Dado set

Dado set is a type of saw blade used in woodworking for cutting slots or grooves known as dadoes in wood. A dado set is designed to be mounted on a table saw or a radial arm saw. It is an essential tool for carpenters, cabinet makers, and any woodworker requiring precise joints for shelving, cabinets, and furniture assembly.

Components

A dado set consists of two types of blades: outer blades and chippers. The outer blades are similar to standard saw blades, but they are designed to create the outer edges of the dado cut. The chippers fit between the outer blades and remove the bulk of the material to form the dado. They come in various thicknesses to allow for adjustable widths of the dado cut.

Types of Dado Sets

There are primarily two types of dado sets:

• Stacked Dado Set: This is the most common type, consisting of two outer blades and a number of chippers that are stacked together to achieve the desired width of the dado. The width can be adjusted by adding or removing chippers and spacers.

• Wobble Blade Dado Set: This type uses a single blade mounted on an adjustable hub that wobbles side to side to cut the dado. While easier to set up than a stacked dado set, it is generally considered less accurate and can produce a bottom that is not perfectly flat.

Usage

To use a dado set, the woodworker installs it on the arbor of the table saw or radial arm saw, adjusting the width as necessary for the dado cut required. The material to be dadoed is then fed across the blade to create the groove. Proper safety precautions, such as using push sticks and wearing safety goggles, are essential to prevent accidents.

Applications

Dado sets are used in a variety of woodworking projects, including:

• Building bookshelves and cabinets
• Creating slots for shelves
• Joinery work such as tenons and halving joints

Considerations

When choosing a dado set, factors to consider include:

• The maximum width of cut required
• The type of saw it will be used on
• The material to be cut
• The quality of the cut desired

Maintenance

Like all saw blades, dado sets require regular maintenance to keep them cutting cleanly and efficiently. This includes cleaning the blades to remove any build-up of resin or sawdust, sharpening the teeth, and ensuring the set is stored properly to avoid damage.