How can I flatten a phenolic zero clearance insert ?

Delrin

-- Sam

you can plane it, but it’s going to be hard on your knives… also, if it’s painted on top – you might end up having a non-uniform colored insert (visual wise).

I used to make my ZCI from MDF, and finished it with poly – it was very sturdy, smooth, and darn cheap!

for my current saw I had some leftover phenolic material that I used for the ZCI though – it’s super smooth and very hard, I really like it. it machines just like wood.

-- When in doubt - There is no doubt - Go the safer route.

I just use hardwood scraps. You can machine them just like anything else and they are cheap.

Some heat and weights

-- Jim from Heirloom Woodshop, custom furniture ,maker, woodworking school, heirloomwoodshop.com

card scraper might work, but i agree with jim, heat and weights since we’re talking about phenolic

-- So, how wood jya like that?