How to Use a Stack Dado
If you're new to woodworking, using a table saw with one blade may be intimidating enough. The thought of stacking several blades side by side and flipping the switch could be terrifying. It doesn't need to be. Dados are a great technique for joining shelves to bookcases and cabinets. They lend structural integrity and strength to a project. Once you learn how to stack the blades, they're easy to use as well. As with all woodworking projects, measurements are critical for a tight fit. So it's always a good idea to make test cuts in scrap material before turning good material into scrap. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Dado stack set
- Table saw
- Blade wrench
- Scrap block
- Work gloves
- Dado insert for table saw
- Screwdriver
Instructions
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Setting the dado stack
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1
Unplug the table saw. If the power switch on your saw has a safety key, remove it.
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2
Turn the switch on and off to be sure you unplugged the right power cord.
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3
Remove the blade insert. Use a screwdriver to remove the screw that secures the insert and remove it from the table. Keep the screw handy to secure the dado insert.
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4
Place a block of wood against cutting edge of blade on the input side of the table. This will keep blade from turning as you loosen the nut that holds it in place. Use blade wrench to remove nut.
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5
Remove blade from arbor. It's a good idea to wear work gloves while handling saw blades. A small slip can cause a big cut.
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6
Place first blade of dado set on arbor. Next, slide a chipper onto the arbor. Be sure chipper is positioned so that its teeth fall in the gaps between the teeth of the outer blade. Dado sets are designed with the teeth slightly wider than the body of the blade. Allowing teeth of adjacent blade to touch will cause your stack to bulge, making accurate measurement difficult.
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7
Continue to stack chipper blades until you reach 1/8 inch less than the desired width.
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8
Place outside blade on arbor. Replace nut on arbor and tighten. Measure width of dado stack. If stack is too thin, remove nut and outer blade. Place washers included with dado set between chippers until desired width is achieved. You may need to repeat this step several times.
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9
Place dado insert in position on table and secure with screw.
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10
Replace safety key in switch. Plug in saw.
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11
Adjust saw to desired depth of cut.
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12
Make test cut in scrap and measure. Adjust blade if necessary.
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1
Tips & Warnings
It may be necessary to adjust the width of the stack several times to get exactly the measurement you want.
If you plan to use standard dado widths for several projects, it would be a good idea to number the chippers and spacing washers with a permanent marker. Write down the numbers used for different widths and keep a record in the shop for future reference.
Shims should be staggered throughout the stack to insure a clean bottom cut.
Always use proper safety equipment when operating a table saw.
Never change a blade while the saw is plugged into an outlet.
