10 Best Dado Blade Sets in 2021

DEWALT DW7670 Dado Blade

Oshlun SDS-0842 Dado Blade

Freud SD208 Dado Blade

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If you are familiar with woods, then you should know how difficult it is to make an incision into one, especially hardwoods. Using a regular saw most times won’t do the trick, and that is why we have dado blades to make the task easier for us. Dado blades are highly recommended because they make smoother and more accurate cuts that the regular saw while saving us a lot of valuable time. Most professional woodworkers find dado blades helpful because, at some point, they will want to make grooves in a wood, to join two pieces of wood together, or for just decoration purposes. No matter the choice, it is almost an impossible task unless you have a dado blade to help you out.

A dado blade is a machine/tool that was designed mainly for making grooves on all types of wood and sometimes metals. A dado blade can be operated using a radial-arm saw, or the table saw to make grooves of any width of your choice. A dado blade comes in two designs, and they are stacked and wobble dado blades.

Stacked dado blades

A stack dado blade consists of a series of blades stacked to create a wider blade. The blades can achieve a precise cut with the help of spacers. On the outer layer of the blades, some chippers can be removed or added depending on your choice. The chippers are there mainly because they determine the length of your cut. Stacked dado blades are the top choice of most woodworkers because they are very versatile and have a high output.

Wobble dado blade

A wobble dado blade can be defined as a single blade with an offset rotation. Although it does shake a little bit while you are trying to create an “S” pattern on the width of the plate, the plate can be adjusted to your desired choice. The amount of lead on the blade can be set when you rotate the plates.

Dado blades have different sizes, so knowing what size to use is important in determining the outcome of your work. The normal size of the outer blades is usually 1/8 inches thick, and its diameter is 8 inches. It also has four chippers with different ranges, and with those ranges, the options for the widths sizes are abundant.

Dado blades can be used to make four different kinds of joints, and they include; dado and groove, rabbet, tongue and groove, and half lap.

The 10 Best Dado Blade sets Are Reviewed Below

Below you will find a list of the ten best dado blade sets available for you. We have taken our time to review the options available, and we have considered some factors carefully. Some of the factors we took into consideration include price, durability, cutting depth, weight, and availability. Also, you will find that we have broken down each product into different sections like pros and cons, specification, and key features, all to help you have a better understanding of each product. We hope you find the list below really helpful.

1

DEWALT DW7670 Dado Blade

For users who frequently visit the hardware store, the DEWALT brand should be a name they are used to already. DEWALT is known for its high-quality products when it comes to power tools and hand tools that can be used in construction industries, manufacturing, and woodworking. So, the DEWALT DW7670 Dado Blade is no different, as it is equipped with a heavy-gauge construction that can last you for a long period. Some amazing features of the DEWALT DW7670 Dado Blade are that it has a width of 29/32 inches, an arbor hole of 5/8 inches with its cutting depth of 1/8 inches. You are assured of minimum splintering and cleaner groves, thanks to its 24 micro-grain carbide teeth. The presence of this feature makes it the ideal and first choice for quality woodworkers and mainly cabinetmakers. The waste materials can be removed easily with this dado blade because it has a four teeth chipper, and you are guaranteed to get incredibly flat and smooth groves just like you intended. The DEWALT DW7670 Dado Blade can be used with any 10-inch table saw because the four-winged design of the blade has kept the weight down. The shims have maximum strength because they were constructed with premium stainless steel, and they can be easily adjusted. Since the shims can be adjusted easily, you can make easy and precise cuts, and it will be easy for you to join the two pieces of wood later together.

Key Features:

  • Heavy gauge
  • Laser-cut plates
  • Micro-grain carbide teeth
  • Stainless steel shims

Specification:

  • Weight: 9.08 pounds
  • Dimension: 15 x 3.25 x 12.5 inches
  • Manufacturer: Dewalt
  • Chipper: 6
  • Teeth: 24
  • Arbor size: 5/8 inches
  • Hook angle: 12 degrees
  • Maximum speed: 7000rpm
  • Size: 8 inches
Pros
  • A solid case is attached to it
  • It is easy to use
  • It is capable of giving you flat cuts at the bottom
Cons
  • There are usually burrs are the edges of some shims

2

Oshlun SDS-0842 Dado Blade

For people who are looking for a cheaper dado blade with high-quality output, then the Oshlun SDS-0842 Dado Blade is made for you. Unlike some other dado blades which have 24 teeth, the Oshlun SDS-0842 Dado Blade is equipped with 42 teeth, which are capable of giving flat dado at the bottom, and it has a width range of ¼-29/32 inches. Usually, most teeth are made specifically for a particular material, but that is not the case with the teeth on the Oshlun SDS-0842 Dado Blade. The carbide tips attached to this dado blade can be used to make dados on plywood, softwood, and hardwood with ease, and they are known to sustain their sharpness for a longer period when compared to some other models. The Oshlun SDS-0842 Dado Blade comes with full-body chippers, not like others, which have wing-style chippers. The full-body chippers help to minimize vibration and allow you to set up the blade easily. For individuals who are not familiar with the setup procedure, it comes with a detailed manual attached to it, to make the setup process easy and free as possible. A good storage case is essential in prolonging the lifespan of a product, and the storage case of the Oshlun SDS-0842 Dado Blade is nested and makes it easy to carry around.

Key Features:

  • Full body chippers
  • Storage case
  • C4 carbide tips
  • Arbor: 5/8 inches
  • Shim set included

Specification:

  • Dimension: 10.5 x 9.9 x 3 inches
  • Weight: 9.94 pounds
  • Manufacturer: Oshlun
  • Diameter: 8 inches
  • Dado saw teeth: 42
  • Chipper teeth: 6
  • Material: Carbide
Pros
  • The shims can be adjusted easily
  • It makes quality cuts
  • It is affordable
Cons
  • The storage case is of low quality

3

Freud SD208 Dado Blade

The Freud brand is a well-known company that deals with the manufacturing of various tools, and over time they have been known to have a very high standard when it comes to their products. The Freud SD208 Dado Blade is made from the best quality materials available and equipped with six chippers, and it also comes with two outer blades. There are no splinters left after each cut, which is a good sign that you are going to be guaranteed clean cuts. Safety is always an issue for everyone who uses tools like dado blades, and the Freud SD208 Dado Blade comes with an anti-kick design that guarantees your safety while working. You can work easily and smoothly because your safety is guaranteed. The edges usually wear out faster on large carbides, but TiCo Hi-Density carbides used on the Freud SD208 Dado Blade measures 0.8 microns. With these sizes, the teeth are going to last longer, and you will be able to sharpen it various times without it losing its quality.

Key Features:

  • TiCo Hi-Density carbides
  • Anti-kick design
  • Multiple chippers
  • Negative hook angles
  • Slow widths increment
  • Two outer blades
  • Shim sets

Specification:

  • Dimension: 11.4 x 8.7 x 1.65 inches
  • Weight: 4.8 ounces
  • Manufacturer: Freud
  • Diameter: 8 inches
  • Teeth: 12
  • Arbor: 5/8 inches
  • Material: Carbide
Pros
  • It can be sharpened easily
  • It is affordable
  • It is very versatile
Cons
  • You are not guaranteed the smoothes dadoes

4

Forrest DK08244 Dado Blade

The Forrest DK08244 Dado Blade is best for people who use it daily, although at sighting the price for the first time, you might get discouraged, it is worth the price tag. The blades have 24 teeth and can be used on different kinds of woods like softwood, plywood, and hardwood. Usually, while dealing with hardwood, there is high splintering, but the negative hook face on the Forrest DK08244 Dado Blade reduces it to the minimum. Stability is assured with the help of the heavier plates, and you can have a clean and comfortable cut. The process taken when manufacturing the blades ensures you get the best and smoothest cut possible. During the manufacturing process, the blades are straightened several times, hand-tensioned, and crafted carefully to deliver the best quality work. While the price is high, you are guaranteed the best quality materials. The Forrest DK08244 Dado Blade is made from the best materials, best designs that are innovative with the latest manufacturing process to guarantee superior performance and longer life. In recent times, there has been no room for error, so that is why shims have been attached to the blades, which guarantees the best and precise result even on the first trial.

Key Features:

  • 24 teeth
  • Shims attached
  • Maximum stability
  • Negative face hook

Specification:

  • Weight: 7.85 pounds
  • Dimension: 12 x 14 x 3.5 inches
  • Manufacturer: Forrest
  • Diameter: 8 inches
Pros
  • It is rigid
  • The blades are compactable
  • Splintering is minimized with the design
Cons
  • It is expensive

5

MIBRO 416381 Dado Blade

The MIBRO 416381 Dado Blade is the best for anyone looking for a starter pack. It can be used to cut most types of wood, including hardwood because it comes with a maximum of 5000 RPM. There is space for wider blades, which are available when the seven blades maximize its adjustability. One main thing people look out for in a dado blade when purchasing is its compatibility with their saw. The MIBRO 416381 Dado Blade comes with the standard size 8 inches, which makes it compactable with almost all kinds of table saw. Accuracy is ensured because the blade is equipped with strong teeth, which saves you valuable time. The blades are guaranteed to last longer because it is made of high-quality carbide. The outside is equipped with two blades, but it also has four 1/18 chipper and 1/16 chipper, which have two extra-large carbides that have been welded onto it to ensure accurate flat bottoms.

Key Features:

  • 1/18 chipper and 1/16 chipper
  • Stacking Dado Set
  • Maximum RPM: 5000
  • 24 carbide teeth
  • Anti-kickback

Specification:

  • Dimension: 9.65 x 9.25 x 1.77 inches
  • Weight: 3.2 ounces
  • Manufacturer: The Mibro Group
  • Diameter: 8 inches
  • Arbor hole: 5/8 inches
Pros
  • It is lightweight
  • Its storage is secured because it comes with a rugged plastic
  • You have everything you need in a dado blade
Cons
  • The cutting width is smaller when compared to others.

6

Freud 6″ x 10T Pro Dado Blade

The Freud 6″ x 10T Pro Dado Blade, just like the 8 inches model, is suitable for beginners, and it is very durable. The blades are capable of delivering accurate cuts with any splintering thanks to its ten teeth. It has two outer blades, whose teeth are made from high-quality titanium cobalt carbide teeth with silver I.C.E coating. The blade minimizes splintering, and the teeth still last long because of the premium coating around it. It produces ultra-smooth horizontal grooves because it comes with wing-style chippers. Most people who have used this machine realized that it doesn’t give any ridges that will need sanding, and that makes your work easier. There are different arrays of cuts that are possible with the use of the chippers and shims, and TiCo High-Density Carbide Teeth, which is on the outer blade, helps to deliver precise cutting on different materials.

Key Features:

  • Wing-style chippers
  • Shims and chippers
  • Arbor: 5/8 inches
  • Dado set: 6 inches
  • Negative hook angle
  • Silver I.C.E coating

Specification:

  • Dimension: 1 x 1 x 1 inches
  • Material: Blend
  • Weight: 1 pound
  • Manufacturer: Freud
  • Style: 6-Inch Professional Dado
  • Diameter: 6 inches
Pros
  • It is easy to use
  • You get smooth cuts
  • It doesn’t have ridges
  • It is safe to use because of its anti-kickback feature
Cons
  • The width is not accurate

7

Irwin Tools 1811865 Dado Blade

The Irwin Tools 1811865 Dado Blade is very versatile. It can be used to cut different widths on both metals and woods. With this blade, you can make tongue and groove joints faster and easier because the outer blade has 12 teeth. Usually, when using a random blade to work on a metal surface, it tends to get extremely hot, but that is not the case with the Irwin Tools 1811865 Dado Blade because the blade coating has an aluminum matrix which helps to dissipate any heat generated while working. The carbides are welded together with the blades, and they are easy to sharpen when they get dull. You can easily clean the blades of sawdust when you are done because it features a non-stick coating. You don’t need to worry about flawless finishes because it is guaranteed since the chippers pair with the outer circular blades to achieve this purpose.

Key Features:

  • Non-stick feature
  • 7 shims, 2 outer blades, 3 chippers, and 3 spacers
  • Heat resistant
  • Can be resharpened

Specification:

  • Dimension: 1.65 x 8.88 x 11.5 inches
  • Weight: 1.8 pounds
  • Manufacturer: IRWIN
  • Diameter: 8 inches
  • Material: carbide
Pros
  • It dissipates heat with its premium-grade coating
  • It can be used to cut both wood and metals
  • Its carbides are easy to sharpen
Cons
  • The teeth of the blade get dull quickly

8

Freud 8″ x 24T Dado Blade

If you are looking for a high-quality blade that doesn’t wear out quickly and is very durable, then the Freud 8″ x 24T Dado Blade should be your first choice. For users of dado blades who work on different adjustments, then this is also a good fit for you because the shims can be easily adjusted to suit your desired needs. The blades ensure cleaner, flatter, and efficient grooves when compared to the usual two-winged design because it is equipped with four-winged design. This dado blade can be used with either a circular-arm saw or standard table saw, and it can allow a wide variety of materials like hardwood, plywood, softwood, and so much more. Its versatility makes it a must-have for your workshop. With this blade, you have guaranteed precise cutting, no matter the material. It is so perfect that you only need to run it through once, and you have gotten a perfect cut. It saves you a lot of valuable time. You don’t need to worry about the wear and tear of the blade from frequent use, because the unique Freud’s coating prolongs the service life.

Key Features:

  • Adjustable knobs
  • Precise cuts
  • Titanium cobalt teeth
  • Anti-kickback
  • Maximum chip ejection
  • Sharp blades
  • Multi-purpose

Specification:

  • Dimension: 1 x 1 x 1 inches
  • Weight: 10.63 pounds
  • Manufacturer: Freud
  • Diameter: 8 inches
  • 3/32 inch thick chipper
  • Teeth: 24
  • Arbor: 5/8 inches
Pros
  • It doesn’t give ridges
  • It gives you smooth cuts
  • The knobs can be adjusted
  • The widths can be customized to suit your style
  • It is durable
Cons
  • The storage case design is not good

9

Oshlun SBJ-0830 Dado Blade

Although versatility is sometimes necessary, in this case, it is different. The Oshlun SBJ-0830 Dado Blade is made specifically for creating perfect finger joints. Usually, other blades come with chippers and shims, but the Oshlun SBJ-0830 Dado Blade is different. It comes with a more straightforward setup of two outer circular edges. This dado blade is great for beginners or people who don’t have adequate experience using dado blades. You can make 3/8-inch and 1/4-inch dadoes easily, although there are no shims when you want to adjust the blades, don’t worry because all you need to do is change the direction of the blades. Usually, without chippers, you will end with wood between the cuts, but that will not happen with this blade. It has 30 teeth, which prevent it from woods between the cuts and also giving you a great result with little to no splintering or chipping. The precision carbide tips attached to the blade help deliver accurate cuts and remain sharp over a long period, although the blades can be resharpened when they get blunt.

Key Features:

  • Storage
  • Grade C-4 carbide
  • 30 teeth

Specification:

  • Dimension: 10 x 9.8 x 1.5 inches
  • Weight: 3.15 pounds
  • Manufacturer: Oshlun
  • Diameter: 8 inches
Pros
  • It is easy to use
  • It fits most table saws
  • It is great for both softwood and hardwood
Cons
  • It is not versatile when compared to the rest

10

Amana Tool – 658040 Dado Blade

The Amana Tool – 658040 Dado Blade does the job of every regular dado blade, which is to deliver chip-free edges and flat bottoms. It has multiple chippers with two outer blades, which makes it easy to make different dadoes with different widths. The five dual-winged chippers which come with this blade makes it easy to make your intended grooves and maintain the distance between your two blades. It is very versatile and can be used to make dadoes on any wood, although some of its models are made specifically for a particular design. Your finished woods when you used the Amana Tool – 658040 Dado Blade do not require much sanding because the chippers help you remove the middle wood materials, and that guarantees better and cleaner finishes.

Key Features:

  • 2-wing chippers
  • 1-inch bore
  • Hollow-ground plates

Specification:

  • Dimension: 14.3 x 11.3 x 4 inches
  • Weight: 0.12 ounces
  • Diameter: 8 inches
  • Teeth: 46
  • Manufacturer: Amana Tool Corp
Pros
  • It can be adjusted
  • It is versatile
Cons
  • Its finishing is not smooth
  • Some of its options are expensive

Buying Guide Questions

Questions are a vital part of any buying guide, and this buying guide will not be complete with us answering some of the frequently asked questions. Below you will find some of the frequently asked questions, and we hope our answers are sufficient enough for you.

Can you use an 8 dado blade on a 10 table saw?

Yes, you can. Using an 8-inch dado blade on a 10-inch table saw has become common nowadays, so it should not be a problem if you use it. So far, the conditions are right. You can use it only on the condition that the diameter on the arbor hole matches that of your table saw, and it has an arbor that is long enough for the dado blade, and then you are free to use an 8 dado blade on a 10 table saw.

Are dado blades legal in UK? Why are they illegal?

Dado blades are illegal in the UK and most parts of Europe. Dado blades were made illegal in the UK because they were deemed unsafe for use. If you want to use a dado blade UK table saws, you will have to remove the riving knife and guard, which makes it unsafe. All tables saws made in the UK and some parts of Europe are fitted with arbors on purpose to prevent you from using dado blades. Although, if you need a dado blade for your private use, then you will have to import a table saw from the US.

Why are dado blades dangerous?

A dado blade is a woodworking tool, and just like every woodworking tool, it has some risk involved. So, YES, a dado blade is dangerous to use, but if you follow the instructions on how to use it, then it limits the risk of injuries. Dado blades are often dangerous because of their sharp edges, which can inflict injuries if they are not handled properly.

Will Dewalt table saw take a dado blade? Can you put dado blade in circular saw?

Yes, it will. Although it is not always recommended to use a dado blade on a Dewalt table saw. But, if you wish to use a dado blade on it, then you will have to check how deep of a cut you are allowed to make. If you can check the cut depth, then you are expected to have one inch less depth if you are using a 10-inch saw blade. If you have the extra inch, then you don’t have a problem using it on your Dewalt table saw.

Yes, you can put a dado blade in a circular saw. The aim of dado joints is to be able to join wood together easily, but sometimes table saws or dado blades might not be available; that is where the circular saws come to use. You can insert your dado blades into your circular saws, and with the help of little jigs, you should be able to make dado joints, which are precise and smooth.

How do you cut dado without a dado blade?

Cutting a dado without a dado blade is not an easy task, but it is possible. Below you will find the steps you could follow to get a perfect dado without using a dado blade. They are:

Cut a spacer

Get the wood you want to use and make a blades thickness from one of its sides, and it should be 1 inch deep.

Make a precise mark

With the help of a sharp pencil or scribing knife, you should make a sign for the groove location. Then, the blade should be set at 1/3 of the thickness of your wood.

Make one edge

At this stage, the blade should align with the near side of the marked wood, and then you can use your spacer to hold the edge of the wood while you cut through the marked area.

Cut the second edge

After making your first cut, turn the wood over and make your second cut and do it repeatedly to remove the waste between them to get a clean cut.

Touch up the bottom

When you are done clearing the groove, if there are any ridges, you can use a chisel to remove them.

Rip Blade vs Combo

You might want to combine blades for cutting your groves, but it is advisable to use a switchblade. Rip blades tend to leave smoother cuts, but if you are cutting dadoes across a grain, it is best to make use of combined blades.

What is a dado blade used for?

A dado blade is used mainly for making grooves into woods, which are usually wider than your regular saw blades. Mostly, they are used for joints and interlocking areas in the woods. You can find interlocking joints in cabinets, drawers, bookshelves, and door panels. There are two types of dado blades, and they are: wobble and stacked dado blades.

Conclusion

Various brands offer different kinds of dado blades for your use, but knowing which one to pick can be a very difficult task. We have come up with the list above to try and make the process as easy and smooth for you as possible. The list above consists of the best products that have been single out of the crowded market place. We made available the best products, made from top-notch materials and are which are budget-friendly. We also took into consideration dado blades that offer smooth cuts and save you a lot of time. Our best pick from the list above will be the DEWALT DW7670 and Oshlun SDS-0842 dado blades. But, you should go through the list carefully, and I am sure you will find a dado blade that suits your needs perfectly. We hope this buying guide was helpful to you and has made your choice of selecting the best dado blades for you easy, while also increasing your knowledge about dado blades.