ZeroClear RipPlate™ for ShopSmith 510/520 - NEW Locking Insert Edition

Cleaner cuts. No tear-out. Designed by a ShopSmith craftsman for precision performance.

The ZeroClear RipPlate™ by Timber & Grain is a CNC-machined, zero-clearance insert that gives your ShopSmith smoother, safer cuts. Its replaceable inserts fully support your workpiece—virtually eliminating tear-out and improving cut quality across every operation.

Now Featuring a Mechanical Lock Insert System

The ZeroClear RipPlate™ – Locking Insert Edition eliminates magnets entirely and replaces them with a precision-machined rear lip that mechanically locks the insert into the plate. This version is safer than the original - the blade rotation applies upward force at the rear of the insert and downward force at the front. The new rear lip captures that upward force and prevents lift-out entirely.

The insert:

• Slides under the rear outfeed edge of the RipPlate
• Is supported along the front rim
• Is physically locked in place by blade pressure during use

This means the insert cannot lift or shift during cutting.

No magnets. No polarity concerns. No adhesive. No movement.

⚙️ Available Packages

• Basic - Includes 1 RipPlate base and 3 replaceable inserts. Intended for non through-cuts only (such as dados and rabbets). Does not include splitter sets.

• Align – Includes 1 RipPlate + 3 inserts + either Thin-Kerf or Full-Kerf Splitter System

• Pro – Includes 1 RipPlate + 3 inserts + both Thin-Kerf and Full-Kerf Splitter Systems

🪵 Why ZeroClear

• CNC-machined from ¾″ 13-ply Baltic birch for strength and stability
• Replaceable inserts cut from ½″ Baltic birch, precision-machined rear lip that mechanically locks the insert into the plate, flush fit
• Label and reuse inserts for each blade or dado setup—maintaining perfect alignment every time
• Supports 10″ thin and full-kerf blades with matching splitter systems for both
• Each splitter set includes four offsets to fine-tune kerf fit (inspired by MicroJig Splitters)
• Splitters are 3D-printed from PLA at 100 % infill for durability
• Handles dado stacks up to 13/16″
• Hand-finished and laser-engraved in Knoxville, Tennessee by a long-time ShopSmith owner

♻️ Extra Inserts Available

Keep your RipPlate performing at its best—order extra insert packs anytime (3, 6, or 9 packs) here.

⚙️ Compatibility Notes

Designed for ShopSmith 510 and 520 table systems.  

This system is designed around removable splitters rather than a riving knife for anti-kickback protection. Because the RipPlate uses replaceable inserts within the main plate, it is not compatible with ShopSmith riving knives or the upper saw guard. Splitter sets are included in the Align and Pro packages for safe through-cuts.

If you use a ShopSmith 500, contact us—the 500 version currently in design.

📦 Shipping & Support

Orders ship anywhere in the U.S. using discounted USPS and UPS rates.

Every RipPlate is packed and inspected with the same care we give our own tools.

✳️ Maker’s Note

The RipPlate was born from countless test cuts in my own shop. Every plate and insert is precision-cut, tested, and hand-finished to deliver the accuracy and safety I wanted for my own ShopSmith and now, for yours.