I have a Ridgid R4512 i am going to buy a dado stack would love to hear some recommendations please give reasons why you prefer one over the others. THANKS.
First I'd check your owner's manual. I have an R4510 and it said to not exceed a 6" dado so I got a Freud set. My arbor won't fit the full width that the set will go but it works for me.
I have this same r4512 saw. I bought the "Freud 8 dado stack from my local Wood Werks store and have been very happy with it in the 1 year that I've owned it.
I use the Infinity Dadonator. They make both 6" and 8" versions. It cuts a little slower than a standard dado set, but the trade off is splinter-free joinery in hardwoods.
Whatever brand you get, I would look for a set with 24 tooth outer blades and chippers with 4-6 blades each.
A 3/32" chipper is also nice to have.
I've got the Freud super dado, and I bought it because I thought I needed it. Turns out I haven't loaded it into the saw for probably more than 5 years or more now. Seems like whenever I need to do a task that you'd do with a dado stack it's just as quick and easy to load a bit into the router. I'd suggest that you hold off on a dado unless you've got a specific task that you can only do with a dado stack, or you have SO much dado/rabbet to cut that it makes sense to have well over $100 of sawblade just sitting on the shelf… I should have spent that cash on a Forrest WWII… IMHO.. FWIW LOL!
You didn't mention a price range, but sets run for $30 to over $300. Of the 6 sets I've tried owned, the Infinity Dadonator is about as good as it gets….world class IMO. Very high quality performance, design, and construction. Available in 6" or 8". The Ridge Carbide Dado Master, Forrest Dado King, and Freud 508 would be solid top shelf contenders too.
The best bang for the buck is the DeWalt/Delta 7670 - It clearly outperforms the other sets in the mid price range, and gives a taste of the $200 sets… plus has a great carrying case and excellent shim stock. It's worth a few extra bucks over the Freud 208 and the Oshun/Avenger sets IME. Most of the sets for less money aren't worth spending any money on.
I bought a 6" set and am sorry I did. I cannot use a dado sled because the 6" dado set will not extend high enough above the table to cut as deep a dado as I sometimes wish. Example: I wanted to put a 3/4 deep dado in 6/4 stock, but the thickness of the sled would not allow it. I had to use a crosscut guide instead.
Smaller diameter sets generally have lower mass and are easier to spin, but obviously have lower depth capacity than an 8". The 6" sets tend be a few bucks less expensive. I also think the 8" may have a slight cut quality advantages, but it'd be minimal. The overall quality of the set will have more impact than the diameter, as far as cut quality goes.
I did notice that the 8" DW/Delta7670 was easier to spin than the 8" Freud SD208….my initial thoughts were that it's because the Freud set has more of its mass toward the outer edges, while the 7670 set's mass is more concentrated to the center…I have no data to prove my theory….its just me thinking out loud. Even my first saw, a Delta 36-600 compact saw with a universal motor, had no trouble spinning the 8" Freud 208, so your saw should be fine with either size. ...never hurts to have a bit more capacity just in case…
I bought a cheap Oshlun set and it was not a clean cut. I tried the Delta 7670 but it had big-time chipout. Ended up getting the Super Freud. It works nicely.
My advice would be to buy something that is economical and see how often you use it. I bought the Harbor Freight version and glad I did as I have only used it once in 4 years when building garage storage cabinets. Definitely the right tool for THAT project. It was one of those "Ooo, I really need one of those" purchases but I seem to like to cut dados with my router. I'm sure I'll use it again but just haven't felt the need with what I do.
The 6" set will spin better. I have the same saw and the 6" set works better with hardwoods. The 8" at full width Bogs down the saw.
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