Jim Crockett
11-14-2007, 12:43 AM
I have a Craftsman 21830 Jobsite Table Saw that I am very happy with. My problem is trying to find a ZCI for this saw. There is a circular bar running the length of the saw (trunion perhaps) to the left of the blade that is only 1/4" down from the tabletop. Inserts vertical adjustment is through holes in the plate via capscrews screwed into ears, the tops of which are 7/16" below the table top.
I don't have a caliper or micrometer, but I would guestimate hat the original plate (metal) is between 1/16" and 3/32" thick.
I have made a insert out of hardboard and, while it worked, it flexed more than I liked. I also made one out of 1/2" plywood, routing a rabbet along the edges and a dado lengthwise to accomodate the bar. This works and it fits but is a real pain to create.
I have been trying to think of some material that I could use - must be slightly less than 1/4" thick - that wouldn't flex as the hardboard did.
- I don't feel that acrylic or polycarbonate would be a good choice but perhaps I'm wrong.
- Have considered phenolic - what does anyone think of this? Can phenolic be worked with woodworking tools?
- I would make one of aluminum but do not have the tools to do a good job cutting and shaping it.
- Another thought I had was that perhaps a 1/8" strip of hardwood glued to the underside of hardboard would stiffen it sufficiently to prevent the flexing.
If anyone else is using this saw, how have you overcome this problem? What ideas suggestions can the rest of you offer - all suggestions will be very much appreciated.
Thanks,
Jim
I don't have a caliper or micrometer, but I would guestimate hat the original plate (metal) is between 1/16" and 3/32" thick.
I have made a insert out of hardboard and, while it worked, it flexed more than I liked. I also made one out of 1/2" plywood, routing a rabbet along the edges and a dado lengthwise to accomodate the bar. This works and it fits but is a real pain to create.
I have been trying to think of some material that I could use - must be slightly less than 1/4" thick - that wouldn't flex as the hardboard did.
- I don't feel that acrylic or polycarbonate would be a good choice but perhaps I'm wrong.
- Have considered phenolic - what does anyone think of this? Can phenolic be worked with woodworking tools?
- I would make one of aluminum but do not have the tools to do a good job cutting and shaping it.
- Another thought I had was that perhaps a 1/8" strip of hardwood glued to the underside of hardboard would stiffen it sufficiently to prevent the flexing.
If anyone else is using this saw, how have you overcome this problem? What ideas suggestions can the rest of you offer - all suggestions will be very much appreciated.
Thanks,
Jim