Shopsmith Forums

dusty wrote:I've done a couple using 1/2" MDF and I used the router in a table to cut away unwanted material on the bottom. This worked fairly well. It seems like a perfect job for the OPR.

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oh, you mean the OPR that finally just arrived after 2 months...what a great idea just have to set it up

How did you solve the problem with lengthening the slot for the riving knife?

thomas2938 wrote:How did you solve the problem with lengthening the slot for the riving knife?

After lowering the table to make the blade slot, I simply flip the ZCI over and around, set it down on the blade, put the rip fence in place and cut it a little bit farther.

If I am not cutting fine wood or laminates, I continue to use the ZCI even after the slot has been widened. In other words, I have a sloppy ZCI. Its primary purpose is to close the gap so that small pieces do not get down between the blade and table top.

mbcabinetmaker wrote:Dusty the inserts are pretty much universal on all of my 510's and 520's. The thickness may need to be tweaked but other than that I do no see a problem.

As to the cut out all I did was lower the blade and very slowly tighten the table lock. It moved just a bit but with the blade still running It will stretch the cut out to the correct size.

I used to use paper shims to level the inserts with the table. I have switched to Gorilla Duct Tape. It is about the right thickness, adheres extremely well and is durable.

I make my inserts using 1/4" hardboard with formica glued on top. It is exactly even with the tabletop with no shims on my Model 500.

My ZCI is mdf and walnut. The center strip of walnut is replaceable. To change it out, I just need to make the center strip. I keep a few in reserve.
See it here.
ZCI