Dado Blades

Al:

Table saw manufacturers basically consider a table saw that runs on a 120V 15 amp circuit as being in the “underpowered” category. If this is your situation, you might consider a 6” dado instead of 8”. It’s all a matter of how much cutting torque your saw can produce at 6” and 8”.

For this same reason manufacturers recommend a thin kerf blade for the above defined “underpowered” saws. I have had great results with a 6” Oshlun dado blade set that I purchased from Rockler for around $70.

-- "Heaven is North of the Bridge"

For years I used a 6” set on my old 10er shopsmith with great results. I’ve also used a 7 1/4” “wobble” blade (ok if you don’t mind “domed” dados) and now have an 8” stack. The old 6” set got lost in a move.
I guess I feel the 6” set worked as well as any and I’d have bought another if the store would have had one.
If 6’ gives you all the depth you need, I wouldn’t spend more money on a larger set. (of course, I’m cheap)-SST

-- Accuracy is not in your power tool, it's in you

a 6 inch is good enough. I have one as well. Just waiting to get my throat plate to be able to use it.

-- There is no such thing as a mistake. Its called a design modification Rick Kruse, Grand Rapids, MI

I concur with the above poster’s comments relating to “underpowered”.

However, I routinely use an 8” dado stack on contractor style saws of several flavors and as long as you are mindful of the feed rate and don’t run them at the end of a 100’ 14 gauge extension cord you will should be good to go. A light touch and a pair of ears tuned to the labors at hand should suffice.

I’ve used several manufacturers heads over the years, Freud, Oldham, Brand X mystery metal, and for my money nothing tops the Infinity Dadonator

Despite its’ sophomoric moniker it is awesome. Produces perfectly flat bottomed dados without the “horns” that a lot of blades lacking raker teeth leave. Additionally it has six fingered chippers instead of the more common two like the Freud, so this increases the cut rate. It also increases the rotating mass so if your saw is REALLY underpowered you’ll probably become familiar with either the route to your breaker panel or the repair center for your saw.

It is often offered as a package deal with other blades like a ripper and a crosscut and if purchased this way can save you a bit of jack. This is one of those item that I wish everyone could have the chance to use set up on the same saw as the competitors and make their own decision. It’s hands down better than anything else I’ve used.

Grumpy, you made me go check, freud’s dado sd500 series has 4 tooth chippers. That’s the one I’ve had for years & I have had no problems. Freud also sells a “pro” & 300/400 series that have the 2 tooth chippers. At half the cost of the Sd500 or the Dadonator, they may be fine for someone not planning on running 100’s of feet of dados. Stick with the 6” unless you have a 3hp, 220 saw or larger.

-- http://www.grandprairiewoodworks.com http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6453794

Do you use sleds? If you don’t a 6” set is fine. If you do, an 8” set will be better.

Are you aware that two of the BEST tool websites in the US have stores within 20 minutes of you?

Tools-Plus and Coastal Tool.

Also, if I can ever be of assistance, I live right over the I-91 hill, in Middletown, right off the Country Club Rd. exit. I used to keep my plane at Meriden Airport, and my wife is a school teacher there.

PM me if you want to contact me directly.

-- - Please help keep Lumberjocks an enjoyable escape by refusing to participate in political discussions. Simply spit out the bait and ignore the thread...

I use a “avenger” 8” stacked dado cutter. I was a little skeptical bacause it’s a cheaper name brand $55 new) It really proved itself, cuts very well and remains sharp even after 4yrs of use. Counldn’t imagine running a 6” instead of an 8. (depth of cut for certain things). I also agree with Iowa about the power factor. Depends on what your typically calling for from that saw.

-- Longovette@Roadruner.com

If that’s truly all you ever want to cut then I would save the money and buy the 6”. As far as HP v. blade diameter, I have a 10” Delta Contractor’s Saw and my 8” Freud dado set up for 3/4” dados has never been a problem.

-- Just 'cause a cat has kittens in the oven, it don't make 'em biscuits.