DLB wrote
I prefer this method too. One of the amusing things about the Mike Young video attached above is that Mike rips his ZCI blanks to finished width using the quill feed as a micro-adjust to more accurately set rip width. I use this technique all of the time too, IIRC it is in PTWFE. But as far as I know this technique is incompatible with ZCIs (except for making them).
Conclusion: You can use the micro-adjust technique to install the ZCI, as described by Dennis. You can use the micro-adjust technique to make the ZCI, as described by Mike. But you cannot use the micro-adjust technique with the ZCI to rip finished pieces for your project.(?)
- David
David,
Good to know you use the quill adjust as well. It seems like several forum members here love to use the quill feed adjustment for TS operation. I just never tried doing this before I started using ZCI's on my Mark V. Kind of difficult to use this feature for anything in TS operation except perhaps ZCI adjustment as you and Dennis pointed out.
There are always different methods to accomplish a given operation. As you point out Mike uses the quill adjustment to set the rip width, but his cut has to be in a non-ZCI operation. I admit trying to get the rip fence on Shopsmith equipment to a precise adjustment requires some effort (why I fantasize so much about putting an Incra LS Positioner or DRO on a TS). MUCH less effort to set the rip width using the quill adjustment than to bump the fence by hand - hence the advice on this thread. However, there was a much simpler solution to this one particular problem. Mike says the Shopsmith insert is precisely 3.0" wide. WHY not take a machinist 1-2-3 block and set the rip fence to blade to give a 3.0" cut width that way? Heck of A LOT faster and more precise AND no messing with the quill adjustment! Also cut will be precisely 3.0" because Mike's method requires no human error in sighting the tape measure to the blade while simultaneously adjusting the quill. Since it is exactly a 3.0" width cut, a 1-2-3 block between the sawblade inside carbide tooth tip and the rip fence would precisely set a 3.0" width cut with NO human error.
Not picking on Mike here, but just illustrating that
there is always another solution to a problem - sometimes that solution is A LOT more elegant. In summary, I appreciate all of the feedback on this thread. I am happy to try out other solutions and when I find something better, I am happy to switch to it. For me, the jury is still out on aligning a ZCI as suggested on this thread,
but I am open to try it. However, the ZCI design that Dennis showed,
I really like and would adopt that if/when I start making my own ZCI's. May even try it before my current ZCI wears out just because I really like the idea of a stiffer ZCI particularly near the blade. Thanks again for giving me some new things to think about and/or try in my shop.
P.S. When are we getting that Mark XXX model that has a rack & pinion waytube adjustment for the headstock and the carriage like the Mark VII had? One that has the ability to keep a ZCI in the table that can be locked in position to the quill adjustment???
