Freud's SD208 vs SD508 Stacked Dado Set

That’s a subjective call that only you can make. The 508 has twice the teeth and definitely gives a cleaner cut…the teeth should also stay sharp longer because they share the work load.

I had the SD208 for a few years and thought it was pretty good, but think that the DeWalt/Delta 7670, Systimatic S42Fine, and Infinity Dadonator leave a cleaner cut too…the Dadonator is incredible and runs ~ $200, the Systimatic is ~ $300, and the 7670 is on sale from Grizzly for $90 shipped)...highly recommended as the most bang for the buck in that price range…nice carrying case, and nice shim stock too!

Chunky, I don’t have a dado set yet, but have kinda been looking and following Knotscotts info on them to decide what fits best for what I do in the shop.

I did notice that my local Lowe’s had the SD208 on clearance recently for $75, so you might check that out if it is a fit for you.

Hey Chunk:

I bought the Freud SD208 set at my local Lowes a couple of days ago. I cut a few dados and rabbits in a project with it—— works great. I got the last set they had, cause they are clearing them off the shelf. I got it for $69 bucks. I already had two sets, but got these for a back-up just on account.
The way I see if from where I stand, most dados and rabbits AREN”T going to be seen anyway, so it’s no big thing to worry about. As long as they cut a clean bottom and the part fits, that’s all you need. You have plenty of blades and shims to “get’er done”. Just my theory.

-- Remember--- one good turn-- gets most of the blanket!!!!

I have the Freud box joint cutter set, it cuts perfect 1/4 or 3/8 flat bottom dadoes. Two passes for 3/4, could be an alternative. I,m sure the dado set cuts just as well.

-- Tim: Remember, if it doesn't say Binford, someone else made it.

I was at Lowes today and looked at the clearance SD208’s. They had two, one with a silver ice coating and the other set was black. Both were marked at $75. Both sets looked like maybe they had either been used, or maybe they had just been there forever and appeared that way. Still if I am going to buy new I want it to at least look new, so I can make it old on my own. Now if they drop another $25 to get them off the shelf, well I may rethink that.

I have had the SD508 for a number of years and am very happy with it’s performance, and would gladly purchase it again without reservation.

-- "You get what you inspect, not what you expect"

I have the SD208, and am satisfied with it. I have no experience with the other.

-- I'm a lumberjock and I'm ok, I sleep all night and I work all day!

I have the Delta version of the DeWalt pictured above, havent had any problems with it and it gives a nice, clean cut.

-- A hammer dangling from a wall will bang and sound like work when the wind blows the right way.