Zero Clearance Inserts for Craftex Table Saws

[bc0824 [OP]]

Hello! Has anyone successfully located an insert material compatible with Craftex Table saws, to generate a zero-clearance insert? My particular model is the CT-104 (purchased back in 2009). Perhaps others have made such a beast? I'd be thankful for any information!

[WoodBob]

I had a Craftsman with no 0 clearance made/available so I made my own out of wood. It lasted several years and then I made another. Worked well for me!

[Doug G]

Welcome to the forum. I use leftover scraps of engineered hardwood to make zero clearance inserts for my Rockwell Beaver table saw. What's special about Craftex saws that require "compatible material"? Others use hardwood, MDF, or plywood.

[Stephan in BC]

I use Baltic birch ply, no voids and no chance of it splitting. You can thickness BB ply in a planer if need be too.

[John Bartley]

MDF works well. If you thickness it just a bit less than the saw top thickness you can drill holes in four corners and install set screws just like the aluminum ones have.

[Doug G]

You can also just remove material at the locations where the insert sits on the saw table tabs.

[Scott Walsh]

You can also just remove material at the locations where the insert sits on the saw table tabs.

Either this, or I shimmed mine with aluminum tape so that all my inserts lie on the same plane without modification.

I think I have 8 different throat plates, all with different kerfs for different blades. I have some made with solid wood and they remain stable and flat too.

[Woodwreck]

Check Craftsman and Rigid plates for fit. They're the same saw - maybe also yours.

[Bryan @ Woodstock]

I made my own from 1/2" melamine for my Unisaw. Been a long time since I made it as I no longer have a Unisaw. I think I used the throat plate as a template to cut and trim with the router for the exact fit. I installed leveling screws. Worked great for the odd time I needed one.

[bc0824 [OP]]

I want to thank everyone for their responses; you collectively helped to 'sustain' my enthusiasm to remain in the hunt for a ZCI compatible with my CT104.

It's worth mentioning that I contacted Busy Bee Customer Service (Canada), and was basically blown-off; when I asked if they provided such an insert, or whether they were aware of any 3rd party commercial and compatible options I received a one word answer: 'NO'. No support and no enthusiasm shown. So I kept digging,

I eventually found one from Peachtree Woodworking Supply (Peachtree Corners, GA). The compatible item is the "General 220 long Zero Clearance Insert' (Item #963), described as compatible with a line of General saws. I found the dimensions were virtually identical to the Craftex insert that came with the CT104, and so took a chance on ordering the HDMW equivalent. It fits perfectly, and is now installed. To accommodate a 10" blade, I used a router (with straight-bit) to take an additional 1/16" off the underside of the insert, and about 7/16" in from the blade side of the insert (the blade sits asymmetrically left-of-centre on the insert). With that additional 1/16" removed, the saw blade was clear of the insert and I could proceed to install. Thanks to Peachtree for carrying such an impressive array of parts and accessories for the craft, without which I'd have been relegated to routing one of my own out of hardwood or MDF.