Dado Blade of 2021 that Your Saw is Missing
Whether you are a novice or a professional woodworker, you will need a dado blade to cut grooves for joinery or decorative purposes.
A dado blade, which comes in two versions (wobble dado blades and stacked blades), is designed to be operated using the table saw or even radial-arm saw. It makes rectangular grooves of different widths.
If you are looking for a dado blade, you may find it challenging to know the right one for your needs. However, we have made it easier for you by compiling the best dado blades in the market. Read each of our best dado blade reviews to know the right one for your needs;
Quick Comparison of 7 Best Rated Dado Blade Sets
| Product | Key Specifications | More Info |
|---|---|---|
 Oshlun SDS-0842 Stack Dado Set | Dia: 8-inch Saw Teeth: 42 Nos. Chipper Teeth: 6 Nos. Weight: 9.94 lbs. | Price |
 DEWALT DW7670 Stacked Dado | Dia: 8-inch Saw Teeth: 24 Nos. Chipper Teeth: 4 Nos. Weight: 9.08 lbs. | Price |
 Freud SD208 Professional Dado | Dia: 8-inch Saw Teeth: 12 Nos. Chipper Teeth: 6 Nos. Weight: 0.3 lbs. | Price |
 IRWIN 1811865 Stack Dado | Dia: 8-inch Saw Teeth: 12 Nos. Chipper Teeth: 3 Nos. Weight: 1.8 lbs. | Price |
 Freud SD508 Super Dado Set | Dia: 8-inch Saw Teeth: 24 Nos. Chipper Teeth: 6 Nos. Weight: 10.63 lbs. | Price |
 MIBRO 416381 Dado Blade | Dia: 8-inch Saw Teeth: 24 Nos. Chipper Teeth: 5 Nos. Weight: 0.2 lbs. | Price |
 FREUD SD206 Pro Dado Set | Dia: 6-inch Saw Teeth: 10 Nos. Chipper Teeth: 3 Nos. Weight: 1 lbs. | Price |
Types of Dado Blades
Dado blades are either wobble or stacked. When shopping, aim to get a dado blade that gives the most precise flat-bottom cuts. The grooves can also be cut at distinct widths with most cuts ranging between 1/4 – inch and 15/16-inch with increments of 1/16-inch.
I. Wobble blades
As the name suggests, wobble blades are cut by wobbling back and forth. They only have one circular blade. Wobble blades often lack precision and leave uneven cuts, making them not the right choice.
Further, they have high vibration levels which may damage the saw. However, they are a cheaper option.
II. Stacked blades
On the other hand, stacked blades have outer blades that are bundled together to give the cuts a large width. They often have 18 to 40 teeth whose key role is to give smooth edges. Stacked blades give precise cuts and are safer than the wobble ones.
They also have chipper blades in between them. The chipper blades have 2 to 4 teeth whose primary role is to remove waste from the middle of the dado blade’s groove.
They are the best choice, and all the units we have reviewed here are stacked dado blades.
Explanation of Dado Wobble vs. Dado Stacked Blades
Top Rated 7 Dado Blade Set Reviews
Here’s a little sneak peek over the top choice of 2021 and most probably coming years as well – the seven best-valued dado blade sets! Should groove as just suitable for your mechanical workspace and sawing.
So, to find out which are the best, keep reading, and we’ll help you to make the best buying decision:
1Oshlun SDS-0842 Stack Dado Set
- Saw Teeth: 420 nos.
- Blade Dia: 8-inch
- Weight: 9.94 lbs.
Highlight Features:
- High tooth count of 42 teeth ensures smooth cuts.
- Comes with full-body chippers that reduce vibrations.
- The shims make precise adjustments easy.
- C-4 carbide tips are primed for durability and enhanced sharpness.
- Reduced vibrations.
- Ideal for soft and hardwood.
This Oshlun stacked 8-inch dado blade is a set of 16 pieces for different power tools, which is the highest of all the blades we have reviewed in this post. This makes it one of the best dado blade set for the money.
Its eight-inch blades are together with its 42 teeth facilitate quick, precise cuts. The 42 tooth count ensures smooth dado cuts of between 1/4-inch and 29/32-inch widths. The blades have C-4 micro-grain carbide tips, which improve blade sharpness. This makes it ideal for plywood materials as well as softwood and hardwood.
This set features full-body 6-tooth chippers. The chippers make their setup easier and minimize vibrations when working. Chippers also facilitate precise bottom cuts. The metal shims included in this set make fine adjustments seamless.
For woodwork enthusiasts on a budget, the Oshlun SDS-0842 is the right choice that gives value for the money.
2DEWALT DW7670 Stacked Dado Blade Set
- Saw Teeth: 24 nos.
- Blade Dia: 8-inch
- Weight: 9.08 lbs.
Highlight Features:
- Ideal for all types of wood.
- Provides clean edge and precise cuts.
- Allows refined width adjustments.
- Reduced splintering.
This is another dado set that is remarkable when it comes to delivering smooth and precise cuts. It has 24 teeth with a maximum of 7,000 RPM speed. DeWALT DW7670 kit also has 4-tooth chippers, and each chipper has four teeth that allow you to get flat-bottom dado cuts.
The laser-cut plates of this eight-inch dado blade set are heavy gauge making it useful in giving precise grooves and accurate cuts. The stack has micro-grain carbide teeth, which prevent splinters and provide clean dado cuts.
The set features stainless steel shims for refined width adjustments. Given that it is a professional set, it might cost you a little more than the other packs we have reviewed in this post. Even so, it has a remarkable performance.
If you are a woodworker, DIY, or professional, who wants a set that can be used on a variety of materials and continuously gives smooth, polished dados, this is the best 8-inch dado blade set for your money.
3Freud SD208 8-INCH Professional Dado
- Saw Teeth: 12 nos.
- Blade Dia: 8-inch
- Weight: 9.08 lbs.
Highlight Features:
- Long-lasting.
- Anti-kickback design for enhanced safety.
- Ideal on all laminates and woods.
- Useful for both groove and tongue cuts.
Even though the Freud SD208 has the name ‘professional’ in its title, it is one of the best DIY dado blade sets. This dado blade is popularly known for its durability owing to the oversized carbide titanium tips on its eight-inch blades. The high-density tips also ensure that you get consistently smooth cuts for the dado blade’s entire life.
Freud SD208 comes with three 1/16″ spacers, three 1/8″ two-wing chippers, and two outer blades. This combination delivers remarkably smooth cuts and also provides versatility by allowing you to make wider grooves. The slot width gives an allowance of ¼ “to 13/16” groove cuts.
The blades are compatible with different materials making them versatile. They also operate on low power, making the Freud SD208 an ideal choice for low-powered saws.
The anti-kick design prevents damage and jarring on the piece of wood when kickbacks occur. The negative hook angles prevent splintering.
4IRWIN 1811865 Marples Stack Dado Blade Set
- Saw Teeth: 12 nos.
- Blade Dia: 8-inch
- Weight: 1.2 lbs.
Highlight Features:
- Works well for both metal and woodworks.
- Blades are heat-resistant coating.
- Easy to sharpen tips.
- Durable.
- Affordable price tag.
Next up is this 8-inch stacked dado blade set with three spaces, seven shims, three chippers, and two outer blades. The carbide teeth of the blades require regular re-sharpening to maintain their cutting power. The non-stick coating on the blades makes it easy to clean the unit once done cutting.
The blade has an aluminum coating that makes it heat-resistant. Therefore, the blade does not get hot when in use. It can be used on both wood and metallic surfaces. The blade’s 12 teeth have a unique design to prevent paint from chipping around the cut parts.
IRWIN 1811865’s three chippers are two-winged. In combination with the precise outer circular blades, this design gives smooth finishes to the final product. If you are looking for the best dado blade for both tables saw and radial arm saw, IRWIN 1811865 is worth considering.
5Freud SD508 Super Dado Set
- Saw Teeth: 24 nos.
- Blade Dia: 8-inch
- Weight: 10.63 lbs.
Highlight Features:
- Gives smooth cuts without ridges.
- Very durable.
- Facilitates width adjustments.
- Holds the edge for its entire life Cons.
For woodworkers looking for a highly efficient and precise 8-inch dado blade, this Freud SD508 set review is for you. The top-notch features of this 24 teeth unit make it one of the best value dado blade sets.
This set’s dado blades are made of titanium cobalt, which is much more durable than stainless steel and C-carbide. The titanium cobalt also makes the blades hold the sharp edge for the set’s entire life, giving you consistently smooth cuts.
Further, the blades have a silver ICE coating that restricts wearing out on the blade’s teeth. It also has an adjustment dial for fast adjustability. Freud SD508 comes with a shim set that facilitates refined width adjustment of the cuts.
The six two-winged chippers make the dado blade lighter making this set ideal for almost all contractor saws. The six chippers also make hollowing out of the cuts easy and effective.
6MIBRO 416381 Dado Blade
- Saw Teeth: 24 nos.
- Blade Dia: 8-inch
- Weight: 3.2 oz.
Highlight Features:
- Comes with a stacked dado blade set.
- Light-weight.
- Ideal for almost all wood types.
- Gives flat-bottom cuts.
This is a set comprised of 14 units. Its blade is 8″, meaning that it is compatible with almost all table saws. The blade has a maximum speed of 5000 RPM, which is powerful enough to cut most wood types, including hardwood.
Mibro 416381 comes with seven shims that facilitate wider dadoes there increasing the width adjustability. It allows a 1/4″ to 14/16″ cutting width. The 14-set also comes with two outer blades, one 1/16″ chipper, and four 1/8″ chippers. 2 other big carbides are attached to each of the five two-winged chippers to facilitate smooth bottom cuts.
Generally, Mibro 416381 is the right choice if you are looking for a budget dado blade set for smooth flat bottoms and square shoulders. It is, however, not ideal for heavy-duty tasks.
7FREUD SD206 Pro Dado Set
- Saw Teeth: 10 nos.
- Blade Dia: 6-inch
- Weight: 1 lb.
Highlight Features:
- Anti-kickback design.
- Sturdy construction.
- Ideal heat resistance.
- Provides smooth cuts.
- Easy to set up and use.
Like the 8″ Freud SD508 we reviewed above, this 6″ model is made of superior construction, making it long-lasting. The price of the SD206 is also lower, making it a good choice for starters.
Its two outer blades come with titanium cobalt carbide teeth with a silver ICE coating. This enables the blade to maintain a clean edge and minimize splinters while making it durable. The set uses less power; thus, it is an ideal choice for use with less powered saws.
Just like the SD508, this Freud 6-inch blade features wing-style chippers which give very smooth horizontal cut grooves that do not require sanding. The shims and chippers of this set facilitate a wide range of cuts from 1/4-inch to 7/8-inch with increments of 1/16-inch.
Things to Consider- Before Buying The Best Dado Blade Set
A good Dado blade set is crucial in woodwork tasks. If you have one or are looking to buy one, there are some key things you need to know about the most ideal dado set for your wooding needs.
How to Choose an Ideal Set
There are vital guiding factors that are crucial in helping you make a good decision. Here are the factors we considered when creating the above list of the 7 best dado blade set reviews.
I. Reviews
Reviews from a product’s consumers and users help validate the effectiveness and authenticity of the product. They give you an insight into the performance of the product without you having to buy it. Pay attention to existing product reviews on independent websites. The above-reviewed dado blade sets stood out for having many positive reviews.
II. Price
Cheap is relative, and so is expensive. However, there’s a baseline of what is affordable to a large number of people. Have a budget and choose a pocket-friendly price as per your needs.
Key Features to Look for
I. Blade Size
A large number of dado blades come in either 6″ or 8″. The 6″ are not very versatile, but they use less power, making them ideal for use with low-powered saws. On the other hand, 8″ blades are more prominent and make deeper cuts making them more versatile. However, they are highly powered.
II. Tooth Density
Different dado blades have a different tooth density (TPI), as we have already seen. Either number of teeth has advantages and disadvantages. For instance, a dado blade with a higher number of teeth is likely to give more precise groove cuts, is more durable, and doesn’t require regular sharpening. However, the quality of teeth supersedes the number.
III. Hook Angle
The best hook angle depends on the tool with which you will be using the blade. 0-degree hooks are best for table saws while negatively angled hooks (ideally -10 degrees to – 5 degrees) are best for radial arm ones.
IV. Blade Material
The inner part of a blade doesn’t require strengthening because it is the teeth that are involved in cutting. It is for this reason that most blades are steel on the inside. The teeth are made of superior carbide to give them extra strengthening. While some dado blade sets use stainless steel or C-4 carbide, others use the high-quality titanium cobalt carbide, which is more durable and holds an edge much better.
Unless you are into professional high-intensity woodworks, C-4 carbide is good enough.
V. Compatibility
Take the arbor size into consideration. Arbor refers to the stem into which the dado blades slide. 5/8-inch arbor is the industry standard and all the sets we have reviewed here are of this size. The chances of non-compatibility are minimal; however, before buying the dado blade, check for compatibility to avoid wasting time and money.
Another compatibility factor is the saw’s maximum power capacity and speed. Before buying the dado blade set, check your saw to ensure that it meets the power and speed requirements of your preferred dado blade set.
FAQs
What is a dado blade used for?
Woodwork can be time-consuming. A dado blade is used to make special cuts for joining wood boards or making decorations. Their design makes it highly efficient to save you time and give you outstanding results on your dodoes, rivets, and tendon. This circular saw blade is attached to the radial arm or table saw. Here you can find more detail regarding dado blade use, https://vitalhandtools.com/what-is-a-dado-blade-used-for/
What is the best dado blade?
To choose the best dado blade, you need to consider blade type, size, and compatibility with the saw. As we have already discussed, there are two blade types. One with a stacked dado blade is likely to give you more precise cuts than one with a wobble blade.
The best choice should also have a compatible arbor and be of a speed and power level supported by the saw.
Other than Freud SD206, the rest of the dado blades reviewed above are 8″, which is are sufficient for creating grooves in almost all types of woods. 10″ and 12″ blades are only best for industrial use.
Which are the safest blades to buy?
The safest blades to use are the ones that have special features for enhancing safety. These features include a heat-resistant nonstick coat, kick-back resistance, and full-body chippers that minimize vibrations.
Can an 8-inch dado blade be used on a 10-inch table saw?
The factor that determines a table’s compatibility saw and a dado blade is the arbor’s diameter. If that of the dado blade fits nicely into that of the table saw, an 8″ dado blade can be used with a 10″ table saw.
Why are dado blades illegal?
Dado blades are illegal for use on UK table saws. This is because when using them, one needs to remove the riving knife and guard, which is not safe. However, they are not illegal in the USA.
Common Joints with a Dado Blade
Various joints can be created with either a wobble or a stacked blade. They include a dado joint, finger joint, rabbet, and tenon.
Safety Tips
Dado blades can be dangerous, and it is no wonder that they are illegal in some jurisdictions. They are quite sharp, and some can rotate at a speed of up to 7,000 RPM, which can cause severe cuts. Therefore, taking great precautions when using one is mandatory.
First, read and understand the manual instructions on effective set-up and usage of the blades.
In addition, you should not use stacked or wobble dado blades with circular saws because they are only designed for use with a compatible table or radial arm saw.
Always wear protective clothing, goggles, and gloves to prevent sawdust from entering your eyes. Feather boards should also be used to securely hold the wood in place to prevent backward friction and sliding which is one of the main causes of injuries when using dado blades.
Other typical but crucial measures include always switching off power when changing blades, removing clutter and any obstacle from the working space, and testing to see if the blade is properly fit before use.
Final Words
Dado blades are quite useful in different woodworking tasks. They save you time and give you clean, precise, and neat-looking joints. The choice of a blade will affect your experience. If you are well informed, you are less likely to regret your decision and our buyer’s guide does precisely that.
If you are torn between buying a wobble and stacked dado blade kit, we recommend choosing a stacked one from our seven best dado blade reviews as it gives more professional-looking results. Also, consider the price, the saw’s arbor, motor power, and maximum speed capacity. A versatile dado blade also gives you the flexibility of using the saw on different materials.
Even so, dado blades can be dangerous if not handled well. Whether professional or hobbyist, always read the manual for effective set-up and usage. Also, remember always to wear protective gear when using the equipment.
