Implications of a warped zero clearance insert?

Did you adjust the leveling screws for the insert?

Dip in the middle won’t effect much unless you are using short pieces that can’t span the insert.. but they are pretty easy to make so whip up a couple new ones so you have some spares.

Cheers,
Brad

-- Brad in FL - To be old and wise, you must first be young and stupid

Yes, but even when I get all 4 corners flush to the table the middle of the insert dips down into the blade. I’m new to the world of table saws, so I’m curious as to whether this could affect the quality/ease of cut somehow.

Edit

Thanks Brad. I’ll keep searching for things that could be causing the issues I’m having.

Table saw inserts are easy to make:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1urUDNYflco
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U66tr4r0Pyc

-- Ken from Ontario, Canada

They are easy to make, if you have an 1/8” gap to either side of the blade and the blade is square, I’m guessing the -0- insert you have may have been used with the 2 outer blades from a dado set. If the bottom of the insert has a taper it may have been used with a bevel cut at some time.

When -0- clearance is a must it behooves one to cut a new insert for the blade/s and angle used. They tend to grow like weeds I must have at least 8, 5 bought 3 made.

-- I meant to do that!

What you have may have started out as a ZCI, but is such no longer. Ghidrah has suggested some possible reasons.

-- I admit to being an adrenaline junky; fortunately, I'm very easily frightened