ZCI For a Scroll Saw?

[Greenbo]

Hi everyone, I'm just a little curious as to if anyone uses a Zero Clearance Insert. I realize that one would not work with a tilted table, possibly, but for regular 90 deg stuff allowing for very small items to be cut. The throat on my older Ryobi seems a tad bit to large.

In your opinion would a ZCI be helpful or a hindrance?

Glenn

[wood-n-things]

I use one on occasion. No hindrance that I have found. When cutting small pieces I find it a definite asset.

[Mick Walker]

Glenn, my Delta came with one. Which I use when scrolling tiny pieces that I don't want to drop through. You can make your own with thin plywood, playing cards, old x-rays or a temporary one with just painter's tape.

[Greenbo]

I know it will save me some frustration as I do use them on my table and band saw with great results. And there is some thin material around here - somewhere, just to find it. Into a spring clean in my shop..

Mick, I'll try some of your suggestions first.
Mike, just visited your site, fantastic work.

thanks
Glenn

[handibunny]

Glenn,

Those suggestions are all good ones. What you use depends on what you're doing, and whether it's just a one-time thing.

However, I'd steer clear of X-ray film. I seem to recall being warned years ago about not mixing photographic media with anything that needed to be food-safe. I've used playing cards, myself, with the DeWalt 788, since that has the hole punched out in the table and no insert at all.

[Dandy]

Hi
just thought I would mention this, not my idea, got it from a tip somewhere , can't remember where, so I can't give proper credit. Anyway use a advertising magnet card, some realtors give them out and I have tried it . Makes a great zero clearence insert and , bonus if your table is steel It sticks to it.
dandy

[louhodson]

Try a piece of 1/8" masonite from the big box stores. Make an outline of your table and cut it to fit. The just cut a line with the blade you will be using to the center, tape it down and start sawing. If a blade breaks or get dull, thread a new one thru the line and keep going. The big plus is, its reusable when you need a zci again.

[CJoZ]

Good idea Louhodson! I do that with my tablesaw for small parts or when I use my dado blade, except instead of the whole table i just put it on the blade side of the fence.

[NC Scroller]

Also try some aluminum flashing if you have it laying around. I had a piece in the shed and it worked like a charm.

[Greenbo]

And good morning, looks like there are several good options for what I'm after. I do like the masonite idea, firm, solid and thin. Also like the idea of using it on the T-saw which can cover the stock throat plates, less hassle when changing blades and multiple CZI's.

For my practice work (new to this) the masonite looks like the choice instead of an actual throat insert, especially being able to cover the majority of the table surface.

Thanks for the ideas and suggestions

Glenn