Many table saws come with a dedicated dado blade which is capable of cutting dados in plywood, which is typically not possible with the standard 10” 36-tooth blade.
For these situations, it’s advisable to look for a saw that has the most powerful motor available in order to maintain a constant speed over the full depth of the dado cut.
Other features like the rolling folding stand and cast iron base are also good candidates for an improved user experience as well as durability.
Lastly, an included fence system can make guiding projects through complex cuts much simpler while also being able to accommodate larger boards that would otherwise need to be ripped down before cutting into dados.
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Below are our top picks for your convenience
Dweller Power’s Best Pick
Best Table Saw for Dado Cuts
DeWALT DWE7491RS
- Powerful No Load Speed Motor
- Up to 4800 RPM
- Rolling Stand
- Rack & Pinion Telescoping Fence System
- Best Table Saw for Dado Cuts
Best Portable Table Saw for Dado Cuts
Delta 36-6013
- Powerful 15 Amp Contractor Grade Motor
- 25″ Rip Capacity for Large Stock
- 13/16″ x 8″ Stacked Dado Capacity
- Heavy-Duty Fence Construction
- Best Portable Table Saw for Dado Cuts
Best Budget Table Saw for Dado Cuts
SKIL TS6307-00
- Rack and Pinion Fence Rails
- Integrated Folding stand
- Parallel Blade Alignment
- 4×4 Cutting Capacity
- Best Budget Table Saw for Dado Cuts
Best Jobsite Table Saw for Dado Cuts
Bosch Power Tools 4100-10
- 15 Amp Motor
- Up to 3,650 RPMs
- Soft Start – Constant Response Circuitry
- Smart Guard System
- Best Jobsite Table Saw for Dado Cuts
Best Cabinet Table Saw for Dado Cuts
Powermatic PM1000
- Accu Fence System
- Blade Surround & Collection Hose
- Patent Arbor Lock
- Precision Ground Cast Iron Base
- Best Cabinet Table Saw for Dado Cuts
What is a dado blade
A dado blade is a saw blade for cutting wide slots, of rectangular cross section, also known as dadoes or rabbets. Dado blades are typically found in table saws and router tables. The width of dadoes can vary from 1/8” up to 6” (3mm x 15mm). The thickness that is cut into the stock (the gullets) is typically 1/4”, though some dado blades are available with varying depth options. In addition to different home applications, dado blades are used in industrial work including cabinet making and furniture manufacturing.
Dados can be cut fast or slow. Fast cuts are typically used for rougher cuts when trying to get the job done quicker. Slow cuts allow a smoother cut and therefore also produce a better finish. The cutting speed of a dado blade may be adjusted by changing the feed rate. In other words, the amount of wood that is fed past the blade per minute. Different dado blades come with variable feed rates to accommodate different types of wood.
Dado blade arbor size refers to the overall size of the cutting portion of a saw blade; in other words, it’s the width of the cutting slot. The arbor size refers to both width and depth. While a standard dado blade will have a 1/4” wide cross section for cutting slot, some dado blades have an option to cut slots with an overall width up to 3-1/2″. When choosing a dado blade, you need to consider how much material you plan on spreading out your material.
Types of dado blade
Stacked Dado Blade
A stacked dado blade is the combination of two or more standard width blades that are layered together. The advantage to a stacked dado set for a dado blade is that it can cut dadoes up to 4 times wider than a regular single-width blade. The amount of material that can be cut with a stacked dado blade is limited only by the width of the material and the length of the blade. A stacked dado blade gives you more flexibility than a single-width dado blade.
Adjustable Dado Blade
The advantage to an adjustable dado blade is that it can be configured to whatever width you need. The disadvantage is that you will have to make multiple passes in order to get your desired width, so it takes longer to achieve your final project. Adjustable blades are typically easier to work with because you can adjust the depth of each pass as needed.
Wobble Dado Blade
A wobble dado blade is a saw blade for an accurate cut of wide slots, of rectangular cross section. It has a central arbor that is set at an angle to the blade’s axis, which causes it to cut with a rocking motion from side-to-side. The result of using a wobble blade is that the slot ends up as a “wobbling” slot rather than being perfectly straight down the centerline.
What Is a Dado Stack?
A dado stack is a set of three blades that can be used together to make one of the most accurate cuts: the box joint. A dado stack can be made up of three different-sized saw blades with different numbers of teeth. This allows you to make several widths at once, instead of having to change your blade width every time you need a new cut.
What Is a Dado Joint?
A dado joint is a type of joint that is the result of cutting wood along an external surface (that runs along its length) with a saw blade, in such a way that the cut creates two surfaces (of equal height) connecting two pieces of wood. This type of joint is used to create the interlocking channels or rabbets in which two pieces fit.
This type of joint is to join boards together. It’s typically seen on furniture and other objects where you need a secure connection. One advantage for this type of joint vs other wooden joints, like butt joints or lap joints, is that it can be glued very efficiently and eliminate any gaps between the parts being joined together.
What Is a Dado Outer Blade?
The outer blades is a type of saw blade that allows you to make dadoes on the outer edge of your workpiece. This can be useful when you need to rout out the “ears” on a cabinet face frame. Dado outs, like a standard dado blade, are typically available as stacked blades or adjustable-width blades.
5 Best Table Saw for Dado Cuts
#1 DeWALT DWE7491RS –
Best Table Saw for Dado Cuts
The DeWALT DWE7491RS is the best table saw for dado cuts because it has a powerful motor that will provide a constant speed over the full depth of the dado cut and includes an included fence system. The dual bevel feature in this DeWALT table saw allows better control when making angled cuts and the laser guide makes precision cuts incredibly easy.
Review:
At 90 pounds, the Dewalt DWE7491RS is one of the heavy duty builds in the market. It also means it can make serious work out of your woodworking projecst. Definitely designed to utilize it’s power, it can be used for virtually all kinds of specialty cutting.
A powerful motor is what makes this table saw so great for dado cuts with its 15 amp motor, the DeWALT DWE7491rs is one of the most powerful motors on our list. Its motor gives it a constant speed of 4800 RPM over the full depth of the dado cut. Especially useful for when you’re cutting wider pieces with a stacked dado blade, this table saw will have no problem keeping up with your demands.
The rip fence is one of the biggest advantages that this saw has over some of its competitors because it has an included fence system that can be extended to whatever length need to make room for a wider piece. As mentioned by DeWALT’s specifications, this table saw’s dado insert can handle a maximum width of 13/16”.
Overall, this is the highest rated table saw in the market because of it’s top features without compromise for the money. This makes it one of the best table saws for the money which helps you save more time, because of its efficiency, and save more money.
Pros:
- Powerful No Load Speed Motor
- Up to 4800 RPM
- Rolling Stand
- Rack & Pinion Telescoping Fence System
- Best Table Saw for Dado Cuts
Cons:
- Packaging may be an issue
#2 Delta 36-6013 –
Best Portable Table Saw for Dado Cuts
Review:
The Delta 36-6013 Portable Table Saw is the best portable table saw for dado cuts because it has a powerful motor that will provide a constant speed over the full depth of the dado cut and includes an included fence system. The dual bevel feature allows better control when making angled cuts and the laser guide makes precision cuts incredibly easy.
At 60 pounds, this table saw is lighter than some of its competitors, which can make it easier to transport. Like all other table saws in this weight class, it’s still best if you can get as many people as possible to move it from one place to another.
A powerful motor is what makes this table saw so great for dado cuts. At a 15 amp motor, the Delta 36-6013 Portable Table Saw is one of the most powerful motors on our list. Its motor gives it a constant 13/16” x 8” full depth of the dado cut. Especially useful for when you’re cutting wider pieces with a stacked dado blade, this table saw will have no problem keeping up with your demands.
Pros:
- Powerful 15 Amp Contractor Grade Motor
- 25″ Rip Capacity for Large Stock
- 13/16″ x 8″ Stacked Dado Capacity
- Heavy-Duty Fence Construction
- Best Portable Table Saw for Dado Cuts
Cons:
- Stock Blade not aligned properly
#3 SKIL TS6307-00 –
Best Budget Table Saw for Dado Cuts
Review:
The SKIL TS6307-00 is the best budget table saw for dado cuts. It has a 15 amp comes with a 10″ blade, which will be great for cutting smaller pieces with smaller blades. The rip fence is one of the biggest advantages that this saw has over some of its competitors because it has an included fence system that can be extended to whatever length need to make room for a wider piece.
What makes this table saw special is the Rip Cut feature where it comes equipped with a fence system that can be detached and adjusted to any length needed for your different projects.
The rip cut is up to 25 ½” wide and can handle up to a 32” wide piece of material. The blade guard included helps promote a safer working environment as well as a dust-cutting system to keep clean while you work.
The best part about the SKIL TS6307-00 is that it comes with everything you need to get started including safety glasses, side handles, cast iron wings for stability, and much more!
Being one of the budget picks for table saws, a lot choose this as their best beginner table saw for their breakthrough into woodworking.
Pros:
- Rack and Pinion Fence Rails
- Integrated Folding stand
- Parallel Blade Alignment
- 4×4 Cutting Capacity
- Best Budget Table Saw for Dado Cuts
Cons:
- Frame not that durable
#4 Bosch Power Tools 4100-10 –
Best Jobsite Table Saw for Dado Cuts
Review:
In general, the Bosch Power Tools 4100-10 is the best jobsite table saw for dado cuts because it has a powerful motor that will provide a constant speed over the full depth of the dado cut and includes an included fence system. The dual bevel feature allows better control when making angled cuts and the laser guide makes precision cuts incredibly easy.
At 60 pounds, this jobsite saw is lighter than some of its competitors, which can make it easier to transport. Like all other table saws in this weight class, it’s still best if you can get as many people as possible to move it from one place to another.
Its motor gives it a constant speed of 3650 RPM over the full depth of the dado cut. Especially useful for when you’re cutting wider pieces with a stacked dado blade, this table saw will have no problem keeping up with your demands.
The Bosch 4100-10 is also being considered as one of the best hybrid table saws in the market, although this has been highly debated upon by woodworkers, but it makes sense because of the high quality features included in this table saw that most often is only seen from cabinet table saws.
Pros:
- 15 Amp Motor
- Up to 3,650 RPMs
- Soft Start – Constant Response Circuitry
- Smart Guard System
- Best Jobsite Table Saw for Dado Cuts
Cons:
- Ball bearings in the motor may cause an issue
#5 Powermatic PM1000 –
Best Cabinet Table Saw for Dado Cuts
Review:
The Powermatic PM1000 is the best cabinet table saw designed for cutting dadoes or cutting tenons into a workpiece.
This cabinet saw features a powerful 1-3/4 HP induction motor which delivers high torque and speed to the blade. The PM1000, with an outfeed extension, can handle boards up to 30″ wide. It has two height-adjustable tables for dado cuts on the right side and blades with holes in the arbor support plate that allow multiple blades to be mounted at different heights and angles without sacrificing blade width.
With all cabinet table saws, the sidearm of this cabinet saw can rotate left or right of center enabling users to make short cuts on longboards without having to adjust the miter gauge location. This machine is well suited for professional woodworkers and can be found on the job in a variety of applications.
Additional features include a rollerblade arbor, riving knife, micro-adjust dials for blade height & angle, and dust port attachments.
Pros:
- Accu Fence System
- Blade Surround & Collection Hose
- Patent Arbor Lock
- Precision Ground Cast Iron Base
- Best Cabinet Table Saw for Dado Cuts
Cons:
- Expensive for DIY’ers
Best Dado
Table Saw Blade
Oshlun SDS-0630
The Oshlun SDS-0630 is the best dado table saw blade because it can produce a clean and accurate set of teeth and can be used on both table saws or radial arm saws with no problem.
Review:
This is an 8 TPI, carbide tipped, dado blade and is delivered as a dado blade set . The blade has a 30 tooth count for ripping cuts and includes pilot holes to allow it to be used with a drill press or other machinery.
The cutting diameter is .058″ and the arbor hole size is 5/8″. The cutting width ranges from 1/4″ to 29/32″ and the cutting depth is 1/4″.
This blade will accommodate right-angle or standard style mounts and can be mounted on a miter gauge or with the help of a laser base. The handle is made from a durable rubber for maximum grip with sharp bits in use.
A convenient instruction booklet is included in this package, to assist the user in correctly installing and adjusting the blade for optimum performance.
The blade also comes with a protective cover that fits over both teeth and teeth bed to prevent scratches during installation and when not in use. This cover also helps to keep small particles removed from entering into the motor housing while working on your project.
Pros:
- Professional Grade C-4 Carbide
- Full Body Chippers
- Precision Ground Carbide Tips
- Shim Set
- Best Dado Table Saw Blade
Cons:
- Not Cheap
Dado Blade Comparison:
Dado Blade vs Rip Blade
A dado blade is a saw blade that can be added to a table saw and is used for cutting dadoes. Dado blades have two sets of teeth on one side of the blade, which are set at alternating angles. These teeth allow you to cut multiple widths without having to change your blade – all you need to do is rotate your workpiece.
A rip blade, cuts across the wood grain and it’s perfect for cutting boards or sheets of material such as plywood or drywall. The teeth on rip blades have alternating shapes: some are angled inwards while others are angled outwards; this enables the blade to cut with less resistance and yet give more power to the blade, giving you a smoother cut.
Both types of blades are suitable for cutting wood and you will be able to cut dadoes in wood by using either type of blade. However, it’s important to note that dado blades are more suitable for making smooth cuts while rip blades are more suited for making ripping cuts.
Dado Blade vs Combination Blade
A dado blade is a saw blade that can be added to a table saw and is used for cutting dadoes. Dado blades have two sets of teeth on one side of the blade, which are set at alternating angles. These teeth allow you to cut multiple widths without having to change your blade – all you need to do is rotate your workpiece.
A combination blade is a woodworking tool that has both rip teeth and crosscut teeth. The crosscut teeth allow the user to get more precise cuts while ripping or slicing through their material, while also being able to make cleaner straight cuts with less effort on the part of the user than if they were using an actual straight-cutting table saw blade. Both types of blades are suitable for cutting wood and you will be able to cut dadoes in wood by using either type of blade.
However, it’s important to note that dado blades are more suitable for making smooth cuts while rip blades are more suited for making ripping cuts.
Dado Blade vs Chipper Blade
A dado blade is a type of saw blade that can be added to a table saw and is used for cutting dadoes. Dado blades have two sets of teeth on one side of the blade, which are set at alternating angles. These teeth allow you to cut multiple widths without having to change your blade – all you need to do is rotate your workpiece.
A chipper blade, on the other hand, removes material from an object by slicing through it without cutting away its edges. The teeth in a chipper’s blades are angled outwards and they have thinner kerfs than dado blades. Unlike most types of woodworking tools, there’s no heel or tooth height adjustment available on chipper blades because they rely on the thickness of their teeth to cut through the wood.
Both types of blades are suitable for cutting wood and you will be able to cut dadoes in wood by using either type of blade.
Dweller Power’s Best Table Saw for Dado Cuts Buying Guide
Miter Gauge
A miter gauge is a saw blade guide that is mounted on the left side of the blade and supports a workpiece as it slides past, which allows you to make accurate crosscuts.
Some have a locking mechanism to keep them in place and many include scales on both sides which allow you to easily see what the angle of your cut will be so you can adjust your miter saw while simultaneously locking it into position.
While most are made from wood or plastic, some manufacturers have opted for aluminum for their gauge scales due to its strength against heat and abuse. The best table saw miter gauges are easy enough to read even when they’re wet or covered with sawdust, often because their numbers are raised above their surface.
Blade Guard
Blade Guards are safety devices that prevent the user from coming into contact with the table saw blade. There are a few different types of blade guards:
Fixed Blade Guard: A fixed blade guard is used when a rip cut has to be made on material with an edge cleaner. The guard prevents fingers or hands from getting caught and injured by the spinning saw blade. This type of guard attaches to the profile of the table saw’s insert plate and can’t be manually adjusted or removed.
Flexible Blade Guard: A flexible blade guard is made from rubber, steel mesh, clear plastic acrylic, metal mesh or polyurethane; it attaches to a clamp on table surface using an asymmetrical clamping system that enables it to expand and move locally in a radial pattern. This allows the guard to expand around obstacles and not be hindered by them.
Splitter: A splitter is a safety device that helps prevent kickback, which is what happens when a piece of wood kicks back as you’re cutting it. It’s placed in front of the saw blade and helps prevent wood from hitting the backside of the blade; this has the effect of preventing kickback without sacrificing capacity for ripping cuts. This type of safety device can be manually adjusted to three different widths depending on your needs, or it can be removed entirely when ripping long boards.
Rip Fence
A rip fence is a tool that helps guide the motion of a table saw blade, and it’s typically used to make ripping cuts. It can be adjusted in both height and width so you can easily cut large pieces of wood. Some models have a stop block feature as well as an anti-kickback pawl which helps prevent your workpiece from getting caught on the edge of the blade and preventing injury.
Riving Knife
A riving knife is a type of blade guard that can be mounted on the front side of the blade and it helps prevent kickback by lowering down on the material and preventing it from ever getting close to the teeth. It also protects you from injury by absorbing some of the pressure created when cutting. The design of this safety device is such that its use isn’t limited to just table saws, as many professionals find them indispensable for band saws as well.
The biggest advantage to using a riving knife is that it reduces tear-out, which occurs when your material’s fibers are cut at an angle instead of being cut straight across. This causes them to break away instead of remaining attached to your workpiece.
Dust Collection
One of the worst parts of woodworking or working with materials that produce a lot of dust is the mess that it leaves behind.
A dust collection port can help you combat this problem by sucking up sawdust, chips and other debris as you work. This saves not just your workplace, but yourself and any visitors to your workspace from getting dirty. It also helps keep your lungs from getting clogged up with harmful dust particles as well!
Throat Plate
A throat plate is a type of saw blade guide that is fixed to the saw’s table. It can come in different styles, and the one you need will depend on whether you’re cutting lumber, plywood or drywall. Some may be equipped with slots for handling scrolling work as well.
Outfeed Table
A very useful tool for a table saw is the outfeed table because it provides a way to support longer boards and pieces of material while you’re cutting them. There are various designs for an outfeed table, but most are either sliding tables or cantilever tables that can be used to support material as you make cuts.
Folding Stand
Due to its design, this safety device can be used for many different tools, not just saws – as many professionals find them indispensable for band saws as well. One big advantage of using a folding stand is that it’s easy to move and take with you, which means you can use it anywhere you need.
When choosing the best table saw stand, one must take into consideration the compatibility with what table saw you’re mounting on it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can a dado blade be used in a radial arm saw?
No, dado blades are designed for table saw use only, not for a radial arm saw.
Can a dado blade be used in a circular saw?
No, dado blades are designed for table saw use only, not for a circular saw.
Can a dado blade be used in a miter saw?
No, dado blades are designed for table saw use only, not for a miter saw.
Can a dado blade be used as a circular saw blade?
No, as the mounting mechanism is difference for a circular saw blade from a dado blade.
Can you rip wood with a dado blade?
No, dado blades are used to make crosscuts and dadoes, but they’re not suitable for ripping.
Can you do a miter cut with a dado blade?
Yes, depending on the features of your table saw, you can do a miter cut using a dado blade. Although it’s not made for that type of cuts.
Is the DeWALT DW745 discontinued?
Yes, the DeWALT DW745 has been discontinued.
Best Table Saw for Dado Cuts
Final Thoughts
This ends our Review Series for the Best Table Saw for Dado Cuts.
With all that said, remember that to maximize efficiency in your work-shed and workshop projects, you need the Best Table Saw for Dado Cuts. The Best Table Saw for Dado Cuts will be the key to your next project that requires intensive dadoing for woodworking. So you better choose wisely!
We want you to be sure of what you plan to get, please don’t hesitate to ask for advice.
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Charles is a veteran woodworker and wants to help people online to learn more about woodworking. He hopes to encourage more people to build their own furniture and get comfortable with using power tools.
In this blog post, Charles shares a few tips for getting started on your DIY woodworking journey, plus all the resources and websites he recommends for learning the craft. You’ll be surprised how easy it is to start from scratch!
