Reddit mentions of LEECRAFT RIDGID R4512 Table Saw Zero-Clearance Blade Insert

Zero clearance insert

Dado zero clearance insert

That dado stack is decent. Not great, but OK. This one is a lot better and the best bargain dado stack

Irwin Marples 50 tooth blade. Lowes sells these if you don't want to order online. I have a few dozen table saw blades. This is by far the best blade short of a Woodworker II or Tenryu Gold Medal.

If you plan on working with 5/4+ hardwoods, get a 24 tooth diablo rip blade. It makes a big difference

Start with one GR Rripper

if you don't have a dial indicator, get one. You'll need it to adjust for runout

Decide on dust collection. You'll need to install the shroud if you use it, or leave it off if you don't. It's a huge pain in the ass to install after the fact, but can be done. A shop vac isn't recommended, but if you decide to give it a shot, you'll need a 4" to 2.5" reducer. Something like this will keep up pretty well if you just wanted to bite the bullet.

Decide how you are going to cross cut. I prefer a sled, some like a miter gauge. The included one sucks.

Osborne EB3 or the Incra 1000/HD

I have the 4512, and the plates are extremely difficult to make on your own since it is so irregular and gets to be very thin on the sides. I tried and failed many times. Get one of these: Leecraft ZC insert Expensive for an insert, yes, but well worth it in my opinion.

Also, as others have said, you don't screw in the plates, the screws are there to level it. The plate sits on top of the screws.

Leecraft makes zero clearance inserts for that saw. You can pick them up on Amazon. You can of course make your own as you were saying, but I went with the pre-made, phenolic ones. They fit my saw perfectly and lasted for years. They make the one in the link below and a dado insert.


http://www.amazon.com/LEECRAFT-RIDGID-R4512-Zero-Clearance-Insert/dp/B0057EANZ6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1414356023&sr=8-2&keywords=rigid+leecraft