Make SAFER, cleaner table saw cuts with this splitter/throat insert

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[@user-bs1uv7eh2n]

I work with my dad’s 1980s Grizzly saw. There is no riving knife, and I could not find a solution from Grizzly. Last week I had a piece of wood kick back and blow out a divided lights window. Scary, and I’ll be finding glass in my yard for years. Stumbled across this video today and just built two inserts for different dimensions. Will be feeling much better using that saw now. Thanks very much for this video. Huge help!

[@musicbymark]

Hi Stumpy, greetings from Iron Mountain. When using the pattern-routing method, you can first create a TIGHT-fitting throatplate by wrapping the edges of your original throatplate with masking tape or electrical tape until it fits tightly, and THEN do your pattern routing.

[@thomask4836]

This is the first I have ever seen of ripping the insert from the end instead of raising the blade up to cut through and I think its genius! Thank You Sir!

[@wilhelmtaylor9863]

I have been making zero-clearance inserts for 40+ years and learned early on that you need one additional feature: HOLES. Especially if you have a cabinet saw with a vacuum attachment. I drill about 10 each ½" holes on each side of and about an inch away from the kerf. This allows air to flow and keeps the saw dust to a minimum.

[@the-wooden-beard]

So your insert looks like swiss cheese correct? Wrapping my head around that idea :)

[@rickhayhoe]

@@the-wooden-beard Sounds holier than Swiss, but also seems to be a good idea if implemented in moderation. It's likely that just four or five 1/2" holes in the throat plate would prove sufficient, and most of us will already have put one hole in it to make it easier to pull it out of the saw's top plate.

[@micschemelin663]

This the perfect solution for my high mileage table saw with a sloppy aftermarket insert and no splitter! Kudos on another great safety upgrade.

[@AlainPilon]

You deserve a Nobel prize for the hot glue shims!

[@trackie1957]

Hot glue rocks! I use it for a lot of temporary stuff.

[@steverobinson8123]

fThis was an outstanding tip of genius proportions!

[@HafazRidho]

Genius 🎉🎉

[@joeroberson4469]

Is the insert installed with out a screw my craftsman saw has one screw to fold it down. Is there a chance the insert could fly up and out when the fence is not over the insert. I have inserts they have no attachment screw holes Love your presentations Joe

[@harriandxokolie7211]

Thanks for sharing this knowledge. I'm a new woodworker here in Africa. I just got a job site 10" table saw and have been looking for ways to improve the quality of cuts I make off of it. You just gave me one. I'll give it a go. Your videos have been really helpful.

[@gobailey]

This is so practical and helpful. There are a million videos on table saw inserts already, but you managed to make this one both innovative and remarkably simple amongst the crowd. Nice job James. I will definitely make a few of these.

[@timmartin6748]

I have an old table saw and was about to buy some after market splitters for the inserts but was teetering on the cost of them. Instead of shopping online I searched for them and BOOM there you were to not only show how to make the splitter but make a better insert. For this sir I will be looking for more of your videos. Thank you so much!

[@bobvogel5398]

I've had my table saw since 1973. It came with the old style splitter guard, that you have to take off every time you do a cut that isn't a through cut. And, as like most folks, mine has gotten 'lost' over the years. This is a great way to make both a zero clearance insert, and add a splitter at the same time. Looks like I have my project for this evening. THANKS! I've never had a 'problem' with my saw.. but am the first to admit that's do to luck and a low powered saw as much as 'skill'.

[@StumpyNubs]

You could make one with a 1/4 tall splitter for non through cuts.

[@williamellis8993]

Make a tight fitting MDF or hardboard template of your table saw opening before you start making the actual insert. Then you can cut and flush trim pieces for additional inserts if and when you need them. Great video. This is the best of the splitter videos I have seen.

[@dgale1023]

I just bought a zero clearence for my old craftsman. But its just a tad under the tablesaw top. The glue is just what I need. Thank you James

[@billshade7634]

I recommend you add a “clip” under the leading edge of the insert to prevent it from rising and being caught by the blade, causing kickback. It can be a simple L-shaped piece of wood that catches under the saw table and helps hold down the leading edge. After a kickback incident I have added this feature to all my inserts. I thoroughly enjoy your informative and entertaining videos. Keep up your good work.

[@RobMacKendrick]

Thanks for that!

[@paulgreblick]

Is there anyway you can explain this a little more? I don't understand what you mean by your description... (Sorry.)

[@FisherCatProductions]

@@paulgreblick Attach a narrow (an inch or so) piece of wood to the bottom of the insert that protrudes slightly ahead of the leading edge. After adding this, you install your insert into the opening with the leading edge first, slipping the newly attached wood "clip" under the saw table before dropping the back edge in place. (You may have to shim the clip where it attaches to the insert to get it to fit the underside of your saw table.) The leading edge of the insert can no longer lift straight up and out of the table if it gets tangled up in a kickback scenario.

[@troybush5899]

good explanation : ) @@FisherCatProductions

[@lilijo7433]

I LOVE all of your tutorials. They are obviously well prepared and delivered. Your industry is greatly appreciated. You are my GO TO when I have to make a woodworking decision... blades, forstner bits, etc. Thank you from all of us who are starting out with our diy projects and need pertinent advice.

[@BobStCyr]

Great stuff, again. I’ve been doing something similar and it really is the best solution I’ve found (50 years +). You can also make one to fit when you are cutting grooves. You can’t do that with any commercial roving knife. That hot glue idea is genius - I always learn something new here:-)

[@starfishsystems]

This is a particularly good video, among a series of excellent ones. That's due to a combination of factors: an important and valuable topic that doesn't get much treatment, a very thoughtfully scripted presentation, and then - I don't quite know how to describe it - a kind of happiness and contentment that really shines through. There's never a moment wasted in these videos, and that's something else I especially value about them. You manage to resist the temptation we all face: to build toward a dramatic reveal or punchline at the expense of slightly, unconsciously, neglecting the rest of the presentation. When you treat every moment as valuable, there's more total payload of information, and I for one can really feel the difference.

[@DorrianGrey]

This is a great comment

[@gregorylondos534]

This is among your best “Tips” and “How Too’s” Videos yet... I am going to make one for each of my blade styles I have, Greg

[@jaybbuilder]

Really like the hot glue shim, very clever! Will definitely try this out. Thanks

[@kymion]

Definitely, very easy and clever. All my solutions are way overcomplicated...

[@ckeller07]

I loved the hot glue idea. It's perfect and SIMPLICITY!!!

[@kevinoneill41]

Thanks, you explain things that should be common sense so that even my kids understand. Safety is most important to me. Thanks again.

[@ronswoodshack3855]

Finally!!!! I’ve been looking for a fix for my older craftsman table saw!! Thank you sir!!!

[@timdouglass9831]

I've made most of my inserts using 1/2" MDF, since it is exactly the right thickness for my saw and is nice and flat if you don't let it get damp. I made mine by pattern routing around the original insert, which fit well enough, but the very next step was to drill that finger hole so I could remove them! I normally finish them with 3-4 coats of shellac - about a 1 lb cut - and they wear well and don't absorb moisture. If the finish seems to be wearing through it just takes another wipe to freshen it up, since shellac bonds to old shellac. You can even wax over it to make them as slick as the cast-iron top. None of mine have splitters because I made them long ago, but I'm planning on adding some because as I get older I feel less and less indestructible.

[@hotrodhog2170]

Awesome! I'm going to do this today! My old table saw didn't come with a splitter. Thanks for sharing!

[@bobbyhunt100]

Thanks James. I always gain some knowledge and ideas from every one of your clips. Many thanks and greetings from Australia!

[@adrianbradley3985]

That makes perfect sense. You are without a doubt my go to for woodworking info. There are some great channels out there but you are the best. Rex Krueger is awesome too. And Paul sellers is my hand tool guy. That's the trinity. Much appreciated! God knows how many accidents you've prevented. Keep it up!

[@kampatterson1865]

“Great tip eh”. That’s the Canadian coming out. Soon you’ll be cheering for the Leafs. Thanks for sharing.

[@StumpyNubs]

Red Wings forever.

[@carloantoniomartinelli5418]

EXCELLENT ADVICE Stumpy ! Most timely and sorely needed, thank you.

[@makernova8160]

This is perfect, just what I was looking for! Thanks for sharing! I've recently gotten into woodworking and started a channel devoted to making things. Very quickly I realized all of the improvements I needed to start making and zero clearance inserts was one of them. Also, I had no idea those center finder rulers existed so I promptly purchased one from the link. Hopefully it helps support your channel! Thanks again!

[@donaldmackay6749]

As usual a great tutorial, James. Thank you for your time and effort.

[@donlunn792]

Great vid,thanks.Used a DIY table saw for years,but you can always learn something new.Project for Saturday.

[@floydhauffe8929]

Best video on woodworking. Table saw accidents are the vast majority of all serious woodworking accidents. This will eliminate nearly all of them. I am in your debt. Floyd

[@brantlamb4122]

More people cut themselves on band saws, than table saws. They aren't as cautious around band saws.

[@MrCujo1]

Y'know, I've been hunting the globe for a knife to fit my old saw. The simplicity and obviousness of this solution is as staggering as it is brilliant. Thank you for sharing. Also, the hot glue shims are genius. I have a band saw that will be getting this treatment on the blade plate as well.

[@adamaubrey-rees9825]

Stumpy I am so glad I decided to subscribe to you. I so nearly had a bad accident today on my table saw for all the reasons you describe here. Thank you for showing me a much safer way. Adam

[@imortaldeadead]

This is just what I’ve been looking for, for my old table saw I’ve fixed up Thank you for sharing such a great safety tip, and showing us too♥️

[@deweygravesjr.122]

Once again Great Video! I presently don't use a splitter, but I'm going to make one now. I just never thought it might be this simple to make. Thanks again!

[@bobcole9274]

Watched this yesterday, I was working on a cabinet but took time to make a new insert, Thank you, Million dollar (well a good one) tip. Bob

[@papajoe5510]

Work for Rocklers. I recommend your great channel several times a week. Keep up the outstanding, no-nonsense content. Love it!

[@capnbobretired]

This is a great video. Its undoubtedly the best wood working video I have seen. I have a project I really want to make, but after watching this video, I owe it to myself and my family to make a splitter insert as my next project and I will use the band saw for reducing the thickness of the insert blanks. My thanks for making a relatively complex task simple by breaking it down into manageable chunks.

[@NcWraith]

Simplicity. I have to admit that videos like this make me want to build things instead of buying. Another great vid Stumpz

[@timothydaniels504]

Another winner James! Thank you.

[@TimRoyalPastortim]

Great ideas as always and the statement about splitters add safety... TRUTH!

[@billzima7068]

That hot glue trick was really slick! Thanks for the tip and all of your video's. Hope you and the family are safe and thank's again for all the knowledge you pass along

[@flatlinesup]

Excellent vid. Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge and talent. You are def. one of my favorite YT wood working channels.

[@MrMarkpeggy]

What a great idea James! Thank you for sharing this excellent video.

[@hassleoffa]

One of your best vids man, and I've been watching for years. Excellent Stumpy Vintage.

[@southernblueblood5402]

Thank you for this video, I have my dads old table saw and it didn't come with a riving knife. After watching your table saw safety videos I haven't used it yet until I make a splitter for it and this video will help.

[@cbmoore23]

I bought a used one a month ago and it doesn’t have one either. I also have yet to use it

[@dale1956ties]

Thank you for this. I find most of the "tips for...) videos to be interesting but not necessarily useful. This one is one's different. I've been tuning up my old Makita table saw and rolling ideas around in my head for doing this very thing. You've provided me with my answer.

[@joewatts7942]

James thanks for sharing your thoughts on safety and how to skills with the less experienced.

[@jimmacaulay844]

About 10 years ago I bought my brother in law's Delta contractor saw with Unifence when he downsized his business. It languished in an inaccessible corner of the garage until now, I finally dragged it into the shop area. Don't know how old it is, I think he had it for a while. No splitter, thanks for your design! I also haven't located the original throat plate, so I guess I'm using custom plates all the way. I'm saving this video!!!

[@MJFacas]

Wow. I don't think I picked up more cool tips in any other video including those that call themselves shop tips. I'm going to have to watch this a few more times.

[@kennyb4871]

Cmon now Stump. I'm a mechanical Engineer. I want to point out that Hot Glue as a shim is ridiculous.... I will eventually figure out why it is, because right now I have nothing....but eventually... Yeah. Okay. I got nothing. It's a brilliant idea. Thanks for the throat plate. Just bought a brand new Table Saw..so of course I am in need of some brand new Throat Plates. Cheers, and keep them coming.

[@brantlamb4122]

I would do these with set screws, threaded into a tight hole with rubber cement They won't back out, won't move, are adjustable when you want them to be, and are durable.

[@kennyb4871]

Well, if we want to get technical, I would add threaded inserts, then the set screws, and make sure they were only in the three pads farthest from each other while ensuring the plate itself had very little deflection For a very quick throat plate, what Stumpy did is more than adequate in my opinion.

[@brantlamb4122]

It remains permanently adjustable for a very long time without the threaded inserts, and I didn't think James would've put this much work into a "quick" insert.

[@richardtrepanier228]

This is a very funny post

[@louisshambarger2230]

I made a lot of inserts for my Delta table saw before I changed to a Saw Stop. I used set screws. I don’t remember if I tapped the holes for the set screws now but one can simply drill a hole that works tightly on the set screws.

[@robertfoedisch]

Your show has improved one thousand percent

[@dannmarks]

Been using my same Table saw (Grizzly G1023) since 1983 without any sort of accident without the Riving blade. However I see the merit to this being much safer. Love this video. Thank you for making my shop a safer place.

[@onlythejeffness]

That hot glue shim is brilliant! I've been using set screws. I'll be using the glue trick from now on. Thank you, James!

[@gideonnel2654]

James, I have tried multiple inserts. All with little or no success. Yours is the first that really works, especially the leveling part. Thanks for an excellent tutorial and a great problem solver. - South Africa

[@ArtHeld]

I tracked this down after seeing your latest safety video. Thank you for such a concise, detailed process. I have an old craftsman, which has VERY shallow ears supporting the insert, but I'm sure I'll figure out a work-around. Having broken a bone in my hand with oak kickback 10 years ago, I've been looking for a solution like this for a long time.

[@deanm5325]

I know this video is a few years old but just seeing for the first time. Plan on this being my next task as I have my grandpa’s 1938 Craftsman table saw that doesn’t have the riving knife or blade guard anymore!! Thanks James for the great tip!!👍

[@Neil-Aspinall]

You are a safety wood working angel!

[@bee-u-tifuladventures4771]

Wow! This is awesome! I had to make a zero clearance replacement throat plate for my Kobalt 10' jobsite saw. (Yeah, I know it's not a SawStop...but it's what I could afford to get started) I still need to make a few more throat plates for the saw, including one for a dado stack. Thanks for taking the time to film, edit and share your knowledge with us. :-)

[@christianscustoms6429]

That hot glue trick is genius! Out first I was like what is he doing? But once I realized, I was super impressed

[@donalfredisaac]

Full explanation with no details missing, thank you.

[@rickhayhoe]

This is the most useful video I've seen on the subject.

[@telefrag93551]

Jeez I need this on my saw. Let’s go! Thanks Stumpy!

[@GS-kd2eb]

Absolutely wonderful! This is exactly what I was looking for! Thank you

[@MakeshiftFrank]

I’ve never seen anyone add splitters like that to zero clearance inserts. That’s a really good idea

[@timsharr5436]

This video was so informative !!! Splitter ideas are excellent.

[@andrewbinnersley2606]

Well i spent an afternoon making inserts, drilling and tapping to adjust these,finally tried your hot glue trick, well i am now a convert brilliant idea.

[@davidnleeh4]

Great instructional video, James, thank you!!!!

[@davec3689]

At 7:30 your demonstration using hot glue instead of adjustable screws is a real time saver and worked perfectly for me.

[@krabenaldt7605]

This is really a good presentation. Thanks. I need to build some now!

[@williamstubbs9737]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge and expertise! I made one with the screws on top but am not happy with the result. This is a great solution to my dilemma. Best....Bill

[@unclesunbro1577]

I have learned so much from your videos. Thank you. Future Patreon subscriber for sure.

[@alschulze-woodworx7258]

Excellent video👍🏻 I have a 40+ yr old Delta/Rockwell saw and she’s a beast, and has no forgiveness in a kickback scenario. I have the scares to prove it. This is going to be a priority project for the ol girl !! Thank you 🙏!!!!

[@sameoldmphymel]

Excellent video mr. Hamilton I use an antique Delta table saw and I don't have any riving knife or anything so I'm doing this

[@offdagrid877]

Centre measuring ruler, another thing I didn’t know existed, I’ve so needed one of these. Love your channel but it’s costing me money for the accessories I’ve not known existed and want to improve my wood working.

[@RobDucharme]

This just made my saw more relevant again. It doesn't have a splitter but I was not too worried about it kicking back because I've found it stalls out if it binds too much. BUT, ripping a 2x4 down the middle, if it's long enough, sometimes forces me to jam a flat head screwdriver into the cut side as I feed it through, to make sure it doesn't stall out the saw. THIS video shows me what I need to do with this saw!

[@jimw544]

Thanks James! I've wondering about how to make one for my SawStop. The center finder is a great idea! And the hot glue!!?? another great idea. I didn't know you were so smart. :-)

[@seephor]

Here's a tip. If the factory insert plate is too loose and you want to use it as a template, wrap some masking tape around it a couple of times to make it a bit larger.

[@steverobinson8123]

Thanks so much for these very helpful videos. As a veteran woodworker, I can really relate to the problems caused by compacency! On one occasion, I actually stuck my finger into a blade that was turning at full force. Of course, I had removed the blade guard....Duh! Fortunately, I was able to extract my finger intact and only got a few stitches at the ER and a lecture from both the doctor and my wife! I wholeheartely support your approaches to safety. That saw is probably the most dangerous tool in the shop and needs to be treated with much respect. The guard went right back on!! Thanks again!

[@bartp1212]

Wow that was really useful I’m definitely going to make this project. Thanks 🙏!

[@mikeclaverie9240]

Late to the party. This is by far the easiest solution to a DIY splitter. Thank you very much.

[@billhonnold7271]

Your videos are very well done and full of great ideas. Thank you.

[@jarmstrong2843]

This is a very useful video. It is of very good help. Several weeks ago I had a very bad kickback while using my table saw. I got hit in the right arm by a flying piece of wood and sustained an injury. The event scared the bejesus out of me and triggered PTSD from my days in Vietnam where I came close to buying it. Since the kickback, I have had flashbacks not only about those events over 50 years ago, but also about the kickback. Before the kickback I was ok for decades. It is funny how an event years later can trigger unpleasant memories. Now I m afraid to use the saw, but this video tells me where I may have gone wrong. So for now, I use my bandsaw to make cuts. My table saw is an old 10” Ridgid TS3650. It never came with a riving knife and the splitter and guard are a pain in the backside to use since it would never line up with the blade and wood would bind up on the splitter. So I didn’t use it. Now I know there is a way to make a new blade insert and incorporate a splitter in its design to prevent kickbacks. Thanks for the great idea! Hopefully I can get back to doing wood work without having fear run through my mind.

[@MrMarkpeggy]

Thanks for the great tips James!

[@JDnBeastlet]

Hey James, thanks for the excellent video.

[@frankorcel4902]

Thanks for the tips. At around the 3:46 mark you say set the compass to the full width on the insert. I think you meant 1/2 the width.

[@giorgioclavelli1757]

I'm a newbie to woodworking and I really appreciate your tutorials. This one comes very handy as I was thinking to make a zero clearance insert and I was unaware of the split implications you clearly showed me. Thanks!

[@mrchulondon]

same here, im very new to woodworking and time again i find myself listening to stumpys knowledge...im subscribing. Thanks for showing us some really good stuff. you do great vids. appreciated.

[@griffinreitz7041]

The zero clearance is much more important than the splitter. While a splitter might be nice to have, many of us have worked over 50 years without one. I don't think anyone had even seen one till the 70s. Any saw that came into my dads shop the splitter and the blade guard were the first things to go in the trash. And the first thing made was a zero clearance insert.

[@SuperCorsair]

I have an old Delta cabinet saw and this idea will come in handy. TY

[@robertwilliams8974]

Very helpful tips! Thanks for sharing.

[@johnanthony2545]

I have plans to make zero clearance insert so this vid fits in nicely. Saw has no splitter knife. It came with one on the guard and yes it sucks and is on a shelf somewhere. Putting that baby in the insert is perfect. Thank you.

[@johndagg2698]

The glue trick is just shy of genius

[@jlang8213]

John Dagg: I thought it was genius.

[@KennethColeStatenIsland]

Excellent. Just what I was looking for. Thank you.

[@papaharold7538]

Thanks!You are a great teacher!

[@robertbankhead8661]

You never disappoint, thanks for this tip. Hot glue! What a great idea!

[@baq8680]

Great idea.... I have an older Ridgid TS2410LS saw that comes with a spreader instead of a riving knife... it's pretty annoying to use and I've been wanting to replace it. I think I'm going to try this idea which should give me a lot more freedom with the saw. THANK!!!

[@jdalabama9792]

Very good video. I have a newer ridgid table saw and the throat plates are very thin and held down by magnets. If I use the factory splitter too much material is removed and my new throat plate splits. Thanks for the great ideas. Will try a glued in splitter. Appreciate your videos!

[@arkansasmountainman]

I'm always impressed with your "work around" suggestions. Some of them I've known but many others are pure genius. Do you figure them out by yourself or do you have help? The trick of hot glue and the support strips to set the depth is great! I was wondering how you were going to do that from the first mention of making the insert thinner than the throat hole. Thanks for giving such great and free tips!

[@mikemiller4838]

Great video for an up and coming wood worker

[@bigDbigDbigD]

To me this is the most valuable episode I have seen to date. thanks

[@jimsweatt5378]

Great video. Very informative. Thank you!

[@glennanderson8783]

Great video (as always ) Thanks for sharing