Felder must have changed their inserts from the fine ply phenolic. I've got 3 and never had an issue with them. Scoring pretty well eliminates their use on the slider because of the table slider height difference and I don't work from the fence side so of?no use to me. No matter how tight to the blade is too the?insert there is always cutoffs that will jamb and create issues. I've got 2 nicks in my slider because of extreme blade deflection cause?by ZCI. The howling?from the balde they can create is another issue. Sorry for the negative comments about ZCI but reality is such.
Hey Steve
I'm glad you figured out how to cut and extend the saw kerf...your way is a good solution.? The reason I didn't cut saw kerfs to begin with is because...after talking with a Felder/Hammer rep, he suggested NOT to cut the kerfs.? He stated that they can be in slightly different locations latterly (or left & right).? Factory ZCI's are never sold with a saw blade kerf. ? So, that's when I decided to make the "how to" video that shows how I safely created the kerf on mine and started supplying the two wood screws.?
It's interesting that your slider part has to be rearward to install the insert.? Mine must be forward...so this tells me that there are some slight differences with the machines.? As far as the fitment of the insert, I only had one other report (besides yours) related to that slight adjustment that needed to be made for proper fitment.? I've since adjusted my jigs to make the accommodations.? Strange thing is...the inserts fit my K-3 with or without that modification. ?
?And yes, the tiny 4mm sliver that is created to the left of the factory ZCI and their regular insert is weak.? Mine broke after only two days!? I knew there had to be a better way.? I'm super pleased with my version.? Especially when cutting small parts. ?
Anyway, thanks a ton for your support!? Ramon
