Woodworking 101: How to Cut a Dado with Table Saw?

To figure out how to cut a dado with table saw, you must set the blade height, width, and fence to the desired size. Then, make several passes over the wood, gradually increasing the depth of the cut with each pass until you reach the desired depth. Finally, clean up the edges with a chisel or router plane.

If you like to build things with wood, you might want to make strong joints that look nice. One way to do that is by cutting a “dado” using a tool called a table saw. A dado is like a groove that you cut into the wood to fit another piece of wood into it. 

This makes your creation stronger and more stable. Whether you’re building a bookshelf or a cabinet, learning how to cut a dado with a table saw can help you make your projects look like a pro made them!

Learn more about the Dado here.

If you like to build things with wood, you might want to use different types of joints to hold the pieces together. Box Joints and Rabbet Joints are two other ways to make joints in woodworking. But if you want to make a Dado Joint, you’re in the right place!

Here, we’ll show you how to use a table saw to cut a Dado Joint. Just follow these steps to make sure you do it right!

Step #1: Preparing To Cut A Dado With Table Saw

Before you start cutting a dado, you must collect the tools and materials:

• A table saw
• A dado blade
• Wood for the project
• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• Safety gear (gloves, goggles, ear protection)

Ensure that your table saw is properly set up and the blade is securely fastened. Take a few minutes to review the owner’s manual to make sure you know how to operate the saw safely.

Step #2: Marking And Measuring

Once you’re done preparing your workstation, bring out the wood and mark the location where you need the groove to be. You can use a measurement tool and a marker or pencil for the most reliable results.

Also, ensure that you can clearly see the marks, so there is no issue when you have to cut them in the following steps.

Step #3: Setting The Width

The next step is determining the dado width you need and selecting an appropriate dado blade. Dado blades come in various widths, so choose one that matches the width of the groove you need. Adjust the blade width on your saw to match the width of the dado needed.

Step #4: Setting The Blade Height

The height of the blade determines the depth of the cut. Set the blade height to match the depth of the groove you need. Make sure the blade is not set too high or too low. You can use a scrap piece of wood to test the height of the blade before cutting.

Speaking of heights, always keep the table saw in mind too. We recommend learning more about the table saw’s height too.

Step #5: Adjusting The Fence

The fence on a table saw helps to guide the wood as it is being cut. Adjust the fence of the saw to the correct distance from the blade for the width of the dado needed. Ensure that you have securely locked the fence so that it won’t move and mess up the process.

Find out how to leverage the knowledge to adjust a DeWalt table saw fence.

Step #6: Making The Cut

Now it’s time to cut. Turn on the saw and make the first pass over the workpiece, keeping the workpiece firmly against the fence. Make additional passes, gradually increasing the cut’s depth until the dado’s full depth is reached.

Cutting with a table saw blade is pretty dependent on the blade itself. Learn more about how thick a table saw blade is!

Step #7: Cleaning Up The Edges

After you’ve cut the dado, it’s time to clean up the edges. Use a chisel or router plane to clean up the edges of the dado, if needed. Sand the workpiece to smooth out any rough edges or surfaces. This step is important to ensure that the joints fit together snugly.

Step #8: Final Touches

Once you’ve finished cutting the dado, take a few minutes to clean up the work area. Vacuum or brush off any sawdust or debris from the workpiece. Admire your completed dado joint and proceed with the rest of your woodworking project.

Admittedly, not everyone is suited to learning only via reading, so if you’d like to play a practical demonstration side by side with this description, we recommend checking out this video:

FAQs:

What safety precautions can I follow when learning how to cut a dado with table saw?

Always wear protective equipment like ear protection and gloves when working with a table saw. Take your time, and do not force the wood through the blade. Ensure the blade is properly secured and the fence is securely locked in place.

Can I use a blade other than a dado blade to cut a dado joint? 

While it is possible to use a regular saw blade to make a dado cut, it is specifically designed for this type of cut and will produce cleaner and more precise results. It is highly recommended to use a dado blade for the best results.

How to cut symmetrical dado joints?

To make symmetrical dado joints, it’s important to accurately measure and mark the center of the board. Use a miter gauge to ensure consistent cuts, and adjust the height of the dado blade as needed for each cut. Alternatively, a crosscut sled can also be used.

What are the different kinds of dados?

There are several types of dados: through dado, stopped dado, blind dado, angled dado, and grooves. A through dado runs completely through the board, while a stopped dado is cut only partway through. A blind dado is a stopped dado with an added bottom, while an angled dado is cut at an angle. Grooves are similar to dados but run with the grain rather than against it.

Conclusion

By choosing to follow the steps we’ve outlined, you can confidently and safely cut a dado joint using a table saw. You can achieve accurate and precise cuts that result in a strong and sturdy joint with practice.

Cutting a dado joint may seem intimidating initially, but it is an essential skill for any woodworking project requiring a strong and durable joint. And that very joint, if made with patience, practice, and the correct equipment, can end up lasting you years!