How to Make a Dado With a Table Saw

You want to use your table saw to cut a dado but you don't have a dado set. Maybe you have one, but your arbor is too short to hold a 3/4-inch stack. With some precise measuring and several passes, you can cut a nice dado with a regular blade.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tape measure
• Scraps for test cuts

1. Set the height of your blade to the depth you want to make your dado. Measure from the top of the table to the highest point of the blade tooth. Run a cut on a scrap of wood to test the depth. Readjust the height if needed. It's a good practice to make a test of each cut, so this step will not repeat in the following steps.

2. Lay out your cut. For this example, suppose you want to cut a 3/4-inch dado, starting 3-1/2 inches from the edge of your stock. Your cut will be from 3-1/2 inches to 4-1/4 inches.

3. Adjust your fence to 3-1/2 inches. Make your first cut.

4. Reset your fence so the far side of the cut will be at 4-1/4 inches. Make your second cut. Check your measurements. These two cuts will be the outer walls of your dado and 3/4 inches apart.

5. Move the fence 1/8 inch closer. Run another cut. This will remove another blade's width of material. Most table saw blades take out about 1/8 inch. Continue bringing the fence in 1/8 inch at a time for each cut until you've cleaned out your dado.

6. Inspect the bottom ledge of your cut. If it is not smooth enough, you can clean it up with a hand chisel. Gently shave away the ridges without increasing the depth.

Tips & Warnings

• If you need several identical pieces, cut all of them at each step before changing the table saw settings.