Slotting a New Bandsaw Throat Insert

Those blue plastic zero-clearance bandsaw inserts sold by Woodcraft, Rockler, and others are an improvement over the stock inserts that come with the saw. They are made without a blade slot, though, so you have to cut that yourself. Here’s how I do it accurately and safely.

Cut a 1⁄4-in.-thick strip of wood or plywood the same width as the insert and 10 in. or 12 in. long. With double-sided tape, fasten a new insert to the face of the strip at one end, flush on three sides. Now just bring the rip fence up to the edge of the opening in the table. Now you can cut the slot in the insert safely, and in just the right spot. Stop the cut when the insert reaches the back side of the opening and you’ll have the depth right, too. Snap the insert into the saw table, and you’re ready to go.

Jim Richey

Michael Durbrow, Beaverton, OR

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