January 12, 201214 yr When you are working on a project that requires dado's to be cut, what is your preferred method?1. Do you use a hand held router with some type of jig?2. Set up a stacked dado blade in the table saw?3. Use a table mounted router with a straight cutting bit?4. Or do you have another method you would like to share with us.5. Do you let the project dictate the method of cutting them?How about sharing with us your method of cutting dado's?John MoodyJohn Moody Woodworkshttp://www.johnmoodywoodworks.com
January 12, 201214 yr The project will dictate how I put dados in them.My preference is on the table saw using my stacked dado set. For dados in larger pieces of sheet goods which are difficult or unsafe for me ot do on the table saw, I have 2 different straight edge clamps (one 100"+ and one shorter with a pivot head for angles) that have grooves to accept a plate with my router attached to it for perfectly straight dados. I also have a plate for my circular saw so I can do precision straight or angled cuts to finished dimensions or for breaking down large panels. I also use my router table for some jobs where I need something specific or if it is smaller.Allen WorshamCorona, CAallenworsham@earthlink.nethttp://www.awcreationsandwoodcrafts.com'Graze in every man's field, but always give your own milk' J. Vernon McGee
January 12, 201214 yr I use my router table for small pieces, my tablesaw with a stacked dado blade for larger pieces that I can manage by myself and for larger pieces I use a hand held router with a shop made jig. It mostly depends on the size of the project, and how many dado's I have to cut.
January 12, 201214 yr I really like the stacked dado set on the TS, but I'll admit I'll do what I have to depending on the project. One thing, some years back I bought a "Dado Wiz", and elaborate jig that straddles a straight edge clamp and guides a router. It can be adjusted to the exact width of the dado needed. It really looked like a good idea, but I just haven't seen the value of it....it sits mostly unused.No Ref
January 12, 201214 yr Stacked dado here unless it is a narrow dado. If it is a narrow dado I'll make multiple passes with a table saw blade.Ron DudelstonAbove and Beyond WoodWorks
January 12, 201214 yr Same for me.Ron Dudelston said:Stacked dado here unless it is a narrow dado. If it is a narrow dado I'll make multiple passes with a table saw blade.Ron DudelstonAbove and Beyond WoodWorks
January 12, 201214 yr I have an adjustable dado blade that I use on my table saw for small projects. For doing bookcases and shelves, I will put it on a radial arm saw. That way if you lave a bench on each side of the saw, it is a lot easier to make repetitive cuts, because you can use a stop block and clamp and make your cuts very accurate.
January 12, 201214 yr If it's for plywood, i.e shelving, I like to use a jig and router with double passes to get the dado the right width for the ply. I use the Stacked dado blades for half laps and such when building doors and shop stuff. The router table is the choice for smaller items like boxes and drawers.Gene'The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.' G. K. Chesterton
January 13, 201214 yr JohnDepends on what I am working on. I use my table saw for most. But I have jigs set up for my router for others. If it is a very special project, I do them by hand with jigs or guides using planes and chisels. For me it all depends on what I am doing and for who I am doing it for. Not much of an answer but there are many ways to accomplish this task, and versatility for me is the key.Wayne MahlerGod bless and protect our troops that serve so we can be free.
January 13, 201214 yr Author Get information, I love it when everyone jumps in here and shares. There are many ways to accomplish the task and sometimes the project will dictate the best method to cutting the dado's. Like many of you, I cut a lot of the ones I do on the table saw. If it is cabinet work, I can make a setup and cut them so I know they are accurate.On the cedar chest I am building, I did stopped dado's in the sides of the chest for the bottom to sit in. I didn't want to blow out my dovetails, so I cut those on the router table. It is much easier to drop the side down on the bit, slide it across, stop it and lift up and have less clean up than doing it on the table saw.I have also cut dado's many times using a jig and a hand held router. Just recently I was doing a small box and cut them using an edge guide on my trim router with a spiral bit.There are so many ways to accomplish the task at hand.John MoodyJohn Moody Woodworkshttp://www.johnmoodywoodworks.com
January 14, 201214 yr In the past doing dadoes I would do it with router table if project was small. For larger projects router and straight edge. Never could do it with the old Delta bench saw due to motor shaft was not long enough for using dado blades. I'm can't wait to try it on the new Grizzly table saw.Wayne EWayne E
January 14, 201214 yr Author Wayne you will really enjoy the added feature of doing them on the table saw. I had an older saw with the same problem and it was really nice when I could setup the dado blade to cut them on the table saw. On the Unisaw it is also a nice feature to have the 52" fence.John MoodyJohn Moody Woodworkshttp://www.johnmoodywoodworks.com
January 16, 201214 yr The project tells me which method I use. I have a stacked dado for pieces easily handled on the tablesaw. I have used a router table for short pieces, the distance from the edge dictating this method, Mostly I use a shop made jig and a handheld router. I really, really like routers.
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