Posts Tagged ‘workshop tools’

Cuttting Dados on the Router or Tablesaw

So your project calls for some precise dados to be cut.  Some are through dados and some are stop dados.  Having never cut one before, which tool do you reach for?

 The thought process:

Router:

Never having done this before, you will have to thing about what you need.  If you use the router, you already have one (assumption).  A straight bit will do the trick for the cutting portion.  What about a dado jig?  How will you guide the router?  Do you need to buy a jig or make it?  Do you have time to make one?

Once you have or make one, you need to practice using it.

 Tablesaw:

Do you have a Dado blade?  Can you afford one?  What is the best brand?  Is your saw big enough to hold one? (check your arbor length, a bench saw arbor are sometimes shorter)  How do I cut the stop dado on the saw?

 These are good questions.  Its better and easier when you already know the answers.  Deciding the first time is what takes all the research and time.  After that when you have the tools, you can easier figure out how you want to tackle the dado proposition on your project.  One of the things I like about the tablesaw, is that it is fast.  I can cut a groove or dado quite quickly.  But I love using my Router Table, and any chance to tweak or improve its capabilities is fun.

The last thought is of course budget.  If you think that you are going to cut a lot of dado’s then the dado blade on your table saw would most likely make the most sense.  If you are budget minded and the only project you may need it on is the one you are working on then the router may suffice.