Another Dado Set Poll

[Michael Drew]

I’ve been searching this forum, and on line for a new stacked dado set. I was surprised to find as many as I did, with as many positive comments by users of each. I’m not looking for ultra smooth dados, as I just end up stuffing another board in the dado anyways. What I would like is flat dados with minimum tear out. My current blade does not cut flat, and it always tears out. I am currently using an older Delta set I bought many years ago. It has the two tooth chippers. I really wanted to buy the Freud Dial a Width Dado, but my arbor is not long enough to occomodate that and cut ¾”, so that’s not on the table of options.

I found the following sets on line. Most at Amazon, some at other places. I did not do a search on each one to find the best price. I figured I could do that after I get some feedback. Some on my list may suck.

I would like a complete set with metal or brass shims and a storage case. I think four cutter chippers would be a good idea as my two tooth cutters do not perform that well. At this point, I’m not concerned with price, as I’ll keep it for many years. But, I also know that you do not always get what you pay for……..

The poll max is ten, but I think I have all the worthy contenders.


Oshlun ($80)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0012YF25Q/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B000TRI82Q&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=03VSTABF3DAX704WW8XP (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0012YF25Q/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B000TRI82Q&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=03VSTABF3DAX704WW8XP)

Infinity Dadonator ($199)
http://www.infinitytools.com/DADO-BLADE-SET-DADONATOR/products/1194/ (http://www.infinitytools.com/DADO-BLADE-SET-DADONATOR/products/1194/)

Freud Super Dado ($199)
http://www.amazon.com/Freud-SD508-Super-8-Inch-Stack/dp/B00004RK0P/ref=pd_cp_hi_0 (http://www.amazon.com/Freud-SD508-Super-8-Inch-Stack/dp/B00004RK0P/ref=pd_cp_hi_0)

Forest Dado King ($245)
http://www.forrestsawbladesonline.com/category_3_Dado_King.html (http://www.forrestsawbladesonline.com/category_3_Dado_King.html)

Tenryu ($280)
http://justsawblades.com/ten/gold_medal_dado.html (http://justsawblades.com/ten/gold_medal_dado.html)

Systimatic ($327)
http://justsawblades.com/systimatic/dado_sets.htm (http://justsawblades.com/systimatic/dado_sets.htm)

CMT ($264)
http://www.amazon.com/CMT-230-024-08-Tooth-Precision-Blade/dp/B000P4LR7Q/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1262026005&sr=1-14 (http://www.amazon.com/CMT-230-024-08-Tooth-Precision-Blade/dp/B000P4LR7Q/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1262026005&sr=1-14)

Ridge Carbide ($189)
http://www.holbren.com/ridge-carbide-dado-set.html (http://www.holbren.com/ridge-carbide-dado-set.html)

Amana Prestige ($210)
http://www.amazon.com/Amana-Tool-658060-1-Prestige-Super-Fine/dp/B001508W22/ref=sr_1_49?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1262026905&sr=1-49 (http://www.amazon.com/Amana-Tool-658060-1-Prestige-Super-Fine/dp/B001508W22/ref=sr_1_49?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1262026905&sr=1-49)

Delta 35-7670 ($145)
http://www.amazon.com/Amana-Tool-658060-1-Prestige-Super-Fine/dp/B001508W22/ref=sr_1_49?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1262026905&sr=1-49 (http://www.amazon.com/Amana-Tool-658060-1-Prestige-Super-Fine/dp/B001508W22/ref=sr_1_49?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1262026905&sr=1-49)

[Greg Portland]

I'm not sure about your requirements. On one hand you say that you don't care about 'ultra smooth' dados but then you say you want something that will produce flat dados and zero tear out.

I have the Freud Super Dado set and it does a great job. The bottom of the cut is actually square (no points from the edge cutters) and tear out is minimal in a variety of materials. The carrying case is nice because all the blades, shims, and directions for common widths (plywood, etc.) stays in the box.

[Cary Falk]

I just got the Delta and used it yesterday. I am quite impressed. I ordered it from CPOWoodworking for $120. I think shipping was $10. There is a $15 rebate through CPO. I was going to order it through Grizzly for roughly the same price after shipping and tax but they arer sold out.
http://www.cpowoodworking.com/accessories/table_saw_accessories/dado_blades/35-7670.html

[Scot Ferraro]

I own the Ridge Carbide set and it works very well -- perfectly flat-bottom grooves and zero chipout on solid wood and plywood of different types. I would buy it again with no issues...comes with all the shims and 4 toothed cutters.

Scot

[Paul Ryan]

I own the oshlun bought it from holbren.com use there is 10% off code as well. It is a great dado. Nice clean cuts and flat bottoms. The only only other dado I would consider would be the freud dial a dado. It would be nice not to have to dissasemble to adjust the size.

[Rick Fisher]

I gotta admit.. I am really curious about the Tenryu dado .. but if I was buying another, it would be the Freud Dial a dado...

I am really impressed with Tenryu's upper end blades and think their dado would be spectacular.. but the ability to adjust a dado, without adding and removing shim's.. That is too tempting..

[Michael Drew]

I'm not sure about your requirements. On one hand you say that you don't care about 'ultra smooth' dados but then you say you want something that will produce flat dados and zero tear out.

I have the Freud Super Dado set and it does a great job. The bottom of the cut is actually square (no points from the edge cutters) and tear out is minimal in a variety of materials. The carrying case is nice because all the blades, shims, and directions for common widths (plywood, etc.) stays in the box.

Not ever using one of the higher end dado's, I do not know if they offer ultra smooth bottems verses just nice and flat. I only need nice and flat. That probably does not clarify much, but I hope you understand what I am shooting for.

[Michael Drew]

I gotta admit.. I am really curious about the Tenryu dado .. but if I was buying another, it would be the Freud Dial a dado...

I am really impressed with Tenryu's upper end blades and think their dado would be spectacular.. but the ability to adjust a dado, without adding and removing shim's.. That is too tempting..


I too really wanted to buy one, but my arbor is not long enough. You need 1 3/32" arbor length, with nut installed to cut 3/4". My Unisaw has 1" with nut. I supose I could always buy another arbor, but haven't checked into that yet. I just figured it would be fairly costly and did not check.

The Tenryu only has two tooth cutters, but reports are that it does very well, regardless. Otherwise, I would not have included it.

[Peter Quinn]

The Forrest performs well, as does the Freud set. I haven't used any others. I bought the Forrest set for my home shop, and have used several Freud sets and forrest sets at work. Both are pretty much tearout free in cabinet grade plywood, the forrest produces a smoother bottom though both produce very flat bottoms, and smooth doesn't mean much for dados to me. I had a gift card to use and the place I went had Forrest dados on sale and sold no other high end dado sets, so my choice was easy.

[Jeff Willard]

I voted Systimatic because that's what I have, and it will do all that you're asking of it.

[scott spencer]

Michael - Your poll ranges from bargains to premium sets.

Having owned a Freud SD208 (http://www.epinions.com/review/Stack_Dado_Saw_Blade_Set/content_409966644868), DW7670 (http://www.epinions.com/review/Dewalt_DW7670_8_Inch_Stacked_Dado/content_314538299012), Systimatic S42Fine (http://www.epinions.com/review/Superfine_Dado_Set_37160_8_Diameter_42_Teeth_5_8_A rbor_13_16_Width/content_410171313796) (42T/6T), and an Infinity Dadonator (http://www.epinions.com/review/Infinity_Tools_Dadonator_Dado_Set_SDB_800_epi/content_450572553860)....they're all good sets, but IMO the Dadonator smokes them all, and it's hard to imagine that even the premium sets from Forrest, Ridge Carbide, or the Freud Super Dado will eclipse it with their 4T chippers vs 6T of the Dadonator. It's usually available for $180 shipped.

The 7670 is a really good bargain at $90 from Grizzly, and was recently $80 from All Pro Tools. It has a very nice case and excellent shim stock that's clearly identified.

Dado sets are expensive and difficult to try many of them, so I suspect that a poll will result with the most widely available having the most votes.

[scott spencer]

I'm not sure about your requirements. On one hand you say that you don't care about 'ultra smooth' dados but then you say you want something that will produce flat dados and zero tear out.

I have the Freud Super Dado set and it does a great job. The bottom of the cut is actually square (no points from the edge cutters) and tear out is minimal in a variety of materials. The carrying case is nice because all the blades, shims, and directions for common widths (plywood, etc.) stays in the box.

Greg - Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't the Freud Super Dado (SD506 and SD508) use a bevel top grind on the outside cutters like most sets do? Even those that alternate flat rakers to minimize the "bat ears" effect still have some tiny grooving at the outside of the cut due to the fact that the beveled teeth protrude higher than the flat rakers or flat top ground teeth of the chippers. Having the points protrude slightly is intentional to reduce tearout....flat ground teeth are the only ones that will produce a perfectly flat bottom, but by their very nature are more prone to tearout than beveled teeth are. Flat bottoms and zero tearout are opposing parameters, and it's not really possible to get one set to excel at both parameters.

Below, the example on the left has fairly minor "bat ears", but they are there if you look closely, as I suspect that most dados cut from a stacked dado set are.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y203/hewood/sawparts/Saw%20Blades/dado4big-2.jpg

From the Freud website:
136487

[glenn bradley]

I also wanted the SD608 but my arbor was too restrictive on the width I could use. Got the SD508 and am very pleased. It does create very minor "bat ears" but, they are so minimal that they are all but undetectable (but there, if you know where to look). Got it with a 25% coupon at Rockler once upon a time. Scott has put quite a bit of effort into blade analysis and I would value his observations as well.

[Bruce Wrenn]

I own Freud Dial a Width, Forrest Dado King, Freud Safety Dado, and Freud SD 208. The SD 208 is my "go to" dado set. Recently in Lowes, I saw the CMT dado set, which looks just like the Freud SD 208. Package is like recent SD 208, printing like early model, and chippers like older ones. Outer cutters are silver colored.

[Gene Howe]

In one friend's shop or another, I've had an opportunity to use the Forrest, Frued, Systematic, and the Tenryu.
When a tool shop nearby was going out of business I picked up the Tenryu for $150. I'm quite happy with it and the price, as well.
My buddies that have used it at my shop all say it's as good or better than what they use. In my opinion, it's a darned good dado set. Not a great one. But then, I've never used a truly great one, either.

[Brian Penning]

I think you're missing an important contender -the Freud Dial-A-Width. SD608.
Would've got my vote.

[Michael Drew]

I think you're missing an important contender -the Freud Dial-A-Width. SD608.
Would've got my vote.


Brian, I can't use it as my arbor is not long enough.

[Michael Drew]

Michael - Your poll ranges from bargains to premium sets.

Having owned a Freud SD208 (http://www.epinions.com/review/Stack_Dado_Saw_Blade_Set/content_409966644868), DW7670 (http://www.epinions.com/review/Dewalt_DW7670_8_Inch_Stacked_Dado/content_314538299012), Systimatic S42Fine (http://www.epinions.com/review/Superfine_Dado_Set_37160_8_Diameter_42_Teeth_5_8_A rbor_13_16_Width/content_410171313796) (42T/6T), and an Infinity Dadonator (http://www.epinions.com/review/Infinity_Tools_Dadonator_Dado_Set_SDB_800_epi/content_450572553860)....they're all good sets, but IMO the Dadonator smokes them all, and it's hard to imagine that even the premium sets from Forrest, Ridge Carbide, or the Freud Super Dado will eclipse it with their 4T chippers vs 6T of the Dadonator. It's usually available for $180 shipped.

The 7670 is a really good bargain at $90 from Grizzly, and was recently $80 from All Pro Tools. It has a very nice case and excellent shim stock that's clearly identified.

Dado sets are expensive and difficult to try many of them, so I suspect that a poll will result with the most widely available having the most votes.

Thank you Scott. Your recomendation of the Dadonator to another member is why I have it on my list of contenders.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't the Oshlun, Freud Super Dado, and Systimatic all have six cutter tips? The Freud has eight by my count.

Can everyone see the poll results?

If not: So for the Freud and Forrest are tied with 17 votes each. Oshlun is second with 6 and the Ridge has 5.

Another Dado I looked at that is price wise, too good to believe, but that was the MLCS. It has 48T outer blades and six, six tooth cutters. $129. I did not include that one due to some negitive reviews stating QC was pretty bad.

[scott spencer]

Thank you Scott. Your recomendation of the Dadonator to another member is why I have it on my list of contenders.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't the Oshlun, Freud Super Dado, and Systimatic all have six cutter tips? The Freud has eight by my count.

The Oshlun (formerly Avenger) has 6 tooth chippers and is a Chinese made copy of the US made Systimatic, which also has 6 tooth chippers. The Systimatic is excellent, but the design has a fairly positive hook angle, which is a little different from the Dadonator and other top sets, which all have low to negative hooks. Even with less teeth my results have been better with the Dadonator than with the Systimatic....not by a lot, but in most key areas like tearout and smooth bottom/sides.

Number of teeth is only one parameter, and in no way ensures better performance. The Oshlun is made to be a bargain blade, and it's not likely that it's made with the same precision as the Systimatic or other premium sets...therefore the number of teeth is less relevant in this particular case. The Freud Super Dado has 4 tooth chippers with anti-kickback fingers....I'm sure it's excellent, and that it makes cleaner cuts than the Freud entry set, the SD208, Diablo, Avanti (all pretty much the same set with 2T chippers). If the SD508 was made with exactly the same parameters it has now, to the same precision standards, but included 6 tooth chippers instead of 4, it's reasonable to assume that it'd make cleaner cuts than it does now, and the teeth would likely hold an edge longer.

I think you should narrow the field by deciding whether you want a good bargain set (SD208, Oshlun, 7670), or a premium set (forrest, Ridge Carbide, Dadonator, SD508), and progress from there. The price about doubles for the premium sets...they do tend to make cleaner cuts, are typically made better, will likely hold an edge longer, and are simply better at what they do....kind of like going from a Freud Diablo to the Freud Fusion. They don't cut twice as cleanly, but they do have a noticeable advantage in my experience (IME)....whether or not it's worth paying another $80 bucks for is really your decision to make.

Of the more expensive sets, I'd eliminate the Tenryu due to having 2 tooth chippers....nicely made, but there's no logical reason to think it'll hang with the big dogs with that design. I'd eliminate the Systimatic b/c it was not as good as the Dadonator IME. I'd also eliminate the CMT and the Amana...both are very similar in designs to the Dadonator, but both feature 4 tooth chippers instead of the 6 of the Dadonator, and all 3 are priced about the same....plus, while I've had good results from other CMT and Amana products, none have left the impression that the Infinity products do. I have not tried the Ridge Carbide, SD508, or the Forrest, but would suspect that they are extremely well made with top shelf performance, as is the Dadonator. I've tried several other Forrest, Freud, Ridge Carbide, and Infinity products and am impressed with the best each has to offer...a direct comparison of their top dado sets would cost me in the neighborhood of $900. I'm curious, but not that curious! :eek: Plus I'm satisfied with the performance of the Dadonator. Of the premium precision made sets left, the Dadonator is the only one with 6 tooth chippers. I'm sure the other premium sets are excellent, but doubt that they have designs capable of eclipsing the performance of the Dadonator, though they may be as good. None are significantly less money, while the Forrest costs more. There's no obvious advantage going for the others that I'm seeing. For a less known brand than Forrest and Freud, the Dadonator has a healthy list of awards and excellent showings in direct comparisons....FWIW, Infinity is owned by the son of the former Jesada company, so they're not exactly newbies to the business.

Of the bargain sets, my SD208 was very good, but the DW7670 with twice the teeth simply makes cleaner cuts. The 7670 design is reasonably similar to the Forrest's...not identical, but similar. The SD208 and 7670 are within ~ $5-$15 of each other, so it's an easy choice for me. I've not tried the Oshlun directly, but have used a 40T Oshlun which I think is a good value, but it doesn't seriously rival other premium 40T blades like the Forrest, Infinity Super General, Freud Fusion, Tenryu Gold Medal, or Ridge Carbide TS2000. As stated earlier, the Oshlun 8" set is the same design as the Systimatic Super Fine 42, but likely not made to the same standards. It could be very good for the money, but I know that the 7670 set is very good. Obviously it's your call, but if I were buying a bargain set, I'd go with what I know.

My logic could be flawed, but at least now you know where I'm coming from.

HTH,
Scott

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y203/hewood/sawparts/Saw%20Blades/SystiMaticSuperfinedado.jpg http://images.rockler.com/rockler/images/21975-02-200.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y203/hewood/000_0721-1.jpg http://www.forrestblades.com/graphics/Wood_mag_2003.jpg

[Cary Falk]

Here is a shot of the results of the Delta on a setup up piece I did yesterday.
http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q297/caryincamas/DSC_0025.jpg

[Gene Howe]

Great review, Scott.
I use a variable speed table saw, so chipper tooth count isn't a factor for me.
If I had a less capable saw:D more teeth would be important.

[Michael Drew]

Thanks again for the informative responce Scott. Considering your thoughts regarding the Dadonator, I’ll more than likely buy one regardless of the poll count. I did a search for retailers, and did not find any other than Infinity. Amazon sells them, but through Infinity and only in a three blade set for $290 (which looks attractive, but I have plenty of blades). It’s too bad they include plastic shims, verses metal or brass and it does not come in a decent storage case…….

I realize I had lower cost sets in the line up with premium, but when I put the list together, I intentionally left out sets that I thought would be inferior in design to the others; IE – none with two tooth cutters with the exception of the higher priced Tenryu. Really, I just want to find one that I won’t be saying to myself a year from now “I should have bought the….”. I hate buyers remorse. Plus, the widget I buy just ends up costing twice as much because I end up buying it twice.

I have searched a bit for a review of dado sets and did not find much at all. Does anyone know if one of the magazines has ever tested these???

[Jacob Mac]

Thanks again for the informative responce Scott. Considering your thoughts regarding the Dadonator, I’ll more than likely buy one regardless of the poll count. I did a search for retailers, and did not find any other than Infinity. Amazon sells them, but through Infinity and only in a three blade set for $290 (which looks attractive, but I have plenty of blades). It’s too bad they include plastic shims, verses metal or brass and it does not come in a decent storage case…….

I realize I had lower cost sets in the line up with premium, but when I put the list together, I intentionally left out sets that I thought would be inferior in design to the others; IE – none with two tooth cutters with the exception of the higher priced Tenryu. Really, I just want to find one that I won’t be saying to myself a year from now “I should have bought the….”. I hate buyers remorse. Plus, the widget I buy just ends up costing twice as much because I end up buying it twice.

I have searched a bit for a review of dado sets and did not find much at all. Does anyone know if one of the magazines has ever tested these???


FWW did a review about a year ago, I think. It might have been Wood. IIRC, Forest won the review.

I, for one, really like my Ridge dado set. Plus if you b uy it at Holbrens, you can get 10% off and free shipping.

[Michael Drew]

FWW did a review about a year ago, I think. It might have been Wood. IIRC, Forest won the review.

I, for one, really like my Ridge dado set. Plus if you b uy it at Holbrens, you can get 10% off and free shipping.

I keep forgetting I have an on-line subscription to FWW. I did a search and found the review. They tested 15 sets. The Freud SD508 got best overall, and the Infinity got best value. They tested them on red oak veneer and melamine (crosscut). The sets that did "excellent" in both cuts were: Amana 658040, Everlast DS840 (had not heard of this set), Forrest DK, Freud SD508, Freud SD608, Infinity and the Systimatic. They also checked for visible scoring marks and flat bottom cuts. Out of those, the ones who did not have scoring marks, and had flat bottoms were: Freud SD 508, Freud SD 608 and the Infinity.

I'm riding the fence between the SD 508 and the Infinity. The fact that the SD 508 comes with a nice case and steel shims has me leaning towards it......but, I supose I can always make a case for the Infinity and pick up a set of better shims. This is fun. I like the poll option.

[Gary Muto]

I voted for the Super Dado with my wallet so that's what I selected here. I ran a narrower poll about a month ago and it was very close. I got the Super Dado for $150 with 25% off at Rockler and they currently have 20% off in their flier I believe... in store only. I haven't used it much but so far I'm very pleased.

[Glen Butler]

I am surprised to see that most people would buy the freud super dado. I picked that I would buy the Dado King, but that is if money was not an issue. I have purchased the Super Dado, but it does not come out perfectly flat, I has more issues than just bats ears, too. Some of the chippers just don't line up.

[Rick Fisher]

Scott, I enjoyed reading your comments..

I have become a huge fan of Tenryu blades.. I have a Freud Glue line, Forrest WWII and a Tenryu Gold line for my table saw.. If I could only have one, I would keep the Tenryu..

The same goes for my Miter saw.. Compared to two Freud ultimate Cut-off's.. The Tenryu is my favorite..

I never noticed that the Tenryu dado had only 2 chippers.. I had seriously considered adding one in the future. Thanks for pointing that out.

The Freud Dial a dado.. that is a real curiosity to me.. The idea of not having to remove to install shim's is really interesting.. Has anyone compared it ?

[Fred Voorhees]

I have the Freud Super Dado set and have been using it for years and have no problem recommending it. Has never let me down.

[Larry Edgerton]

I have the Dado King, a Freud something or other, and a Systematic and the Dado king is the best, but it is a custom 10" in a MiniMax slider so the comparison may not be fair. I have used it heavily for 17 years and it is still a good set after two sharpenings. The other two in 8" size are very good as well although I would give the Systematic the nod over the Freud.

[Tim Livingston]

I am no professional but my CMT has served me very well, also if you look closely, even though they have it listed for $264 there is a link from that page to a place that has it for $185. The one I got came from an Amazon seller and I got it for $159.44 shipped

[Gene Howe]

Scott, I enjoyed reading your comments..

I have become a huge fan of Tenryu blades.. I have a Freud Glue line, Forrest WWII and a Tenryu Gold line for my table saw.. If I could only have one, I would keep the Tenryu..

The same goes for my Miter saw.. Compared to two Freud ultimate Cut-off's.. The Tenryu is my favorite..

I never noticed that the Tenryu dado had only 2 chippers.. I had seriously considered adding one in the future. Thanks for pointing that out.

The Freud Dial a dado.. that is a real curiosity to me.. The idea of not having to remove to install shim's is really interesting.. Has anyone compared it ?

All my blades are Tenryu. The quality of their carbide blades is outstanding. The 80 tooth cutoff blade is an absolute joy.
As to the dado set and the two tooth chipper design, as stated in an earlier post, it poses no problem what so ever.

I don't find an adjustable width dado of much use. I usually run one width and then remove it. Maybe 90 seconds to set it up and and install it with shims.....not a big deal IMO.

The Tenryu Gold 8" is a really good dado set. Equal to or better than any I've used.

[Michael Drew]

Well despite the overwhelming lead that the SD508 has at 38% of the votes, followed by the Forrest with 26% of the votes, I ordered the Infinity. I never did follow the crowd…. Scott’s coments are just compelling to not try this dado set. The poll still has a week to run its course, so I’ll just let that occur for the sake of curiosity.

[Wayne Jolly]

I just recently upgraded from a Freud SD208 to the Forrest Dado King. VERY happy with the Forrest. One thing that I have not seen mentioned yet is that my new Forrest came with MAGNETIC shims. Made from that turd colored flexible material that refrigerator magnets are made from nowdays. I thought that was kinda kool, but I am wondering just how durable they will turn out to be.

xeddog

[Pat Meeuwissen]

Guys, I was wondering how do these stackable blades handle the NEW 3/4" (23/64") when it comes to plywood? I have only ever had a DeWalt dial select version which I don't really like but I can get it right on the money for the new width. Thanks Pat

[scott spencer]

Guys, I was wondering how do these stackable blades handle the NEW 3/4" (23/64") when it comes to plywood? I have only ever had a DeWalt dial select version which I don't really like but I can get it right on the money for the new width. Thanks Pat

Some sets include one a 3/32", 1/16" and four 1/8" size chippers ...choices are nearly infinite with shims. I know the DeWalt/Delta 7670 and the Infinity have the extra chipper. My SD208 did not, but they may now.

[Steve Griffin]

Oddly enough, I've found it CHEAPER and better to own two sets of dado blades.

Years ago I bought a $60 home depot dado set, and it turns out to still be one of my favorite tools in the shop. If I need to run grooves in solid wood with the grain, this set works way better than my $250 lots-o-teeth Forrest. It also comes in handy for situations where quality doesn't matter. As such, it has certainly paid for itself by reducing the need to sharpen the good set.

For the hobbiest, I probably would buy a cheap set. Use a router for cutting grooves and your covered on it's main weakness.

-Steve

[Pat Meeuwissen]

Scott, thanks for the reply. I'm having trouble seeing how the shims you say come with the dado set will add up to 23/64th. I'm sorry if I'm being dense or am I missing something? Pat

[scott spencer]

Scott, thanks for the reply. I'm having trouble seeing how the shims you say come with the dado set will add up to 23/64th. I'm sorry if I'm being dense or am I missing something? Pat

Pat - To get 23/64", you can do 11/32" with the two outside cutters and the 3/32" chipper, then add shims to bring you to the 23/64". Your other post also mentions 3/4"...the ply is typically 23/32", which uses the outside cutters, (3) 1/8" chippers, and the 3/32" chipper....shims to fine tune if needed.

[Anthony Scott]

What about cross cut dados specifically? What fairs best with those cuts? This is where I have the most issues.
Thanks

[Jim O'Dell]

I also believe Infinity offers us 10% off. Use SMC 10 in the comments section, and he will adjust the price before charging and sending out. The discount will not show in the online order. Or call the order in.
I didn't vote. I do have the Infinity in my wish list on the Infinity site. :rolleyes: I'm using the tear out king right now. Craftsman wobble daddo. Gotta love it! Jim.

[Dave Gaul]

If dado cuts are usually relatively shallow, why is there so much focus on 8" dado blades? How often can a 6" dado blade limit you? I've never made a dado cut deeper than 1", and that was with a super cheapo delta stacked set... horrible cut, so I am looking for a new set, and was looking at the Freud and Oshlun 6" sets...

So why do some need 8"? Am I missing something?

[Rod Sheridan]

If dado cuts are usually relatively shallow, why is there so much focus on 8" dado blades? How often can a 6" dado blade limit you? I've never made a dado cut deeper than 1", and that was with a super cheapo delta stacked set... horrible cut, so I am looking for a new set, and was looking at the Freud and Oshlun 6" sets...

So why do some need 8"? Am I missing something?

I agree, my new saw is limited to a 180mm diameter dado, so I'll be buying a 6" dado cutter for it.

Regards, Rod.

[Anthony Scott]

Or just use a router... setting up a dado set is a major PITA IMHO.... :)

[glenn bradley]

If dado cuts are usually relatively shallow, why is there so much focus on 8" dado blades? How often can a 6" dado blade limit you? I've never made a dado cut deeper than 1", and that was with a super cheapo delta stacked set... horrible cut, so I am looking for a new set, and was looking at the Freud and Oshlun 6" sets...

So why do some need 8"? Am I missing something?

The reason I got a dado stack was for deeper cuts. Most shallow work is done with a router in my shop. Deeper G&G type finger joints, lap joints or large rabbets are done with the stack much quicker for me. As usual, the value of something, be it tool, tip or technique, will vary with what you do and how you do it.

[Michael Drew]

If dado cuts are usually relatively shallow, why is there so much focus on 8" dado blades? How often can a 6" dado blade limit you? I've never made a dado cut deeper than 1", and that was with a super cheapo delta stacked set... horrible cut, so I am looking for a new set, and was looking at the Freud and Oshlun 6" sets...

So why do some need 8"? Am I missing something?


I wonder if this is a physics thing? With a larger radius, the approach of the tooth would be different than a blade with a smaller radius. I have no idea if this has merit, but just thinking aloud.