Micro Jig

The procedures shown here may not apply to all table saw models.

A cost effective way to drastically increase the safety of your table saw and improve the quality of your cuts is to install a Zero Clearance Insert (ZCI). A ZCI will allow you to rip very narrow strips more safely than using your stock throat plate and will allow you to install our MJ Splitters or MJ Splitter Steel PRO.

You can purchase a ZCI specific to the make and model of your table saw. If there is no available ZCI for your table saw, you can use the stock throat plate as a template to make custom ZCIs from MDF with or without laminate, good quality plywood, UHMW or Phenolic.

We are using a store-purchased ZCI.

There are a few ways to stack your new ZCI to create the saw kerf. As shown, the ZCI is stacked on top of the existing OEM throat plate sitting below table saw top surface.

When using the OEM throat plate you will need to back out the setscrews so that the stock insert sits at the bottom of the opening.

Another way is to use “rare earth magnets” stacked to about 1/16” below table saw top surface so the bottom of the ZCI is not touching the carbide teeth of the blade. The rest of the slideshow will use rare earth magnets to demonstrate the ZCI installation.

Place a set of rare earth magnets on each of the mounting tabs.

Stack the new ZCI over the rare earth magnets. Make sure that the ZCI sits within the recess.

Secure the ZCI. Here we use a shop-built hold down coupled with a Micro Jig ZeroPlay Stop to clamp down the ZCI. Do NOT use your bare hands or a push stick to hold down the ZCI.

Once the ZCI is securely clamped down, turn on the table saw and raise the saw blade slowly. Raise the blade so that it just breaks the surface of the throat plate.

Remove the rare earth magnets (or OEM throat plate) and put the ZCI back into the throat plate opening. By adjusting the leveling setscrews make sure that the ZCI is flush with the table saw surface.

For a snugger fit, you can drill and tap additional holes for setscrews on the side and corner of the ZCI. We prefer nylon instead of metal setscrews on the side so they won’t scratch the cast iron rim and more importantly they can be adjusted to exert tension for tighter fit like a mini feather board.

Adjust the setscrews on the side for a tight fit.

Pound the ZCI into the opening. Make sure there is no side-to-side play.

Secure the ZCI with a hold down clamp. Turn on the saw blade and raise it slowly to its full height.

Note: If your ZCI is concentric, rounded on both ends, you can turn the throat plate 180-degrees. This will allow you to create two kerfs, one for an1/8” full kerf and the other for Thin Kerf. And, if you are installing the MJ Splitter Steel PRO, create one kerf with a fully raised saw blade and the other kerf to where the blade is raised about 1 ½” inch exclusively for stock that is 1” and thinner stock.

Go back to the GRR-Ripper Page.

Go back to the MJ Splitter page.