My ZCTP Adaptation

[ars_lurker]

More of a jig than a project but here goes...

I got tired of making my own throat plates for all the different sizes of dados and rabbets I need to do. I have a couple t-nuts plates but those are too expensive to burn through with my dado set. I saw Norm using some kind of throat plate with an insert and that sparked my interest. Since there did not seem to be any commercial means to acquire one, I made my own today. I can make a lot of the insert pieces in the time it takes to make one ZCTP.
If am sure one of you has already done something like this but here is my version. So far it works great.

Parts:

• 3/4" QSWO scrap blank
• 5 - 6/32 threaded brass inserts
• 5 - 6/32-1/2" brass machine screws
• 1/4" lexan scrap. leftover from my last ZCTP

[eccentrictinkerer]

What a great idea! Great work! Looks like you've been thinking outside the box.

Thanks!

J.D.

[pacwind3]

That's a good one...

Oh yeah, I like it. I've kicked around an idea similiar to Norm's as well, but I like yours. You kinda made an insert in the insert. I'll probably be stealing that idea soon!

[pacwind3]

Your router fence

In examining your photos it looks like your router fence is like one featured a couple of years ago in Wood Magainzine. Am I right? How do you like it? Is it hooked to your table saw fence? More photos please.....

[ars_lurker]

Thanks. I used the metal dado insert as a guide for the large cutout, added 1/2" for the 1/4" inset and squared up the corners. I haven't put any finish on it yet but I am thinking just some wax is probably best.

pacwind3,

You are correct. I found it in a backissue of Wood magazine several months back. I just clamp it to my rip fence when ever I need to use it. IMHO, it is a really good design as is. I built it right from the plan. If I remember correctly, I posted some questions about it when I was building it. Several forum memebers posted pics of thier versions too. That may help you out.

[reddog552]

Zctp

I love this idea.Will start on my own.The only change I will make is material.3/8" Alum.for the base plate.Is 1/4" lexon thick enough? anybody.

[Pappy]

Great idea.

[Stytooner]

Nice job on this. That does eliminate all the milling you would have to do for additional plates.

I think the 1/4" will be fine, especially given the small size. I made many of these with the full plate being 1/4" lexan. They worked well for everything, but cutting on edge where the weight or pressure would push down on only the plate.

After that I switched to 1/2" Sanatec or red plastic cutting board. Those had no give.

[mater]

Nice work and a good idea.

[ars_lurker]

I used 1/4" Lexan for the whole ZCTP before this and it was stiff enough if you used light pressure on the infeed stock. It would flex a bit if I used too much pressure. This design solves that problem since the area that the Lexan spans is much smaller. It is also a full 1/4" rather than the thinner milled ends. The only part that has to have any milling is the edge closest to the arbor. I used Lee's dimensions in my old plates.

I have 3 Sanatec plates also and plan to use those for my ripping and crosscut blades only. They are great plates and I don't want to dissuade anyone from getting them. I just needed a cheaper dado solution.

Reddog
I like the aluminum idea. That would give me a chance to try to anodize the plate. I have always wanted to try that.

[John Hunter]

Great idea!

[lrogers]

That's a great idea.