Zero-clearance throatplates are helpful for making cleaner cuts on a table saw, and I’ve wanted them for my machine. The trouble was, I couldn’t make the first kerf cut in the throatplate blank because a 10″ blade would still make contact with it, no matter how far down I lowered the arbor. That’s why I came up with this simple fix: I start the slot cut using an 8″ blade instead. Its smaller diameter provides the extra clearance I need. Once there’s a kerf slot in the throatplate, it will work fine with my 10″ blade. If you try this trick, choose a smaller blade with a kerf width that matches the larger blade. -Ian Black Trail, British Columbia
