Stick it to the insert.

Place a board over the slot.

Clamp the board so it will not 'rise' with the blade.

Lower the table as usual to cut the slot.

Now if the back of the blade will not snag it and throw it, it ought to work.

I have my doubts!

pieceseeker · Post by **pieceseeker** » Sun Mar 01, 2015 6:54 am

I don't think its intended for table saws. It is advertised for miter saws. It's 0.020" thick. It is for miter/RAS saws, where you move the blade across the wood, not viseversa.
The only way I could see it working on a table saw would be to apply that same 0.020" tape across the width of the table saw and a strip to the right and/or left of the blade to support the workpiece.

Gene Howe · Post by **Gene Howe** » Sun Mar 01, 2015 12:34 pm

Even at 0.020 thick, wouldn't it throw off the cut a bit on the miter saw?

benush26 · Post by **benush26** » Sun Mar 01, 2015 2:45 pm

Gene Howe wrote:Even at 0.020 thick, wouldn't it throw off the cut a bit on the miter saw?

Gene:
My thoughts, too until I figured I would just add a piece on each wing which should (in theory) level up three points of contact.

Be well,
Ben

paulsgreenbarn · Post by **paulsgreenbarn** » Sun Mar 01, 2015 5:15 pm

pull the insert and apply this to the underside?

pieceseeker · Post by **pieceseeker** » Sun Mar 01, 2015 9:09 pm

I guess insert height adjustment on all saws would be too much to ask.

masonsailor2 · Post by **masonsailor2** » Mon Mar 02, 2015 12:06 pm

This is the method have used for years. Anytime you are going to slice a thin piece off just add a piece of tape.
Paul

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A neat way to easily add a ZCI

A neat way to easily add a ZCI

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The old ZCI method