Zero Clearance for Table Saws

[DelF]

A big thank you to @kurtvd19 for his article in the Autumn edition of the Nautical Research Journal, in which he describes his zero clearance solution for the Preac table saw. 

 

My Byrnes saw has a recess in the table that allows me to use inserts of different widths to accommodate various blades, thereby ensuring smoother and more accurate cuts. The Preac saw lacks this provision, but Kurt found that the Zero Clearance Tape from Fastcap.com, which is designed for full-size machines, works equally well on the miniature saw. The products comes as five 2" X 16" X 0.025" strips of tough self-adhesive PVC tape - more than enough for the little Preac. I had to get the tape through Amazon so at £12.39 it was more expensive than in the US but still worth it. Cheaper brands were available but I decided to play safe with the one Kurt recommended. Once in place with the blade lowered, the blade is raised to create a slit in the tape. 

 

 

I tried the tape with my thinnest blade - 0.1"/0.25mm - which I would normally only use on the thinnest stock. Anything too thick and the blade would wander all over. With the tape in place I was able to cut much more substantial material with very smooth results. Rather than keep changing the blade and the tape, I think I'll keep the Preac with the thin blade for comparatively delicate work and use the Byrnes saw for everything else.

 

Derek

 

 

[wefalck]

Never though of using a tape over the table as zero-clearance 'insert', that sounds like a clever idea. While creating a zero-clearance cover with a table saw on which the blade can be raised, this is not so straightforward for saws with fixed blade (such as small PROXXON). Have to think about a solution ... perhaps just a strip left and righ of the blade.

Edited November 17 by wefalck

[KeithAug]

On 11/17/2024 at 12:34 PM, DelF said:

Once in place with the blade lowered, the blade is raised to create a slit in the tape. 

Derek - Doesn't it interfere with the sliding fence? How did you get around this problem?

[Gregory]

Interesting.   I posted a topic a while back about using tape for O clearance with my FET and drew some criticism.

 

However, I have continued using it, and find it very effective.

 

It’s'not like we are sawing 2x4’s on a 10” table saw.

[wefalck]

I think I'll try some self-adhesive aluminium tape (as used to cover the seams in dry-walling) on my PROXXON KS230.

[mtaylor]

I just end up cutting out a "plank" of the appropriate thickness for the opening and shape to fit the opening in the saw table.  Once secured in place, start the saw and slowly raise blade until it's the height I want.  

[DelF]

On 11/22/2024 at 2:28 PM, KeithAug said:

Doesn't it interfere with the sliding fence? How did you get around this problem?

Hi Keith, apologies for the tardy response.

 

This isn't a problem on the Preac as the sliding fence doesn't extend in front of the saw, as you'll see from the photo.

 

Derek

 

[KeithAug]

2 hours ago, DelF said:

This isn't a problem on the Preac

Derek. Sorry I wasn't clear. I meant the fence on the right hand side - the one with the Allen key on it.

[DelF]

Keith

 

Right, I understand your question now. Although the tape is quite thin it does create a slight step when you're sliding the fence towards the blade. However it is easy to lift the fence over this step before tightening the screws at the ends of the fence to fix it in position. This hasn't caused any problems so far but if it did, perhaps when ripping a length of wood with the fence resting on the tape edge awkwardly, I'd simply cover the rest of the table with tape. Hope That helps.

 

Derek 

[davyboy]

On 11/22/2024 at 5:34 PM, wefalck said:

I think I'll try some self-adhesive aluminium tape (as used to cover the seams in dry-walling) on my PROXXON KS230.

It works perfectly,I've been doing that for ages on my KS230 when using their 0,5 mm blade. Best to remove the splitter then you can tape right to the back.

 

Dave 

[wefalck]

How did you make the slot for the sawblade, as on the KS230 one cannot raise or lower the blade?

[davyboy]

On 11/29/2024 at 12:47 PM, wefalck said:

How did you make the slot for the sawblade, as on the KS230 one cannot raise or lower the blade?

Simply done. I just run a length of aluminium tape on both sides of the blade when I use their 0,5 mm blade. When I use  their wider blades I simply remove the tape.

 

Dave 

[wefalck]

This is exactly what my plan would have been. Thanks for confirming it.