Zero-Clearance Throatplate for Contractor's Saw

Issue: Issue 235
Posted Date: 11/3/2009

I have VERY limited space in my basement. I bought a Sears Table Saw that’s along the lines of a contractor's saw. Can these saws be fitted with zero-clearance inserts? Also, is there a method for creating a cut-off table for this saw?

Chris Marshall: If the throatplate for your saw fits down into a fairly deep recess in the table, you should be able to make zero-clearance throatplates for it pretty easily. Make sure the thickness of your throatplate material matches the thickness of the throatplate that came with your saw. Here’s a link for how to make common throatplates with a router:

http://www.woodworkersjournal.com/resource/
TableSawTechniques/ThroatPlate/index.html

On the other hand, if your saw’s throatplate is made out of a thin piece of steel, it will be more difficult or even impractical to make a zero-clearance throatplate for it. One option you can try is to cover the blade opening on your throatplate with a piece of wide packing or painter’s tape, then raise the blade up through it to cut a thin slot. This can serve as a quick, makeshift solution for zero clearance.

Concerning cut-off tables, since your saw has a motor that extends out in back of the machine, I would suggest making a work table that you can roll or slide up behind the saw instead of attaching a cut-off table to it. Make the table’s overall height about 1/4 in. lower than your saw table. The extra work table will help with other shop tasks as well as provide a way to catch those offcuts coming off the saw. You’ll kill two birds with one stone!