One quick question, where do you find 1/4" mdf with melamine coating without having to buy a 4'x8' sheet? I have exhausted all woodcraft related sources in my area (Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX) without success. Please, would like an answer from anyone that knows a source, Thank you, Wayne Standerfer Duncanville, TX
Hey Wayne, Lucky for you, you're in a large metropolitan area where there are surely dozens of commercial/light residential cabinet shops. Stop by any one of them with a dozen donuts on a Thursday morning and ask for a few pieces of scrap. In my experience, most shops throw away more scrap in a week than I use in a year and, with just a little bit of luck, you'll find a shop who will gladly trade maple with sprinkles for mdf with melamine! 😉😎
Thank you for this suggestion, will certainly follow up. Just FYI - the cheap Chinese 60 degree router bit listed in supplies will not fit an American made Bosch 3/8 router collet chuck, Chinese 3/8" is larger than our 3/8. Thank you again, Wayne Standerfer Duncanville, TX @@NextLevelCarpentry
I first saw these type inserts watching the legend, Norm Abrams. He had a table saw episode that mentioned these. I looked and looked, finally found one from Charles Neil woodworking. I am glad Norn put me on to these. I miss Norm! I wish he still did videos every week.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience with us. I believe what makes Matt different from other similar channels is his magnificent ability to relay his knowledge clearly to the viewers, without becoming boring. Enjoyed every minute of it. Thank you!
Wow... Thanks! This was next-level kind of you to make. Blows my mind a bit that he made an entire build tutorial for something he already got sorted. If you happen to come across this comment just know I highly appreciate it. ^^
You're a fine teacher, Matt, and your in-depth instruction, coupled with your dry sense of humor, keeps the wood from warping and passes on valuable knowledge. I appreciate the work you put into your videos.
Thanks for saying... you can always post a question here in a comment if there's something I overlook in a video. I try to include all that detail but sometimes have a blind spot about something that seems obvious to me but not to someone starting out...
I just received as a gift my first table saw. Looking through various videos I stumbled across yours. I have to say this has been the most educational, well produced and useful video I have watched in a long time. Excellent job! I only wish you were my neighbor. Keep 'em coming.
Great looking and great functioning piece of kit Matt! All your points regarding the difficulties of manufacturing a one-size-fits-all product are spot on. This is a wonderful solution that anyone can tackle for the saw opening they have.
I watched your video on my 81st birthday. Been woodworking since I was 15 years old. THANK YOU for this very well done presentation. I too added my router to my new Grizzly hybrid table saw. Jim Champaigne Elkhart, Indiana USA
Happy Birthday Jim! You've got a few years on me... I was 5 years old when you started! Glad to hear you are still interested in woodworking and hope you have many more years of enjoying it!
And then i watched some more - holy crap some nice learning ! tywm ! Great video... guess I have to upgrade my router table a bit before I can do this... ( just slapped together fast with some plywood )
Thanks! I love the detail of your videos to the point this is the first time I've ever bought a Super Thanks. It takes normal UA-cam videos to the next level and so few do.
A really well made video, IMHO. Yes, long, but with detail that would otherwise leave one wondering how it was done if not included in this tutorial. Sorry to those whose attention span or patience is limited. I have an old table saw that I am hoping to rehabilitate and restore and this project for a zero clearance throat plate is a perfect update for this old saw. Thanks, and don't be intimidated by the comments. You have nothing to be ashamed of and plenty to teach us novices.
If you wish to commercialize the production of these inserts you could simply manufacture the blanks of an approximate width and length with the dovetail groove and inserts and allow your customer to tailor them to their specs with a disclaimer that you assume no liability for any injuries or damages that result from your product having been modified in ANY way. That should also eliminate your liability issues since all you are providing are raw materials that the purchaser can use as (s)he sees fit. This is, easily, one of the best videos in this genre. I feel certain that Stumpy Nubs would approve.
Call me a nerd...I enjoyed the patience, precision and meticulous approach- like rear woodworking. Great kaizen. I look forward to seeing you cut that tomato...GREAT VIDEO!
Watch for a video showing how to slice tomatoes in the next video from Next Level Coventry on the late night TV Shopping Channel "but wait, there's MORE...!" 🤣
Thanks for saying Stan, much appreciated! Put a lot of work into filming and editing this video so it's always nice to hear when viewers appreciate the end result!
Outstanding display of ingenuity including the ut ohs. I can hardly wait to get some of these made for my Grizzly 1023 which I acquired 4 years ago second handed. I was getting nervous at the end but you finally showed how to make the initial cut in the replaceable zero clearance insert! Thanks so much, I watched the whole thing!
Best video and build for a throat plate anywhere. Don't waste time on anything other. Spend it building 3 or 4 of these and end the problem. At least. You will have a perfect throat plate and time to think about project solutions and builds. Thanks. Great information and video.
I watched to the very end... even though I was supposed to be sleeping. I just had to see the finished product! Thanks again for another great educational video :)
"copacetic", "antidisestablishmentarianism", "in situ" Hey, you're my kinda guy. I recently cut some aluminum on the table saw; a small bit dropped into the blade well and shot out like shrapnel. I was standing to the side so it missed me, but the way it hit the ceiling was impressive. And it got me to thinking about zero clearance inserts. Yours is the best, of course. Thanks for a top notch video!
Never got bored with the video. I actually backed it up several times to see a step performed again. I love the manner of your presentation and explanation. Subscribed. 'Jesus Saves'
Nothing boring here, a great teacher giving some great advice. Just tan put of HDPE for other projects but I'll be sure to use this jig for future work.
I'm a repeating all the previous "Thank you". I copied your detailed instructions, which you made very easy for me, and made three "Zero Clearance Throat Plates" for my Delta Contractor's Table Saw Model #36-725T2.
These are super nice inserts! And your step by step process was well worth the watch. I started upping my carpentry game about 5 years ago after 25 years of being a ho-hum carpenter. It's videos like this that have helped me improve my skills and methods. I greatly appreciate your thoroughness of explanation. AND, I will be making some of these inserts to replace my cruddy plywood ones that ain't that great.
Kudos for acting on the inspiration/motivation to take your carpentry skillset to a next level of your own Mark! I'm honored to be part of that journey and forsee a bright future for you as you move to the front of the pack!
Nice video. I have been making zero clearance insert out of melamine for my unisaw since 1984 in a simalar fashion And cry when it's time to make three or four more. This is a better setup and easier to keep a fresh clean cut in the plate. One last time to cry. Hallelujah . Thank you
I find that the bigger stack of spare inserts I make the less 'painful' it is to swap them out so I'm always using ones with a very tight zero clearance. You're quite welcome too, Lon!
Great video as always. My Unisaw is 46 years old. The "riving knife" never worked worth a damn. Got rid of it right away and moved on. My wood shop teacher taught me to stay out of the line of fire. Works for me.
Yours is 3 years older than mine... I know what you mean: the splitter/riving knive/ anti-kickback that came with my was a gangly/wobbly affair that was far more danger than nothing at all IMHO.
My biggest takeaways form your videos is not what you are building but how you are building. Your techniques are not widely shown elsewhere and usually leaves me with a "Why didn't I think of that". Great video.
Thanks for watching and commenting Scott... since I'm almost entirely self-taught I think the way I approach things is 'outside the box' some folks end up in by attending schools or courses that can inhibit free-range thinking that ends up in a different paradigm. It's mostly good but I'm sure I'm missing out on some mainstream ideas that would be better in some situations...
Matt, I love all your videos and greatly appreciate the time and effort you put into them! The information you share with us is priceless, and I sincerely thank you for all your hard work and time. This video was no exception. I do have one concern in regard to your health. I have always been told to wear a mask when cutting or sanding MDF. I have seen you working with MDF without a mask on, and while I understand for the sake of the video, it is more convenient I worry for you. All of us here I am sure would not mind if you wore a mask when working with MDF.
Always a pleasure I had a funny ideas you were going to come up with something I checked Greg’s site for quite a while and it never came into play. You don’t disappoint
That would probably be a good thing because then, in that parallel universe, I may have actually grown up too 😉🤣🤣 As it is I keep wondering when the whole 'older and wiser' thing is supposed to kick in!
It's amazing! I've been looking for one of these zero clearance plates for my saw and I can't find them anywhere. My saw's weird. It's like 3-1/2 by 15-13/16 long. I saw your video pop up and was shocked. It's like yes, this is what I needed. Thank you sir.
Woodworkers like you are who I had in mind when I decided to produce this video Blaine: those who want/need a very useful/functional zero clearance insert for their saw but can't find one to buy... have fun with the build and enjoy using it when you've made it!
Only wanted a quick sandwich and you made a 4 course meal! Thanks - there are always going to be things folks would do differently/more simply/cost effectively - but they didn't spend the time to make the vid
A superb video demonstrating how to make a zero clearance throat plate with replaceable inserts. All aspects of the construction process were fully explained along with many useful tips that could be used in similar situations where real accuracy is required. Many thanks for sharing such knowledge, showing us why attention to detail is so important and how to achieve it using basic tools and equipment. Moreover, thanks for the time and effort to compile and edit this highly informative video.
Thanks for such a glowing review, Jeff... much appreciated. Knowing that viewers like you find value in this sort of 'deep dive' videos is gratifying to content producers!
Your situation sounds like a perfect application for zero clearance inserts like this. Your great old saw will be even more greater with one of these😁 hope the build goes well and gives you years of practical Next Level use!
Hi Next Level Carpentry, I bought a Powermatic 66 table saw in the ? late 70's. Did not like the supplied throat plate. I bought the original version of the throat plate you showed. I LOVE it. As you mentioned that co. went out of business, so I couldn't buy any more replacement strips. The original strips were made of wood. Now I make my own out of scrap hardwood. Zero issues with the plate I have. I built a rack to hold various inserts for thin kerf, 1/8" , various dado widths, blade set at 45 degres etc. I even have inserts for the same blade , but for different hight cuts so it is a tru zero clearance insert. I mark on the insert what blade it is for with a sharpie. My saw did not come with a riving knife/ spliter either. No issues cutting very small pieces, improves dust collection. No down side that I have seen only pluses on this design! All of the zero clearance plates I see on the market today are a flat plastic plate shaped to fit what saw you own. They are pricey! This is the only way to go! Great Video! Thanks Eric
I recently picked up an old Rockwell Unuisaw that is in fantastic condition with an upgraded fence. Can't wait to get it going, need to make room in my shop and get the 230V outlet first. Throatplate with removable rectangular slides, what a great idea! Just went to Gregs website and I don't see any of his throat plates for sale.
This is THE BEST instructional video I have watched (and I watch a bunch of them) If memory serves, I may not be able to use the information, as I think my plate is thinner, but I will be subscribing, as I am sure there are more tips and instructions I can use with this exceptional narrator.
Thank you so much for what you do Matt. I will be making a few of the zero clearance inserts for my Net. That is a soon as I can get in my garage workshop. 5°F, is much too cold to work out there. Keep up the great work!
Awesome! I meant what I said at the start of this video because so many viewers like you have asked over the years... glad to help out and thanks for the sub!
The best saw I ever owned was a mid-90s Unisaw with the Unifence. I'd love to have a Unifence again. It was the most versatile tablesaw fence I have ever used.
Seems like all the upgrading 'they' have done to tablesaws since the mid 90's have actually been downgrades IMHO. Bet you could find a used replacement somewhere if you try...
I'm fortunate enough that my Powermatic 66 came with that type of aluminum insert as an accessory. What a great video - very well thought out and stepwise demonstration of how to mill up your own to fit just right.
Thanks for saying John I really appreciate that you took the time to post a comment on this one! Your words are encouraging in a world where short videos that skip over 90% of details are both more popular and profitable. It's more important to me though to no there are people like you out there that appreciate the extra insight!
I saw Norm using one in an old New Yankee Workshop episode & was bummed when I searched online & couldn't find any. Thanks for the indepth how-to video. I have an xacta jet 10 inch left tilt.
Being bummed out that such a great product was no longer available was my motivation for putting this video together because the zero clearance insert is invaluable for so many projects IMHO. Hope you're able to make one to fit your saw...
I’m a new subscriber, thanks for this excellent video. I have been making my own zero clearance throat plates from plywood for several years, and am a firm believer in their utility and safety. I need to make a new throat plate for a new thin kerf saw blade, and was not loooking forward to having to fabricate yet another throat plate, when I stumbled across this video. Now I plan to follow your method to make one throat plate with multiple inserts instead.
New to the channel. YT advertised this on my home page and I decided to take a look. I’m in the same boat, my tablesaw is no longer manufactured and throat plates no longer available. The saw is great and will probably out live me. I could buy a Saw Stop which I really like, but I just don’t want to spend the money when I have a perfectly good tablesaw already. Plus with nearly 40 years experience, I haven’t cut myself on a tablesaw. My mentor drummed into me how to safely use a tablesaw back when they had a lot fewer safety measures. Anyway, I’ve made many inserts and have experimented over time. I have been considering something similar to this and I really like this approach. I’ll probably reuse a lot of it. The biggest change will be perforations in the throat plate to improve dust collection. I know you made a comment on that as why not to include a finger hole to aid in removing the throat plate. But I’ve experimented with this and perforations improve the dust collection. They also supply a slight suction to hold your cut piece down to the table, which is noticeable when cutting thin stock or laminate.
I just don't like working with a left-tilt saw... annoying that the fence needs to be re-zeroed any time blade width (or dado stack) changes... a total deal breaker for me! There's a lot to like about SawStop but they're all left tilt! 😡 Interesting what you've found with perforations in the throat plate for slight suction when ripping laminate. I may try and drill a string of holes through one of the 3 from the video for just that application.
Excellent video. I am definitely going to make some of those for my saw. I also have a Delta Unisaw like yours. Except mine was made in the early 50's. I also do not have a splitter or riving knife. Never have. But my dad was a custom furniture maker and I grew up in the shop. The shop was on the Same property so we were in there all the time. My dad taught us how to use all of the tools properly. So knowing what you can and can't do with a table saw prevents accidents. If I had a splitter or riving knife I would use it but with this old saw, that is difficult to do.
I think you'll really like one of these for your saw if/when you get around to making one. It's a nice upgrade to even a decent OEM throat plate and, considering the age of your saw, should be a dramatic improvement. Have fun making and using it... and keep up your safe work practices!
I think this is a great idea. Was thinking of over sizing the pieces width wise first, cutting the dovetails to the size as he shows, then simply cutting all the pieces to width with proper offsets.
There's surely a number of different sequences to get the inserts to fit but I like the one shown in the video best because it's repeatable for making batches of inserts far into the future...
This was the first time that I saw your UA-cam channel. Although, I have been woodworking for only 10 years. Your content is superb! Keep up the great videos. Binge watching over the next few days.
Thanks for letting me know of you binge-watching session... just make sure to quit before you tire of my presentation or content cuz I'd like to have you on board for awhile! 😎
Nice video. You could also use a single 8" dado blade to do the relief cut. That way you could put fence partially over throat plate and crank blade up through it slightly for the needed relief for the 10 inch blade.
Awesome design😊 After seeing your video, I have decided to try to make one for my Delta table saw ! Thank you for another very, very informative video.
You're welcome John... I get the impression quite a few others are making these too. Have fun with the build and enjoy working with it when you're done!
I certainly appreciate your videos. I have been watching since your very first one. You have kept up the clarity and level of humor throughout. Keep it up and thank you for doing it.
You're welcome John... hope recent NLC videos are easier to watch because of better editing/production? I do appreciate your sticking with the Channel as I feel editing has improved quite a bit from what I was able to do 5 years ago...
Very clever! Thanks for the excellent guide! It occurred to me perhaps you could use the replaceable insert to help align the drilling guide with the throat plate to avoid depth shifting.
do you have a video of how to use a dado. I like the method you use to cut the dovetail and show us the ruff look. (especially the orange board)... We The Few will never give excessive emphasis to (something) you showed us. Our and your attention to simple design is never unnecessary. ....OORAH!!
I use a dado blade in various videos on the Channel but never did one dedicated to the topic. I think a couple videos the Pallet Door Build Series probably have the best look at it though...
Great idea Matt, easy swop out inserts once you've made the main body. I like that pin to stop the insert plate lifting. The way you drew the saw kerfs on the HDPE with the material being tight, fool proof. Got the tee shirt, done it many times. The flying kick back is always there waiting to pounce. One gets through the net every now and again. Enjoyed the video. Tony
"One gets through the net every now and again" LOL🤣🤣 It would have been so easy to get lax and over-size the blanks and only get 2 out of that sheet instead of 3... a mistake that's even easier to make when distracted by shooting video, scripting, etc...
I'm glad I stuck around for the end of the end of the end... I have the same insert setup for my table saw and the replacement inserts are impossible to find. I can make my own now; and saw how you have yours marked for different setups. That section at the very end was an epiphany. Thanks for opening my eyes. Great videos!
It's a great accessory to be sure! These are the first MDF inserts I've ever made and I'm really liking them because they don't grow/shrink with changes in humidity and become loose or tight accordingly. I hope you can find MDF that's actually a full 1/4" thick though because the stuff I have is too thin to work well in either aluminum throat plate I have.
One quick question, where do you find 1/4" mdf with melamine coating without having to buy a 4'x8' sheet? I have exhausted all woodcraft related sources in my area (Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX) without success.
Please, would like an answer from anyone that knows a source,
Thank you,
Wayne Standerfer
Duncanville, TX
Hey Wayne, Lucky for you, you're in a large metropolitan area where there are surely dozens of commercial/light residential cabinet shops. Stop by any one of them with a dozen donuts on a Thursday morning and ask for a few pieces of scrap. In my experience, most shops throw away more scrap in a week than I use in a year and, with just a little bit of luck, you'll find a shop who will gladly trade maple with sprinkles for mdf with melamine! 😉😎
Thank you for this suggestion, will certainly follow up.
Just FYI - the cheap Chinese 60 degree router bit listed in supplies will not fit an American made Bosch 3/8 router collet chuck, Chinese 3/8" is larger than our 3/8.
Thank you again,
Wayne Standerfer
Duncanville, TX @@NextLevelCarpentry
You're never boring friend! Making these videos takes a lot of time and effort and should be appreciated by all. Keep up the great work!
Jeff
Certainly appreciated by me. Never tire of watching a master craftsman in action.
I know this guy Jeff, bought a router off him years ago. Crazy to see we watch the same Craftsman's videos. What's up Jeff, how's the kitchen coming?
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
DM Carpenter Small planet! Well I'm working on the bathroom right now but doing well, hope you are!
I first saw these type inserts watching the legend, Norm Abrams. He had a table saw episode that mentioned these. I looked and looked, finally found one from Charles Neil woodworking. I am glad Norn put me on to these. I miss Norm! I wish he still did videos every week.
You produce some of the most informative content on UA-cam. Thank you for all you do!
You're quite welcome... I appreciate that you watch and comment here!
Gotta love this much detail. This is teaching, not just showing.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience with us. I believe what makes Matt different from other similar channels is his magnificent ability to relay his knowledge clearly to the viewers, without becoming boring.
Enjoyed every minute of it.
Thank you!
Great job! Every time I watch your videos I learn so much and I’ve been a carpenter for over 30 years. Again great job!
That right there is the ultimate compliment... thank YOU!
Best,
Matt
Wow... Thanks!
This was next-level kind of you to make.
Blows my mind a bit that he made an entire build tutorial for something he already got sorted. If you happen to come across this comment just know I highly appreciate it. ^^
You're a fine teacher, Matt, and your in-depth instruction, coupled with your dry sense of humor, keeps the wood from warping and passes on valuable knowledge. I appreciate the work you put into your videos.
Appreciation backatcha Jerry... thanks for watching and commenting on this one!
I love the level of detail you have in your videos. It really helps noobs like me really understand the how and why.
Thanks for saying... you can always post a question here in a comment if there's something I overlook in a video. I try to include all that detail but sometimes have a blind spot about something that seems obvious to me but not to someone starting out...
I just received as a gift my first table saw. Looking through various videos I stumbled across yours. I have to say this has been the most educational, well produced and useful video I have watched in a long time. Excellent job! I only wish you were my neighbor. Keep 'em coming.
Great looking and great functioning piece of kit Matt! All your points regarding the difficulties of manufacturing a one-size-fits-all product are spot on. This is a wonderful solution that anyone can tackle for the saw opening they have.
Thanks Greg! You know details of those difficulties more than most, including myself, so it's nice to learn your approval of this alternative 👍😎
I wish someone would make me one of these for my DeWalt DWE7485. All I can say is you are very clever and talented man. love the videos,
I watched your video on my 81st birthday. Been woodworking since I was 15 years old. THANK YOU for this very well done presentation. I too added my router to my new Grizzly hybrid table saw. Jim Champaigne Elkhart, Indiana USA
Happy Birthday Jim! You've got a few years on me... I was 5 years old when you started! Glad to hear you are still interested in woodworking and hope you have many more years of enjoying it!
Thanks so much for sharing your super sable saw insert. I really appreciate your detailed and convenience narration of the construction.
Another fabulous video, Matt! I learn a ton every time I watch you do something. Thank you!
You are now my favorite youtube Diva !
And then i watched some more - holy crap some nice learning ! tywm ! Great video... guess I have to upgrade my router table a bit before I can do this... ( just slapped together fast with some plywood )
Thanks! I love the detail of your videos to the point this is the first time I've ever bought a Super Thanks. It takes normal UA-cam videos to the next level and so few do.
Thanks for the compliment Travis... And thanks for making Next Level carpentry your Super Thanks guinea pig!
I have to agree. The attention not only to the detail of the work, but the detailed explainations of how/why are amazing. Kudos.
@@inygomontoiya much appreciated!
You son of a.... now I have another project on the list...🙃
great video. very clear and thorough
A really well made video, IMHO. Yes, long, but with detail that would otherwise leave one wondering how it was done if not included in this tutorial. Sorry to those whose attention span or patience is limited. I have an old table saw that I am hoping to rehabilitate and restore and this project for a zero clearance throat plate is a perfect update for this old saw. Thanks, and don't be intimidated by the comments. You have nothing to be ashamed of and plenty to teach us novices.
I watched it all and gained some pointers!
If you wish to commercialize the production of these inserts you could simply manufacture the blanks of an approximate width and length with the dovetail groove and inserts and allow your customer to tailor them to their specs with a disclaimer that you assume no liability for any injuries or damages that result from your product having been modified in ANY way. That should also eliminate your liability issues since all you are providing are raw materials that the purchaser can use as (s)he sees fit.
This is, easily, one of the best videos in this genre. I feel certain that Stumpy Nubs would approve.
Call me a nerd...I enjoyed the patience, precision and meticulous approach- like rear woodworking. Great kaizen. I look forward to seeing you cut that tomato...GREAT VIDEO!
Watch for a video showing how to slice tomatoes in the next video from Next Level Coventry on the late night TV Shopping Channel "but wait, there's MORE...!" 🤣
Another great video. Sometimes I get lost in what you’re saying, but when you show the step, I get it.
this is one of the best videos on youtube
Thanks for saying Stan, much appreciated! Put a lot of work into filming and editing this video so it's always nice to hear when viewers appreciate the end result!
Lots and lots of very helpful supplementary information in addition to the outstanding zero clearance plate video! Thanks.
Outstanding display of ingenuity including the ut ohs. I can hardly wait to get some of these made for my Grizzly 1023 which I acquired 4 years ago second handed. I was getting nervous at the end but you finally showed how to make the initial cut in the replaceable zero clearance insert! Thanks so much, I watched the whole thing!
thank you very much for taking the time to answer my question and that makes great sense thank you very much
Best video and build for a throat plate anywhere. Don't waste time on anything other. Spend it building 3 or 4 of these and end the problem. At least. You will have a perfect throat plate and time to think about project solutions and builds. Thanks. Great information and video.
I watched to the very end... even though I was supposed to be sleeping. I just had to see the finished product! Thanks again for another great educational video :)
"copacetic", "antidisestablishmentarianism", "in situ" Hey, you're my kinda guy. I recently cut some aluminum on the table saw; a small bit dropped into the blade well and shot out like shrapnel. I was standing to the side so it missed me, but the way it hit the ceiling was impressive. And it got me to thinking about zero clearance inserts. Yours is the best, of course. Thanks for a top notch video!
LOL, Hard to argue with the choices of a Certified UA-cam Diva! Great Instructional video, Thanks for sharing this!
I know.... right? 😂
Really like the idea of having more than two throat plates for different blade thickness, dados etc. This seems very functional. Thanks for sharing.
I agree and have 20 or so to prove it! Best thing is that 20 inserts for this design are easier than 2 of most other designs.
Never got bored with the video. I actually backed it up several times to see a step performed again. I love the manner of your presentation and explanation. Subscribed.
'Jesus Saves'
Thanks for watching, commenting and subscribing Jeremy... much appreciated!
Wow !!! that is quite the precision made Insert , Bravo on the fine work !!!!!
Nothing boring here, a great teacher giving some great advice. Just tan put of HDPE for other projects but I'll be sure to use this jig for future work.
I'm a repeating all the previous "Thank you". I copied your detailed instructions, which you made very easy for me, and made three "Zero Clearance Throat Plates" for my Delta Contractor's Table Saw Model #36-725T2.
These are super nice inserts! And your step by step process was well worth the watch. I started upping my carpentry game about 5 years ago after 25 years of being a ho-hum carpenter. It's videos like this that have helped me improve my skills and methods. I greatly appreciate your thoroughness of explanation. AND, I will be making some of these inserts to replace my cruddy plywood ones that ain't that great.
Kudos for acting on the inspiration/motivation to take your carpentry skillset to a next level of your own Mark! I'm honored to be part of that journey and forsee a bright future for you as you move to the front of the pack!
Nice video. I have been making zero clearance insert out of melamine for my unisaw since 1984 in a simalar fashion And cry when it's time to make three or four more. This is a better setup and easier to keep a fresh clean cut in the plate. One last time to cry. Hallelujah . Thank you
I find that the bigger stack of spare inserts I make the less 'painful' it is to swap them out so I'm always using ones with a very tight zero clearance. You're quite welcome too, Lon!
Just what is needed. Love the last section, using the fence as a hold down👍
Great video as always. My Unisaw is 46 years old. The "riving knife" never worked worth a damn. Got rid of it right away and moved on. My wood shop teacher taught me to stay out of the line of fire. Works for me.
Yours is 3 years older than mine... I know what you mean: the splitter/riving knive/ anti-kickback that came with my was a gangly/wobbly affair that was far more danger than nothing at all IMHO.
My biggest takeaways form your videos is not what you are building but how you are building. Your techniques are not widely shown elsewhere and usually leaves me with a "Why didn't I think of that". Great video.
Thanks for watching and commenting Scott... since I'm almost entirely self-taught I think the way I approach things is 'outside the box' some folks end up in by attending schools or courses that can inhibit free-range thinking that ends up in a different paradigm. It's mostly good but I'm sure I'm missing out on some mainstream ideas that would be better in some situations...
Great work. Thank you for sharing. Everyone stay warm, safe, happy and healthy. From Henrico County Virginia
Another great shop tool build. Thank you for the depth of detail you use for all your videos.
Youbetcha Kenny... thanks for watching and commenting!
Great job of showing and explaining how you make copies of the inserts!
Beautiful work! I had thought of something like this, but never got around to it. You make the whole process much clearer. Thank-you very much!
Totally awesome idea and video, much better than what I have done before for myself, Big Thumbs UP !!!
I just spent an hour watching this video not because I plan on making a ZC insert, but the many tips that were thrown in! THANK YOU!
Matt, I love all your videos and greatly appreciate the time and effort you put into them! The information you share with us is priceless, and I sincerely thank you for all your hard work and time. This video was no exception. I do have one concern in regard to your health. I have always been told to wear a mask when cutting or sanding MDF. I have seen you working with MDF without a mask on, and while I understand for the sake of the video, it is more convenient I worry for you. All of us here I am sure would not mind if you wore a mask when working with MDF.
I see people saying great job - I will concur - great job - great detail - keep up these great works !! Thank you!
Always a pleasure
I had a funny ideas you were going to come up with something
I checked Greg’s site for quite a while and it never came into play.
You don’t disappoint
I finished my inserts this weekend and I’m so satisfied with the result. Thank you for the video. This is exactly what I needed.
Glad to hear it... and kudos for tackling the project and seeing it through to completion!
Would have loved to have known you when I was growing up, learned so much from you over the years.
That would probably be a good thing because then, in that parallel universe, I may have actually grown up too 😉🤣🤣 As it is I keep wondering when the whole 'older and wiser' thing is supposed to kick in!
It's amazing! I've been looking for one of these zero clearance plates for my saw and I can't find them anywhere. My saw's weird. It's like 3-1/2 by 15-13/16 long. I saw your video pop up and was shocked. It's like yes, this is what I needed. Thank you sir.
Woodworkers like you are who I had in mind when I decided to produce this video Blaine: those who want/need a very useful/functional zero clearance insert for their saw but can't find one to buy... have fun with the build and enjoy using it when you've made it!
@@NextLevelCarpentry👍
Only wanted a quick sandwich and you made a 4 course meal!
Thanks - there are always going to be things folks would do differently/more simply/cost effectively - but they didn't spend the time to make the vid
A superb video demonstrating how to make a zero clearance throat plate with replaceable inserts. All aspects of the construction process were fully explained along with many useful tips that could be used in similar situations where real accuracy is required. Many thanks for sharing such knowledge, showing us why attention to detail is so important and how to achieve it using basic tools and equipment. Moreover, thanks for the time and effort to compile and edit this highly informative video.
Thanks for such a glowing review, Jeff... much appreciated. Knowing that viewers like you find value in this sort of 'deep dive' videos is gratifying to content producers!
Fantastic video, thank you. I'm restoring a 1969 Powermatic 66, and the aftermarket options for inserts aren't fantastic. Thank you for sharing!
Your situation sounds like a perfect application for zero clearance inserts like this. Your great old saw will be even more greater with one of these😁 hope the build goes well and gives you years of practical Next Level use!
Very, very thorough presentation. Thank you. It was worth the time to foresee all the details well considered.
Hi Next Level Carpentry, I bought a Powermatic 66 table saw in the ? late 70's. Did not like the supplied throat plate. I bought the original version of the throat plate you showed. I LOVE it. As you mentioned that co. went out of business, so I couldn't buy any more replacement strips. The original strips were made of wood. Now I make my own out of scrap hardwood. Zero issues with the plate I have. I built a rack to hold various inserts for thin kerf, 1/8" , various dado widths, blade set at 45 degres etc. I even have inserts for the same blade , but for different hight cuts so it is a tru zero clearance insert. I mark on the insert what blade it is for with a sharpie. My saw did not come with a riving knife/ spliter either. No issues cutting very small pieces, improves dust collection. No down side that I have seen only pluses on this design! All of the zero clearance plates I see on the market today are a flat plastic plate shaped to fit what saw you own. They are pricey! This is the only way to go! Great Video! Thanks Eric
I recently picked up an old Rockwell Unuisaw that is in fantastic condition with an upgraded fence. Can't wait to get it going, need to make room in my shop and get the 230V outlet first. Throatplate with removable rectangular slides, what a great idea!
Just went to Gregs website and I don't see any of his throat plates for sale.
This is THE BEST instructional video I have watched (and I watch a bunch of them) If memory serves, I may not be able to use the information, as I think my plate is thinner, but I will be subscribing, as I am sure there are more tips and instructions I can use with this exceptional narrator.
Glad you like this video! The best thing you can do to thank me is to share and spread the word about Next Level Carpentry on UA-cam! 😎
Thank you so much for what you do Matt. I will be making a few of the zero clearance inserts for my Net. That is a soon as I can get in my garage workshop. 5°F, is much too cold to work out there.
Keep up the great work!
Have fun with your project and we'll both hope it gets warm enough for you to work in your shop sooner rather than later😎
Very professionally made video! I enjoyed it very much. Your advices will help me a lot! Thanks to you from good old Austria Europe!
I asked, you answered in a way I never thought possible. Thank you so much and I’m happy to say, I’ve subscribed. 😊
Awesome! I meant what I said at the start of this video because so many viewers like you have asked over the years... glad to help out and thanks for the sub!
Love it! I will make one of these instead of making multiple plates. Thanks!!!
The best saw I ever owned was a mid-90s Unisaw with the Unifence. I'd love to have a Unifence again. It was the most versatile tablesaw fence I have ever used.
Seems like all the upgrading 'they' have done to tablesaws since the mid 90's have actually been downgrades IMHO. Bet you could find a used replacement somewhere if you try...
I know this video may seem long, but I enjoyed all of the details. I am impressed with your skills and knowledge. Thanks for sharing.
Glad to hear you're good with long videos that are full of details Brian... much appreciated!
Thank you for the in depth video. I appreciate how much effort it takes to produce content this good.
Thank YOU too, David... please share NLC content with friends and on social media to spread the word?
Best,
Matt
The right start to a video. what you made and why you made it. How it works. Then I can decide if I want to watch it.
I made one of these zero clearance inserts years ago just after I bought my 10" contractor saw. Nice vid.
I'm fortunate enough that my Powermatic 66 came with that type of aluminum insert as an accessory. What a great video - very well thought out and stepwise demonstration of how to mill up your own to fit just right.
I love the detail. Perfection. Board hardly! But thats just me & how i like to work and build. Pride in my work. Thank you X 3
Thanks for saying John I really appreciate that you took the time to post a comment on this one! Your words are encouraging in a world where short videos that skip over 90% of details are both more popular and profitable.
It's more important to me though to no there are people like you out there that appreciate the extra insight!
I saw Norm using one in an old New Yankee Workshop episode & was bummed when I searched online & couldn't find any. Thanks for the indepth how-to video. I have an xacta jet 10 inch left tilt.
Being bummed out that such a great product was no longer available was my motivation for putting this video together because the zero clearance insert is invaluable for so many projects IMHO. Hope you're able to make one to fit your saw...
I’m a new subscriber, thanks for this excellent video. I have been making my own zero clearance throat plates from plywood for several years, and am a firm believer in their utility and safety. I need to make a new throat plate for a new thin kerf saw blade, and was not loooking forward to having to fabricate yet another throat plate, when I stumbled across this video. Now I plan to follow your method to make one throat plate with multiple inserts instead.
I stuck around to the end I'm ready to make some first chance I get Thank you much, Great lesson
Thanks for watching (to the end X3) and commenting on this one... do you happen to have a brother named Chris? 🤔
@@NextLevelCarpentry Sorry just Three sister no brothers!
I ask because of your unique last name which is shared by a long time viewer/subscriber to the NLC Channel.
New to the channel. YT advertised this on my home page and I decided to take a look. I’m in the same boat, my tablesaw is no longer manufactured and throat plates no longer available. The saw is great and will probably out live me. I could buy a Saw Stop which I really like, but I just don’t want to spend the money when I have a perfectly good tablesaw already. Plus with nearly 40 years experience, I haven’t cut myself on a tablesaw. My mentor drummed into me how to safely use a tablesaw back when they had a lot fewer safety measures. Anyway, I’ve made many inserts and have experimented over time. I have been considering something similar to this and I really like this approach. I’ll probably reuse a lot of it. The biggest change will be perforations in the throat plate to improve dust collection. I know you made a comment on that as why not to include a finger hole to aid in removing the throat plate. But I’ve experimented with this and perforations improve the dust collection. They also supply a slight suction to hold your cut piece down to the table, which is noticeable when cutting thin stock or laminate.
I just don't like working with a left-tilt saw... annoying that the fence needs to be re-zeroed any time blade width (or dado stack) changes... a total deal breaker for me! There's a lot to like about SawStop but they're all left tilt! 😡 Interesting what you've found with perforations in the throat plate for slight suction when ripping laminate. I may try and drill a string of holes through one of the 3 from the video for just that application.
Awesome video !!!! Love your sense of humor in your videos as you show your expertise with safety in mind.
your videos are outstanding keep it up. I for one cant stop watching your videos
Thanks for watching and commenting to let me know you're binging out on Next Level Carpentry!
One of the most useful videos ever. TY The last tidbid for first cut was good too.😁
You're a breath of fresh air excellent video. Thanks Mick
Colliflower makes a table saw throat plate like this. Works great
Got bored and clicked away? No way my friend. I'm in it for the end of the end of the end. :)
Excellent video. I am definitely going to make some of those for my saw. I also have a Delta Unisaw like yours. Except mine was made in the early 50's. I also do not have a splitter or riving knife. Never have. But my dad was a custom furniture maker and I grew up in the shop. The shop was on the Same property so we were in there all the time. My dad taught us how to use all of the tools properly. So knowing what you can and can't do with a table saw prevents accidents. If I had a splitter or riving knife I would use it but with this old saw, that is difficult to do.
I think you'll really like one of these for your saw if/when you get around to making one. It's a nice upgrade to even a decent OEM throat plate and, considering the age of your saw, should be a dramatic improvement. Have fun making and using it... and keep up your safe work practices!
That was better than I thought it would be! Good job...again.
I think this is a great idea. Was thinking of over sizing the pieces width wise first, cutting the dovetails to the size as he shows, then simply cutting all the pieces to width with proper offsets.
There's surely a number of different sequences to get the inserts to fit but I like the one shown in the video best because it's repeatable for making batches of inserts far into the future...
This was the first time that I saw your UA-cam channel. Although, I have been woodworking for only 10 years. Your content is superb! Keep up the great videos.
Binge watching over the next few days.
Thanks for letting me know of you binge-watching session... just make sure to quit before you tire of my presentation or content cuz I'd like to have you on board for awhile! 😎
Nice video. You could also use a single 8" dado blade to do the relief cut. That way you could put fence partially over throat plate and crank blade up through it slightly for the needed relief for the 10 inch blade.
Great suggestion for safety and anyone with concern about the somewhat dicey method I show in the video... thanks for watching and commenting!
Very detailed and exacting instructions. Thank you!
Awesome design😊
After seeing your video, I have decided to try to make one for my Delta table saw !
Thank you for another very, very informative video.
You're welcome John... I get the impression quite a few others are making these too. Have fun with the build and enjoy working with it when you're done!
First time on your channel. I really liked this project.
I certainly appreciate your videos. I have been watching since your very first one. You have kept up the clarity and level of humor throughout. Keep it up and thank you for doing it.
You're welcome John... hope recent NLC videos are easier to watch because of better editing/production? I do appreciate your sticking with the Channel as I feel editing has improved quite a bit from what I was able to do 5 years ago...
Very clever! Thanks for the excellent guide! It occurred to me perhaps you could use the replaceable insert to help align the drilling guide with the throat plate to avoid depth shifting.
do you have a video of how to use a dado. I like the method you use to cut the dovetail and show us the ruff look. (especially the orange board)... We The Few will never give excessive emphasis to (something) you showed us. Our and your attention to simple design is never unnecessary. ....OORAH!!
I use a dado blade in various videos on the Channel but never did one dedicated to the topic. I think a couple videos the Pallet Door Build Series probably have the best look at it though...
Great Video. Thank you for showing your process. I will be making my own.
For the love of Money. Nice work. Your very fortunite😊.
Great idea Matt, easy swop out inserts once you've made the main body. I like that pin to stop the insert plate lifting.
The way you drew the saw kerfs on the HDPE with the material being tight, fool proof. Got the tee shirt, done it many times.
The flying kick back is always there waiting to pounce. One gets through the net every now and again. Enjoyed the video. Tony
"One gets through the net every now and again" LOL🤣🤣
It would have been so easy to get lax and over-size the blanks and only get 2 out of that sheet instead of 3... a mistake that's even easier to make when distracted by shooting video, scripting, etc...
@@NextLevelCarpentry Getting distracted while filming lol, got that tee shirt as well.Tony
Outstanding, informative and clear instruction. Thank You!
I'm glad I stuck around for the end of the end of the end... I have the same insert setup for my table saw and the replacement inserts are impossible to find. I can make my own now; and saw how you have yours marked for different setups. That section at the very end was an epiphany. Thanks for opening my eyes. Great videos!
It's a great accessory to be sure! These are the first MDF inserts I've ever made and I'm really liking them because they don't grow/shrink with changes in humidity and become loose or tight accordingly. I hope you can find MDF that's actually a full 1/4" thick though because the stuff I have is too thin to work well in either aluminum throat plate I have.
Excellent training video! Thanks for your efforts 👍
Top notch craftsmanship as well as videography. Most enjoyable. Thank you!
Thanks for sayin' Steve... this video was a long time coming and I'm glad to share it with the world of UA-cam.
Even a noob can follow his videos and produce premium quality products.