How to Make Zero Clearance Throat Plate Inserts for Table Saws | Rockler Skill Builders

How to Make Zero Clearance Throat Plate Inserts for Table Saws | Rockler Skill Builders

Learn how to make zero clearance throat plate inserts for your table saw. A zero clearance insert or throat plate is one of the best upgrades you can make to a table saw. If you’re having trouble with tear-out on the bottom edge of your table saw crosscuts, or experienced the sudden shock of a narrow piece of drop-off wedging in between the saw blade and the opening in your saw’s throat plate, then you should get a zero clearance throat plate or insert.

Subscribe to this channel for more of the latest woodworking how-to videos and new product innovations. Click the red subscribe button at: https://www.youtube.com/user/RocklerWoodworking

Find the best woodworking products and innovations at: http://www.rockler.com/

22 Comments

  1. Matt Colla on February 8, 2023 at 4:52 am

    Is there any benefit to applying a poly finish to the plate?



  2. Bob Sackett on February 8, 2023 at 4:52 am

    Exactly what I was looking for. The best explanation/demo I’ve found so far on how to make a Zero Clearance plate. Thanks!!!!



  3. shop99er on February 8, 2023 at 4:52 am

    How about melamine?



  4. Pens4Life on February 8, 2023 at 4:52 am

    Pfffttt….easy.
    Can you make me one please?



  5. Mvm Cali on February 8, 2023 at 4:53 am

    awesome instructions. thanks



  6. Dave Satosky on February 8, 2023 at 4:55 am

    lets see how you do this for a ridgid r4512 table saw



  7. Tall Timbers Wood Shop on February 8, 2023 at 4:56 am

    If your zero clearance insert has seen better days, you can tape the top of the insert and pour epoxy onto the underside of the insert. PU glue would also work. Recut the slot and it’s as good as new.



  8. Lee Walkowski on February 8, 2023 at 5:03 am

    Looks good but I have a Porter Cable table saw with a 1/8" steel throat plate. I’ve not tried to make one because I am not sure any non metallic material can be strong enough if only 1/8" thick. Any ideas?



  9. Alex Wiggs on February 8, 2023 at 5:05 am

    Excellent!!!!!!!!!!



  10. tndaryl840 on February 8, 2023 at 5:11 am

    *Love this table saw. Zero problems and is accurate **MyBest.Tools** and functional without drama. I would definatley suggest this purchase to friends and family (oh wait I have).*



  11. Jeff Oldham on February 8, 2023 at 5:11 am

    will this work on a saw stop



  12. drew langsdale on February 8, 2023 at 5:11 am

    Great video!



  13. Alex S on February 8, 2023 at 5:12 am

    What if you have a rectangular-shaped (semi-rounded edge) throat plate? Can you still use this technique to make one?



  14. Wilhelm Taylor on February 8, 2023 at 5:13 am

    FYI, the teeth on a dado blade are wider (~0.148") than a regular blade (~0.123"). This allows them to overlap when stacked. The disc to which the teeth are attached are also thinner on a regular blade. So using a dado blade completely wipes out any "zero clearance" benefits. A better way is to set the insert on shims that sit on the tabs in the throat that are used to level the plate. These shims must be raise the insert high enough to allow the blade to turn when the insert sits on the shims. Now hold that down with cauls and raise the blade.



  15. Joseph Romero on February 8, 2023 at 5:13 am

    I have an older delta contractor saw 36-441 and the blade won’t lower down enough to fit plate over it…. Omg and u come through w the dato black hack- awesome ty assume a 71/4 circler saw blade may work for those w out dato?



  16. Mvm Cali on February 8, 2023 at 5:16 am

    has anyone tried the FastCap zero tolerance tape ? im afraid it might be too thick



  17. memoe on February 8, 2023 at 5:23 am

    Thank you!!



  18. Jaime Brownell on February 8, 2023 at 5:25 am

    Excellent video. Concise step-by-step video on how to make a zero clearance table saw insert. Of course it helps to have all the proper tools and equipment to make the job a little easier. Rockler Woodworking is my #1 source for woodworking projects because of their innovations.



  19. Brett Barnts on February 8, 2023 at 5:28 am

    How does that slot perform when you angle your blade? I experience binding and am not sure how to remedy that.



  20. MIkery 2 on February 8, 2023 at 5:34 am

    The rabbeting bit idea to level a too-thick plate is ingenious. Thank you.



  21. Joseph Romero on February 8, 2023 at 5:35 am

    Love to know where I can order one of those shinny riving knifes?



  22. Wesley Picotte on February 8, 2023 at 5:37 am

    Aren’t you concerned about the plate’s strength after cutting the allowance for the knife? Aside from this, I like the rabbet bit idea.