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Whether you enjoy working with wood as your hobby or it’s your profession, you are likely to require cut grooves for a workpiece at some point. For that, you must be accurate and precise. Otherwise, the slots might not line up with your finished project.
Though a table saw is crucial to help you get clean edges, that’s not the only thing to consider. Precise grooves are often hard without dado blades.
If you’re buying your first dado blade, you may not realize the difference between wobble blades and stacked blades. With that, it’s hard to know what dado stacks you need and the number of teeth required. Overall, having the best dado blade set lets you cut grooves effortlessly and precisely. With so many options available, how do you choose the right one?
You don’t want to make an expensive error and choose the wrong stacked dado blade set! That’s where this guide can help. It explains everything you must know about a table saw stack dado set, which offers two blades instead of one blade. Let’s get started!
Best Dado Blade Set Options – Reviews
It’s great to have plenty of options, but it can also make it hard to choose the best product. Let’s take a look at the options available to find you the best dado blade sets. They include:
Oshlun SDS-0842 42-tooth Stack Dado Blades Set – 8-inch
Oshlun is one of the top manufacturers and has made the dado market quite competitive. It offers specialty blades that are made with high-quality carbide teeth. The 42-tooth Stack Dado set includes eight-inch blades, but you also get a shim set and full-body chippers to finely adjust the woodworks.
You’re likely to realize the build quality of this stacked dado set once it’s in your hands. The carbide tips of the Oshlun SDS-0842 add a professional touch to everything you do.
In fact, the ground carbide teeth let you get the precision you require for each wood-cutting project. Whether you’re moving through softwood, plywood, or hardwood, it’s a walk in the park for these 8-inch chipper blades on the Oshlun SDS-0842!
With that, you don’t have to worry about the chipper blades losing their sharpness soon. Since they incorporate Tungsten tips, they retain the edges for a longer period. That means they can cut through anything for many years to come.
This stacked dado set is ideal for a table saw, and the eight-inch blade makes it durable and strong. There are 42 serrated teeth, and you also get high-density, full-body chippers to get a smooth finish for your projects.
Overall, this 42-stack dado set is super flexible, so you’re not troubled when adjusting them on the table saw. The stacked dado feature ensures that you get rid of more vibrations that occur while sawing through hard materials. In a sense, this dado blade makes sure that your workflow is steady and uninterrupted, making it the best dado blade set!
Pros:
- Super flexible
- Easy to set up
- Stays sharp for long periods
- Professional-grade performance
- High-quality carbide construction
Cons:
- Broken teeth possible when set ships
- May not fit a 5/8-inch arbor
- Must buy own throat plate or make one
Mibro 416381 Carbide Stacking Dado Blade Set – 8-inch
When working on your latest project, you might want to cut grooves of different widths. It’s not possible to find a unit for each width you might require. However, that’s why you need to check out the Stacking Dado Blade Set from Mibro.
Overall, you may not have to look at other chipper blades after buying this one because it can cut a specific width for projects of any size grooves. Plus, this dado set gets you a width within 1/4 to 13/16 inches in 1/16-inch increments!
The 8-inch blades offer you more precision, and you get grooves with flat bottoms, clean edges, and square shoulders. With this stacked dado set, it’s easier to get smooth cuts for wooden workpieces. Overall, you should be happy with those cuts.
If that weren’t enough, you can get different cut types with this Stacking Dado Blade Set from Mibro. It gives you fillet, dado groove, mortise, rabbet, and tenon options. Plus, the instructions are labeled for this dado set, so you can follow along easily.
Overall, the stacked dado blade comes with seven metal shims, five chippers, and 8-inch blades. The high-quality dado blades ensure that you have fewer teeth in the shim set and can still get what you need done. Plus, the chippers use a negative hook angle to ensure that you don’t have splinters in the work.
To top it off, you get a durable case to make it easy to carry. There are internal dividers inside to keep everything secure and organized.
Pros:
- Splinter-free chippers
- Features an instruction guide
- Has a durable case
- Sharp carbide teeth
- Square shoulders and flat bottoms possible with this shim set
- Seven different metal shims
Cons:
- Damage possible during shipping
- 1/8-inch chipper not precise
Freud SD208 Professional Dado – 8-inch
During your search for the top dado blade sets, you might find yourself checking out a few manufacturers. However, you should definitely consider the Freud brand, as it offers durability.
Unlike most dado blades on the market, this one features TiCo teeth made of high-density titanium. This construction ensures a long service life and provides a flawless finish. Overall, you don’t have to deal with the carbide teeth losing functionality.
Plus, the carbide tips are very sharp and retain their edge for a while. You aren’t likely to need a new dado set for a long period.
The chippers feature negatively angled hooks to offer clean and flat bottom grooves. Since it features the angled design, you don’t get splinters from the 8-inch blades.
With that, you can get many different cut sizes with this dado blade set. It comes in 1/16-inch increments.
There are also two outer blades and three chippers. Plus, the shim set lets you fine-tune your cuts easily.
Pros:
- Includes shim set
- Offers various cut sizes
- Provides splinter-free cuts
- Blades retain edge
- Great durability
Cons:
- Doesn’t fit a 5/8-inch arbor
- Loose blades; can come out while working with the table saw
Dewalt DW7670 Stacked Dado Set – 8-inch
Those who are familiar with power tools are sure to have heard of Dewalt before. It’s incredibly reliable and known for its great performance. This stack dado set is a great example of why people fall in love with the brand.
Compared to other blades, these 8-inch blades use heavy-gauge laser plates. That means you get extremely precise and accurate cuts each time. Plus, the design of the dado set ensures that it can be used for long periods. You don’t have to worry about the chipper blades losing functionality after a few sessions.
On top of that, this stacked dado set features micro-grain carbide teeth. That means they don’t splinter as other blades do. Therefore, you get smooth, clean cuts that aren’t jagged!
There are also chippers in the box with this dado blade set. They each have four teeth outside and can enhance the quality of your cuts. Plus, these stacked dado blades feature stainless steel shims, so they’re durable and let you fine-time the width of your cut based on your needs.
You’re sure to appreciate the storage case, too. This helps you organize and carry your blades. It also protects them from scratches and chips during transport.
Pros:
- Laser-cut plates
- Durable storage case included
- Stainless steel for the seven shims
- Less splintering and more precise cuts
- Micro-grain carbide for the teeth
Cons:
- Doesn’t include a manual
- Can come with broken chipper nuts
Oshlun SBJ-0830 Box and Finger Joint Set – 8-inch
It can be hard to choose between the best dado blade sets, but Oshlun is a top option for professional woodworking blades. That’s because its products are of high-quality and very reliable. However, that comes with a price, and this dado set isn’t the least expensive out there.
The dado blade set is still affordable for many price ranges. You get two units and finger joints, which is perfect for when you want to make precise cuts and are on a budget.
You’re sure to appreciate the 8-inch blades, and there are 30 teeth on the outside blades. Though you don’t always need more teeth, the higher number of teeth means that you get finger, square notches, and smooth cuts in the two most common widths. That means you get 1/4-inch and 3/8-inch cuts.
This carbide stacking dado is also affordable, so you can make groove cuts whenever you want. The micro-grain tips are made of carbide, so they’re durable and strong.
Overall, you can cut through hardwood and softwood with ease. There’s also a storage case with an instruction manual.
Pros:
- Premium construction
- Storage case included
- Detailed instruction manual
- Cuts in the most popular widths
- Customized insert plate
- Strong outside blades
Cons:
- Tricky to cut square grooves with these dado stacks
- Can’t offer flat 1/4-inch cuts
Porter-Cable 7005012 Oldham Adjustable Dado Blade
Though an 8-inch or 7-inch dado blade set is what most people want, don’t sell the Porter-Cable brand short. If you’ve got a small table saw, the 7-inch dado set here might be ideal.
Overall, dado blades are crucial to get precision cuts in the wood. You may decide on something smaller, so that’s why this one was included in the list.
Just like its name suggests, the blades are completely adjustable. You can switch between seven widths by adjusting the hub. That means you can cut 7/16-, 9/16-, 1/2-, 5/16-, and 3/8-inch grooves.
Each blade in this 30-tooth stack dado set features industrial-grade tips. The carbide edges let you have smooth and clean cuts for the wood piece and are quite sharp.
You can also use these dado stacks with full-sized table saws. It easily fits into tables that are 8-10 inches, with a 5/8-inch arbor.
Since it doesn’t have a six-inch blade, you may wonder if it can make the dado cut you want. However, 7-inch blades tend to work well and are rated for 7,000 RPM. Therefore, it’s great for hardwood, melamine softwood, plywood, and composite.
Pros:
- Fits most table saws
- Adjustable hub
- Wider range of cutting width
- Precision cuts
- 7-inch blades
Cons:
- Doesn’t fit in tables with small arbors
- Flimsy blades
Irwin Tools 1811865 Marples Stack – 8-inch
Another great option is the 12-tooth stack dado set from Irwin Tools. If you want something that fits in table saws and radial arm saws, then you definitely want to see this dado set.
The 8-inch blades are designed to work well in radial arm or table saws. Once they’re secure, they can handle the groove cut, tongue cuts, rabbets, and even shelving.
With that, they have oversized teeth made of carbide. That way, you get plenty of sharpness and can cut through plywood, softwood, or hardwood easily.
You’re sure to appreciate that this dado blade set retains its edges for longer periods. Even when they get dull, you may sharpen the outer two blades effortlessly.
This stacked dado set can cut many groves between 1/4 and 7/8 inches. On top of it all, the blades are heat-resistant and have a non-stick coating. That means they don’t get discolored, and you have smoother cuts each time.
Lastly, this package of dado blades offers three chippers, seven shims, and three spaces!
Pros:
- Fits table and radial arm saws
- Heat-resistant exterior
- Non-stick coating
- Seven shims
- Oversized carbide teeth
- Can resharpen edges
Cons:
- After resharpening, blades dull quickly
- Missing items possible in package
Benefits of Using a Dado Blade
There are some advantages of using the best dado blade set out there that other tools can’t handle. They include:
Ease of Use
Unlike other power tools used to cut wood, dado blades offer a design that lets you make joint cuts, grooves, and rabbets quickly. You may also make various slots in the wooden project with a dado set.
Set-up Process
A dado blade set is reasonably easy to use, so it’s no trouble to set them up. Most sets come with a guideline in the package. Even if they don’t, you can figure it out yourself or watch online videos to learn what you need.
Plus, a stacked set fits in most saw tables. You can also make a makeshift one if you don’t have the right table. Generally, you’ve got wood lying around, so it’s not hard to do.
Precision
On top of that, a dado blade set offers excellent accuracy, which means you get cuts that are precise. This is often tough to do with other tools. In fact, you don’t have to put in tons of effort to line up the slots in the wood piece with stacked sets.
Lifespan
You’re sure to appreciate that the dado blade set features high-quality construction. Therefore, it lasts longer than other products, and the edges stay sharp, too.
Buyer’s Guide
Not all dado blades give you a great performance, so you’ve got to be careful and choose the best dado blade set you can get for the budget you’ve got. To do that, you need to focus on a few things:
Types
Before you start looking at blades, you must understand the types available. You’ve got two options – stacked dado sets and the wobble dado blade.
Stacked sets are what woodworkers prefer because they’re precise and easy to maneuver. They’re stacked because one blade is right next to the other. Between them, you have at least one chipper blade, though you may have more.
Depending on the manufacturer you choose, the units come with 18 to 40 teeth.
There is also the wobble blade option, which only has one circular blade. Typically, the wobble dado blade is mounted at an angle, so they wobble backward and forward.
The wobbling is why it’s called a wobble blade. Because of that, they can produce inaccurate cuts. Therefore, most professionals don’t consider a wobble blade for wood-cutting projects that require a cleaner groove.
Tooth Count
The number of teeth dado blades have can impact the cut on the wood. With higher-density teeth, you can have smoother and finer cuts. Plus, the number the disc has can depend on the size of the blade. Typically, there are more teeth with a bigger blade.
Generally, the market offers dado set options between 6 and 8 inches. An eight-inch blade is the most popular becomes it gives deeper cuts than the other ones.
Sharpness
The overall sharpness of the dado set is another crucial factor. You don’t want something that can’t cut through various hardwoods, do you? That’s why you need to think of how sharp the dado blade is. When it’s sharper, it’s easier to get through the wood piece.
Cut Quality from Outer Blades
Most dado blade units offer a jagged cut. If that’s the case, you must look for hook angles. If you’ve got negative hook angles, the two outer blades produce splinter-free cuts and offer a flat, smooth cut for the wood piece.
Durability
You want the dado set that you’re investing money into to be durable and last a long time. Therefore, if you find something that chips within a few uses, this is an expensive mistake. Overall, it’s crucial to think about how long the dado blade might last.
It’s best to think about the material used in its construction. While most of them use hi-density carbide, some might not. You can also find TiCo carbide, which is a bit stronger and mixed with titanium.
While you can find options made of stainless steel, they often lose their edges quickly and aren’t the best choice.
Compatibility
Compatibility is also crucial before making a purchase. It’s important to know the saw table’s arbor size so that you get a dado set that corresponds with it.
Otherwise, you have to return the dado blade, which can be a big hassle because you’ve got to wait even longer to start using the machine. You may also incur return shipping costs, which isn’t a good thing.
Cut Widths
While most blades on the market cut different sizes, some of them also include an adjustment knob for on-the-go changes. However, they may still have issues getting the cut width you require at that time.
Therefore, you must think about whether the dado blade you buy can cut the width you need or not. This is often shown on the packaging, so you can check before you purchase it.
Manual
Professional woodworkers don’t need an instruction manual, so they may not care. However, if you’re new to dado blades and bought a new saw table to cut precision grooves, you want a manual to help you figure out what to do.
Manuals talk about the installation process for the dado set and about the adjustments it can make. Therefore, it’s a touch easier for beginners to get started.
FAQs
Which Blade Type Is Suitable for You?
Since there are two choices, it’s completely based on preference. However, wobble versions aren’t often accurate, and professionals prefer to use a stacked dado set. They’re often easier to work with and produce a more accurate and precision cut. With that, experts who create wooden pieces of art should definitely go with dado blade sets that are stacked.
Other than that, it’s up to you which size dado blade you like most. Eight inches is the most common, but there are so many other sizes that might fit your saw table better.
What Type of Saw Is Used to Attach the Blades?
It doesn’t matter if you have the best dado blades if you don’t have the right radial arm or table saw! While some people have had luck attaching dado blades to circular saws, it’s not recommended. However, if that’s all you have, and you bought the wrong blade, you may want to give it a try. Generally, though, it’s better to work with the right tools to achieve a flat bottom and smoother cut.
What Safety Measures Should You Follow?
You shouldn’t remove the throat plate to use the dado blade. With that, you need to ensure that your arbor nut is secured and tight. Remember, the blades run at high speeds, so you want to keep a safe distance from the unit while you work.
What’s a Rabbet Joint?
The rabbet joint is a groove that’s often cut at the edges of your workpiece. Any dado set should be able to cut one, but it depends on the user’s skill level. They’re generally two-sided when you view it from a cross-section.
Can the Dado Blade’s Teeth Chip Off?
Even the best dado blade can have the teeth chip off the blade. Though it’s often associated with low-quality materials and non-durable products, it sometimes happens during the shipping process. When you receive your products, make sure to inspect the blades carefully.
What Are the Most Common Joints Made with a Dado Blade?
There are four primary joints available:
- Dado – Dado joints are the most common, and some think it’s the easiest. This is a slot or trench you make into your wood’s surface. When viewing it at the cross-section, it has three sides, and you may cut across or perpendicular to the grain.
- Finger – Finger joints are sometimes called comb joints. To make it, you must cut corresponding rectangular slots into two pieces of wood, joining them with wood glue.
- Tenon – The tenon is a rail that is formed at the end of a wood piece to insert into a square or rectangular hole that you must drill out of another piece.
- Rabbet – Rabbets are recesses or grooves where woodworkers cut the end of the wood. When you view it from the side, it seems two-sided and is open to the surface edge.
Conclusion
When you’re cutting grooves in wood items, accuracy is crucial. Most people focus solely on precision and don’t mind spending a bit more on tools that help them achieve their goals. When you choose dado blades, you get incomparable precision.
After learning about the stacked dado blade and the wobble one, you’ve got a clearer picture of why people like the stacked version more.
Whether you have your eye on a particular set or aren’t sure what you need, the best dado blade set is the Oshlun SDS-0842. It’s an 8-inch dado that has everything you need to get clean, flat cuts. Though it doesn’t come in a heavy-duty case, it does feature a compact plastic case to house the 42-tooth stack dado until you’re ready to use it.
This product does so well because it cuts different slot widths. Woodworkers can make fine adjustments with the four tooth chippers to help with lap joints and all the rest. You’re sure to find that this option works well for you.
