Dado is one of the durable and practical joints in woodworking, commonly used for bookshelves, cabinets, and furniture frames. Cutting a dado is a basic skill a woodworking beginner should master.
In this guide, we will show you how to cut a dado with a table saw, both with a regular saw blade and a dado set. Also, you can have an overview of the dado joint. Now, let's dive into this post.
What is a Dado Joint?
A dado, also known as a housing in the UK, is a slot cut into a wood surface. It connects the end of one piece with the side of another, making a right angle. A dado typically features three faces: one bottom face and two side faces (also called shoulders).
A dado joint is across or perpendicular to the wood grain, which is different from a groove (parallel to the wood grain). The dado joints are used for shelves or panels to create a stable and seamless construction.
This joint has both weaknesses and strengths. It is simple to cut and strong when supported properly. However, it’s not as robust as other joints, like the mortise-and-tenon joint. If you apply sufficient torque to the far end of the inserted board, it will loosen.
There are two types of dado joints:
- Through Dado: It is a U-shaped groove open at both ends.
- Stopped Dado: It is a U-shaped groove with one dead end.
If you don't mind visible joints at both ends, a through dado is a good choice. Conversely, a stopped dado can hide the wood grain at the far end.
How to Cut a Dado with a Table Saw?
The methods of making dadoes are: table saw, router, circular saw, router plane, handsaw, and chisel. In this section, we will introduce how to cut dados with a table saw. Here are two ways: cutting with a regular saw blade and cutting with a dado blade set.
Regular Table Saw Blade
If your table saw is not compatible with dado blades, a regular table saw blade can do this job well. A blade with a flat top grind (FTG) is better because it can leave a flat and smooth bottom face. Now, let’s start cutting a dado joint.
- Determine the location, width, and height of the dado, and mark it on the wood.
- Wear protective equipment like glasses, a mask, and earplugs.
- Power off the table saw and adjust the height of the saw blade.
- Adjust the fence to the correct distance from the saw blade.
- Power on the table saw and cut both shoulders of the dado joint.
- Use a miter gauge or crosscut sled for stability.
- Clear the wood in the middle with multiple passes.
- Use a sandpaper or a chisel to make the bottom smooth (if without a blade with FTG).
- Power off the table saw.
Dado Blade Set
This is the quickest, easiest, and most accurate way of making a dado cut. This way requires you to have a table saw compatible with dado blades.
- Wear protective equipment.
- Determine the location, width, and height of the dado, and mark it on the wood.
- Install the chippers and spacers to make the dado blade set to the right thickness.
- Add scrap wood as the sacrificial fence to protect the table saw fence.
- Adjust the height of the dado set to the depth of the dado.
- Move the fence to the correct distance from the dado set.
- Do a test cut on scrap wood.
- Use a miter gauge or crosscut sled for stability.
- Cut the workpiece and then power off the table saw.
Parting Shot
It is efficient and precise to cut a dado with a table saw. Whether you use a dado blade set or multiple passes with a regular saw blade, the key point is to employ proper and safe cutting techniques. After reading this post, you can make high-strength connections in bookshelves, cabinets, and furniture.
If you don’t use a dado blade set but still want reliable dado cuts, a stable and accurate table saw is essential. FindBuyTool offers a compact table saw for cutting a dado with multiple passes.
The FS255 10” table saw features a compact design, suitable for small workshops and portable to jobsites. Its stable rack-and-pinion fence and consistent accuracy help you make clean, repeatable dado cuts even without a dedicated dado blade system.
If you have any questions about this blog and our products, leave a comment below with your available email. We will reply to you as soon as possible!
Related Read: Dadoes, Rabbets, and Grooves: Three Essential Woodworking Joints Explained
FAQ About How to Cut a Dado with a Table Saw
#1. Do dado blades work on all table saws?
No. Dado blades are specially designed for making dado cuts. However, not all table saws are compatible with dado blades. You need to check the specifications of your table saw.
#2. Can you cut dados without a table saw?
Yes. Except for the table saw, you can cut dados with a router table, handheld router, circular saw, router plane, handsaw, and chisel.
