I built a new ZCI for the K3 today. The reason for this was to improve two aspects of the old design.
The Mk1 solution was to narrow the gap between blade and wagon with a section of aluminium ...
The reason for the aluminium was that the thin sliver of insert closest to the wagon, as seen below, vibrated and then exploded when it touched the spinning blade!
The aluminium on the Mk 1 did improve on the original insert by closing up the side closest to the wagon, and prevented almost all but the thinnest offcuts dropping through the gap.? However, the design retained the bevel for a mitre cut - which rendered that side of the blade decidedly non-ZCI!
The new Mk 2 ZCI is also made from a Hammer blank for a dado blade, and uses 3mm aluminium to close off the wagon side, but the aluminium is now a L-section. The reason for this shape is two-fold: it is stiffer and will not vibrate, and it will prevent any very fine slivers falling through.
Importantly, the rip fence side of the blade is now sealed ...
Regards from Perth
Derek
