How do you do this?

[junquecol]

On a saw with a riving knife, how do you make the initial cut in ZCI? Do you ditch the knife and use a 12" blade, so as to create a clearance for the riving knife? Just can't visualize it in my mind.

 

[erasmussen]

How I did mine, my zci is home made anyway.
Removed riving knife and made normal saw cut.
Removed zci and took it to the band saw and made the cut for the riving knife then reinstalled riving knife and zci

 

[adowden]

Here's a great article from FWW if you have an online subscription.

http://www.taunton.com/finewoodworking/FWNPDF/011169048.pdf

What this guy does is extend the lines from the saw cut in the ZCI toward where his splitter goes. He drills 3/32" holes between his lines and chisels out the remainder.

I also like his suggestions about using longer push sticks. He makes some great suggestions.

Amy