["Me"]

I use zero clearance inserts on my table saws, but they become loose with age and less effective. I recently lost my index finger and badly cut my thumb and middle finger in a accident that may not have happened with a fresh zero clearance insert. They are not available for this particular SCMI saw.

My question: the plastic that they are made out of is dense, does not scratch easily, is machinable, and does not tend to sag in the opening. If I can find out what it is and where to get it I can machine out a bunch at one time for each saw. The factory ones are getting expensive and not available for all my machines.

Thanks, Larry

[fiedlerh]

Probably could use delrin, glass filled nylon or possibly fibeglass. You can find raw materials at http://www.usplastic.com/, or if you want samples try McMaster-Carr (http://www.mcmaster.com)

Lost the tip of my finger cutting hard maple with a dull blade and one push stick instead of the usual two when it kicked back.

["Me"]

Delrin is perfect but too expensive as these inserts need to be replaced often. There is not a lot of money in the custom woodwork business, need to watch costs.
Looking for something that will do the job that I can afford to buy a sheet of. Been doing a lot of reading on the net but plastics are confusing to a novice. Never knew there were so many kinds!

Thanks, Larry

[pggto]

Try looking at McMaster Carr, they sell all kinds of materials and will give a discription on it properties. Then after you find what you want you can order it through them or go else where. When I need plastic I either order from them or a place called Midland Plastics, there in the midwest and might have a distributor near you.

I use alot of Delrin, it may be a little more expensive, but its good stuff, machines well, wears well, and holds its tolerances pretty good for a plastic.

http://www.mcmaster.com

http://www.midlandplastics.com

[goquick]

PETC may work for you, depending on your open span area. We had desent results in a wood shop with it. I liked teflon, but it just seemed to wear with the roughcut wood.

[65's]

I would second Delrin. What size do you need. We have lots of fair sized chunks that we typically toss out. Let me know If I have anything that will work for you I'll send it to for shipping cost.

[pggto]

65's what size pieces do you toss? I use it to make alot of small parts and fixtures.