January 4, 2023
Special cuts made by Dado blades cannot be accomplished by just any type of table saw. There are specific table saws that were designed to fit the Dado blades. Generally, a table saw would consist of a saw blade that is mounted on an arbor and powered by an electric motor, so why can’t a simple change of blade do the trick? It is mainly because of the size of the arbor. It would help if you never took the risk of putting a fully stacked dado blade set on a table saw with a short arbor. Read the manual first before fitting in the dado blade and check if the table saw can work with it.
What is Dado Blade?
A dado blade is a type of circular blade used with a table saw to make dado cuts. These cuts are called grooves, which are also known as dadoes or dado grooves. Woodworkers need this type of blade to make grooves for bookshelves or cabinets. The dado groove is some sort of a slot that would hold a panel of the wood board, such as the bottom of the drawer. These dadoes range from ¼ inch to as wide as 13/16 inch that can be made in one cut.
Types of Dado Blades That You Can Use on Table Saw
There are two types of dado blades available in the market today. Both can provide you with dado cuts, but one has a smoother and clean finish while the other does not yield the same result.
1) Stacked Dado Blade
The stacked dado blades come with a set of spacers, also known as chipper blades and shims. These chippers and shims are inserted between the dado blades to get the required thickness or the right width of the cut. Stacking the right amount of blades and spacers on the arbor would result in a precise dado cut with a smooth finish. Some woodworkers prefer this for its flexibility.
2) Wobble Dado Blade
This type of dado blade consists of only one adjustable blade. You can easily manipulate it to cut at a certain width, but it does wobble or sway into an “S” pattern when cutting, hence the name. Due to this cutting pattern, the result is not as clean as compared to the stacked dado blade type. However, this manner of cutting is easier and more convenient as there is no need for spacers or any type of inserts.
5 Most Recommended Table Saws That Accept Dado Blades
All woodworking shops use dado blades, especially those who are making cabinets, shelves, door panels, and other projects that need dado grooves. It is a common tool found in any construction site, but it would be best to remember not to make a novice mistake by using a dado blade in any table saw you see inside a workshop. You might end up hurting yourself or damaging the dado blades, or the table saw permanently.
When you are starting to build your workshop, whether for personal or for business purposes, it is one of the top things to consider when buying a table saw. Let us look into the top 5 recommended Dado-compatible table saws.
1) DEWALT (DWE7491RS) 10-Inch Table Saw
Key Features: 15 AMP power motor with 4,800 RPM, 3-1/8” depth cut at 90° and 2‑¼” at 45°, 32-½” rip capacity to the right and 22” to the left, 21-7/8” x 26-3/8” table size dimension, rolling stand, 90lbs total weight.
Woodworkers prefer this jobsite table saw due to many convenient features such as the capability of the 10-inch 24-tooth carbide blade in cutting light-duty board and a variety of plywood with different sizes. With the 15-amp powerful motor, the table saw can rip at deck boards without the danger of binding—the rack and pinion telescoping fence system help in cutting boards quickly and accurately.
This DEWALT (DWE7491RS) 10-inch table saw is suitable to use with the 8-inch dado blade up to a maximum of 13/16 inches. There is no need to switch to another table saw if you need dado cuts. An onboard storage system allows convenient access to the other tools without having to leave the table saw.
It also has a rolling stand for easy transport or just for moving inside the workshop or jobsite. Other safety measures are included in the design of the table saw such as Push Stick, Blade Guard, and Blade Wrenches. Additional accessories with the package include Rip Fence, Riving Knife, Miter Gauge, and the instruction manual.
2) Makita 2705X1
Key Features: 15 AMP with 4,800 RPM, 10” blade diameter, 5/8” arbor, tool-less modular blade guard system, 24.6” x 22.4” x 28.6” table size dimension, weighs 145lbs, 3-9/16” depth cut at 90° and 2-½” depth cut at 45°, dado blade up to 13/16”, with extended rip capacity of 25”, 119.5lbs in total weight.
The Makita 2705X1 belonged to the top of the line models of table saws from one of the most reputable power toolmakers in the industry. For those who are familiar with Makita table saws, this is very similar to the Makita 2705 but upgraded with a stand. This is used by professional contractors, so expect the best features and higher price tag.
It is suitable for dado blade cutting as the arbor size will allow stacks of blades inserted on it. You won’t encounter problems using the 8-inch dado blade up to the maximum of 13/16 inches. There are adjustable dual‑side guards that make measurement easy to follow from the blade up to the rip fence. It was designed with a release lever system for riving knife height adjustments in three different positions, including through, non-through, and dado cuts. The Blade guard is clear for easy viewing while cutting wood.
The table saw is powerful enough to cut into 4x material in just one pass. The right extension table provides a wider cutting capacity that can handle 4 x 8 plywood sheets without any problem.
3) SKIL 3410-02 10-Inch Table Saw with Folding Stand
Key Features: 15 AMP, 5000 RPM, 10-inch blade diameter, 3-½” depth cut at 90° and 2-½” depth cut at 45°, carbide-tooth blade, blade guard system, 24-¼” rip capacity to the right and 12” to the left, 20” x 26” table size dimension, weighs 67.5 pounds.
This is a budget-friendly jobsite table saw with not so huge table size dimension. It comes with a heavy-duty steel folding stand for stability but no rolling wheels. The whole thing is easy to assemble as it has a quick-mount clamping system. While it may lack certain features as compared to other advanced table saws, the rip capacity of 24-½” offered with the price range is enough for people to do the job. The table can be extended to the right of the blade, so a full size of 8” x 4” plywood sheet can be easily cut in half.
It is capable of using a dado blade from 8” to 13/16”, which is amazing for this type of table saw. It also comes with a self-aligning fence using the EZ View measurement system along with a miter gauge. The 15 AMP is a powerful motor that can easily spin at 5000 RPM, but it is recommended to upgrade the blade to achieve quality cuts. Safety features included are the clear blade guard, riving knife, and anti-kickback pawls to avoid possible accidents.
4) Metabo HPT Jobsite Table Saw
Key Features: 15 AMP power motor with 4,500 RPM, 10” 40-tooth carbide blade, blade guard, 3-1/8” depth cut at 90° and 2-¼” at 45°, 35” rip capacity to the right and 22” to the left, 28.75” x 22” x 36” size dimension, dado blade compatible, electric-powered, electric brake, 96lbs total weight.
The Metabo HPT Jobsite Table Saw is basically the Hitachi C10RJS 10” Jobsite Table Saw. Only the brand name changed as everything still uses Hitachi technology. The power tool division broke away from the Hitachi group due to corporate mergers.
Aside from the standard 3-1/8” depth cut at 90° and 2-¼” at 45° capability that most job site table saws are known for, Metabo added another feature which makes this table saw suitable for 13/16” dado blade set. There is no need to change the table saw anymore just to get dado cuts.
The extending table on the side allows for a wider ripping capacity. The 15 AMP powerful motor that can spin 4,500 RPMs, ripping plywood sheets, or cross-cutting different types of wood can be done efficiently. It also has onboard storage for accessories, including the blade guard, push stick, anti-kickback pawls, and other tools. Turning it off and on is easy with the soft start and electric brake system they designed for this table saw.
5) DEWALT DW744XRS 10-inch Job Site Table Saw
Key Features: 15 AMP power motor with 4,650 RPM, 10” 24-tooth carbide blade, blade guard, 3-1/8” depth cut at 90° and 2-¼” at 45°, 24-½” rip capacity to the right of the blade, 26-½” x 19-¼” table size dimension, dado blade compatible, rolling stand, 58lbs total weight.
This is a portable DEWALT table saw using the versatile Site-Pro Modular Guarding System that is easy to install with a tool-free adjustment capability. It has a huge rip capacity of 24-½,” which comes in handy for wider wood boards. It also uses telescoping fence design to make it more efficient. With the powerful high-torque 15 AMP motor, it can easily spin at a no-load speed of 3,650 RPM with its 10-inch blade for clean and smooth cuts.
The arbor mechanism allows for a dado blade to work on this portable table saw to the maximum 13/16” wide cut. The soft-start design reduces the strain on the powerful torque motor to keep it from overheating, thereby extending its life.
Conclusion
It is not that difficult to choose the best table saw for your dado blade set even if there is a compatibility issue. It only narrows down the choices to portability and size ripping capacity. Your ultimate choice will boil down to the price tag and project size. Just do not forget to check the specifications in detail to avoid purchasing something that lacks the very feature that you need. Take time to read the details to avoid making a mistake.
Jason is a 40-year-old woodworker, carpenter and author who have been involved in the woodworking and woodcraft industry with 17 years of experience. He is expertise in technical aspects, woodcraft and furniture building projects.