Full-Time ZCI?

First off- nice Zero Clearance Inserts.
The simple answer to your question is Yes, I leave my ZCI’s in all the time. Like you, I made a bunch at once, in case i’m using a thin-kerf blade or for various dado sizes.

But more importantly, ZCI’s are not just for using when you are cutting thin parts. They are extremely helpful in achieving a really nice cut on your table saw. With the insert in place, you give the wood fibers more support when being cut, which results in a nice, sharp, clean cut on your material- especially plywood.

All the time except when using dado or when tilting the blade. I have different inserts for these operations.

Have several I made out of MDF. Fit perfectly without shims. I swap inserts when I swap blades. Never use the stock insert.

Full time. My ZCI has replaceable inserts for different blade/dado widths.

—Gerry

-- Gerry -- "I don't plan to ever really grow up ... I'm just going to learn how to act in public!"

I don’t use ZCI’s….don’t like them…..I made several. Still don’t use them…..!!

-- " Don't ever wrestle a pig in a mudhole....he'll be having more fun than you..!!

+1 on full time except for dado or tilting the blade.

Not using one and ripping thin stock is a safety hazard and I can’t see why anyone wouldn’t use one.

-- He who dies with the most tools... dies with the emptiest wallet.

Full time ZCI except for angled-blade cuts. Separate ZCI inserts for each common dado configuration. I made mine from mdf covered in red laminate. I installed laminate on both sides of the mdf, and they hold up great.

-- Willie, Washington "If You Choose Not To Decide, You Still Have Made a Choice" - Rush

Thanks for validating my judgment. LJs have again met my expectations and do not disappoint.

@Edziu—Good point about continuous support of work pieces. I might just do a comparison with a stock insert and the ZCI to see the difference.

@oldretiredjim—Do you recommend exact fitting, or have you tried cutting them shy and adjusting to fit via set screws, shims or hot glue?

-- People say I hammer like lightning. It's not that I'm fast -- it's that I never hit the same place twice!

I have lots of different ZCI’s, some have a splitters, some don’t. Some are for, thin kerf, some are for full kerf. Then there are the dado’s and angled cuts, I have ZCI’s for them too. I always have a ZCI in the saw at all times but change them to suit the blade or cut.

-- Bondo Gaposis

All the time for square cuts.

-- -- Rick M.

I have a question about ZCI’s I have one made out of phenolic and I drilled a hole in it to secure it to the table like the original metal one that came with the saw. Do you secure your ZCI with a screw or just lay it in there?

I only use ZCI’s! I love mine and am quick to replace them if they are damaged in any way. The only time I remove mine is for angled cuts.

-- -Joshuah

I use Lee Craft inserts and I only use the ZC on thin cuts. It causes a lot more sawdust to get on the surface of the TS when you use the ZC so I use the stock most of the time. Can’t wait to try out my ZCDI.

-- Failure does not stop me, it makes me try harder..... because I'm crazy.

I use ZCI all the time including angles and dados. I make them out of corian or meganite counter scraps from some local counter top shops. I just bought the Colli-Beck insert, but I will still be making out of counter top as well. Colli-Beck insert is totally awesome, but you have to spend a few $.

-- Mike - Northern Upper Michigan

I leave it in for square cuts.

I don’t use an insert at all when using a crosscut sled.

-- It's all good, if it's wood...