Ryobi ZCTP

Current Lead Time:

The lead time for a new order is around 8 to 10 weeks. Because of this, there is no need to use Paypal to get on the waiting list. Just send an email with the model and options you would like. I prefer this method. We could settle up just before your order ships. Feel free to ask about the status of your order or the availability of your particular model at any time via email.

What's New:

We are still developing the overhead mounting systems. There have been several minotr changes during the R&D of these to make them better. Each change adds a bit more time, but we should have something to show in the next couple weeks. If you want to get on the interested list for information about these when it becomes available, just send an email.

Thank you for your interest.

Product Disclaimer

All of the items that you get from us are guaranteed to be of good quality, made from the best material available. If you aren't pleased with the condition of what we send you, you get your money back upon return. As with any aftermarket accessory,

YOU

must decide if these are the right additions or modifications for your comfort and safety. There is no way to use your table saw and be RISK FREE. The items that we make are merely safety aids. They will NOT PREVENT injury. They are a deterant to it.

Saws are very dangerous machines. Saws can KILL or MAIM you.

These accessories may not comply with rules and regulations in your area. You must decide for yourself whether to use these accessories or not. It is your safety that is at risk when using any power tool or accessory. Since we cannot be there for each and every setup and cut that you make, we cannot be held responsible for any accidents that occur as a direct result of any information or equipment that you receive from us or this website. You should familiarize yourself with saws and safety techniques in order to use it sucessfully.

Any responsibility for the use of this product(s) ultimately rests on your own shoulders.

Ordering anything from us is an acknowledgement that you understand these risks and responsibilties and that you are willing to accept the consequences of using them. If you are un-certain as to WHO is RESPONSIBLE for the setup and usage of any of these accessories,

DO NOT PURCHASE THEM.

Steps for installing the red style ZCTP

This image shows the milled or underside of the older type ZCTP's. Basically the same as the newer 2 color plates. The new ones are milled out mainly using a cnc router, so there are slight differences that acheive the same result. These are pretty simple to install. I have taken pictures of each step, so it is photo intensive, but should convey how these should be installed.
You should have received at least a red ZCTP with three 3/8" red stainless steel mounting screws in your package. More plates if they were ordered.

To start with, unplug the saw!

Use a 1/2" wrench to remove the riving knife if it is installed. I would also take this time to clean out and lube the shims and runners behind the blade. I typically use a standard dinner candle for all my lubrication of the interior of the saw.
Fully lower the blade. You shouldn't need to use a smaller blade on the initial cut. I have grooved these plates with a starter kerf to help prevent belt breakage due to binding.
Check to see that the ZCTP sits flush in its seat. The single hole is toward the operator side.

Now install all 3 screws. This is done to insure proper alignment for your slot every time you use it. Don't overtighten the screws. They can lift the edges of the plate and it will no longer be flush. Just snug is fine. They aren't going anywhere.

Next install your SMT fence in your sliding miter table. Clamp a sacrificial board on edge over the projected center of the blade path as in the image. Make sure the end of your fence is not in the blade path. There are alternative ways for clamping, but I found this solution quick and easy.

Wear eye protection and a long sleeved shirt. A face shield would be optimal. The cuttings off the plastic and wood are hot and do not feel good.

Make certain that your blade is not binding on the plate. Plug in the saw. Turn on your dust collector if so equiped. Start slowly raising the blade up through the ZCTP.

Continue cutting slowly until you top out the saw blade. You can hear when the blade is fully extended. My blade washer just bumps the underside of this ZCTP.

Turn off and unplug the saw!

Now you can lower the blade.

You can remove your clamp, sacrificial board and SMT fence now.

Remove and inspect your freshly cut slot in the ZCTP.

Install your riving knife to a level height that is just below the top teeth on the blade and clear of the circumference of the teeth. Insure that the RK is tracking correctly behind the blade and then tighten the two mounting nuts.

Install the clamp if you have one and then install the steel OEM throat plate. This would be better than another ZCTP because this won't hold the heated shavings like a ZCTP might.

Now you are going to cut the slot for the RK in the rear of your new ZCTP. Lower the blade to the proper height for cutting the ZCTP.

Align your rip fence with the edge of your OEM throat plate. Lay the ZCTP on top to insure that the cut slot is indeed in line with your rip fence setting.

Install your blade guard. Turn on dust collection and saw. If you don't have a blade guard, then a feather board or hold down on the rip fence is suggested. You are going to do a stop cut for the riving knife. Cut until it just cuts into the first slot that you cut.

Pull your ZCTP back out of the blade. Turn of saw and dust collector. Unplug the saw again.

Remove the OEM throat plate and install the new ZCTP. Now you can safely get busy with some seriously accurate wood working. Think safe and have fun.