I have a Ridgid R4511 granite topped TS. I really like the saw but a couple near mishaps lately convinced me that I needed a ZCI for it. Commercial ZCIs cost over a $1 a square inch if you include shipping which just goes against my frugal nature. :no: I had made one out of hardwood but unfortunately the anti-kickback pawls would dig into it when I changed blade heights. :eusa_doh:Today I started a scavenger hunt in the shop for an alternative material meeting the following criteria:
1) Dead flat.
2) Easily machinable for blade slot, leveling screws, and mounting screws.
3) Hard enough that the pawls would not dig in.
4) Looks cool (optional :gar-La
5) Able to use factory splitter /guard (changes height with blade)
After rooting around for a while I ran across some synthetic stone backsplash stock that met all of my criteria. :widea:
45 minutes of cutting, sanding, drilling and tapping later I had my ZCI ! :eusa_danc I am not 100% pleased with the fit but I am sure the next ones will be better.
Now that I know how easy this stuff is to work I will be experimenting with auxilliary faces for the TS fence and the router table fence since it has a nice smooth hard surface which takes wax well. :wsmile:
1) Dead flat.
2) Easily machinable for blade slot, leveling screws, and mounting screws.
3) Hard enough that the pawls would not dig in.
4) Looks cool (optional :gar-La
5) Able to use factory splitter /guard (changes height with blade)
After rooting around for a while I ran across some synthetic stone backsplash stock that met all of my criteria. :widea:
45 minutes of cutting, sanding, drilling and tapping later I had my ZCI ! :eusa_danc I am not 100% pleased with the fit but I am sure the next ones will be better.
Now that I know how easy this stuff is to work I will be experimenting with auxilliary faces for the TS fence and the router table fence since it has a nice smooth hard surface which takes wax well. :wsmile:
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