Question For You Wood Workers

[OBJ]

I need to build/create a door for a utility closet under my steps. I know how I want to build it but I will need to dado cut some 1x2's.<br /><br />I've never used dado blades before. Will they work on a radial arm saw? And the big question, are the blades real expensive.

 

[plywoody]

Re: Question For You Wood Workers

Yes, you can use dado blades with a radial arm saw. It is easier with a table saw, but radial arm saws work. Just make sure the saw is set up carefully, and with 1x2's, make and use a push stick to push the wood thru.<br /><br />You can get an adjustable dado or a set of them--probably around 50 bucks or so, although I have not priced them recently. Sears offers a wide variety of decent quality blades at reasonable prices.

 

[Columbia]

Re: Question For You Wood Workers

I use my dado on the radial arm saw from time to time, typically only for cross cut dadoes as I have a table saw. It works just fine. Finding and pricing dado sets is about price and performance. I used a less than fifty dollar adjustable dado for years. It takes a bit of fussing but cuts good useable dadoes. If you've used your radial arm a lot, or not, be advised that if you cut on the pull stroke (as opposed to the push stroke) the increased blade area of cut will try to make the blade hurry up more than usual. Be careful, keep a good grip on things. Definitely use push sticks if cutting in the 'rip' direction.

 

[FLATHEAD]

Re: Question For You Wood Workers

Yes sir be carefull OBJ I had a fight with a table saw about three years ago to the day and I lost. I got the scars to prove it. Make sure you get the right arbor size blades for your saw.

 

[jimchere]

Re: Question For You Wood Workers

please educate me. I've done a little wood work here and there, but haven't a clue what a dado is. Only a dumb man doesn't want to learn.

 

[FSHKPR]

Re: Question For You Wood Workers

dado is just a slot cut in the wood usually for another piece of wood to fit into.

 

[jimchere]

Re: Question For You Wood Workers

Thanks

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: Question For You Wood Workers

Outboard Jim, If you don't do a whole lot of woodworking, A set of Dado washers will do the job with less cost. I bought a set several years ago. I use my regular blade, the washers have number codes on them that you line up for different widths of cuts. It makes your blade wobble from side to side. Looks dangerous, but does work fine. At least for me it has. Not exactly sure where you can find them. I bought these through a tool sale that was in a parking lot. Just a suggestion..SSM

 

[OBJ]

Re: Question For You Wood Workers

Thanks for all the input guys. I surely do appreciate it.<br /><br />And thanks even more for the safety reminders. I been usin' the ol' Craftmans radial for a lot of years and it never hurts to be reminded of where yer fingers are.<br /><br />Thanks agin'. Jim

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: Question For You Wood Workers

If you have a router you can also router your dados. I do that often. You can also use a single blade and make several passes. Pick the blade you have with the biggest kerf.<br /><br />If you want to spring for a dado blade, check out sears.com - they had a nice craftsman carbide set on sale for like 40% off.

 

[FSHKPR]

Re: Question For You Wood Workers

I have used a few different methods. the radial arm saw is kinda scary but it does work. i either use my router table or i use the wobble dado cutter on my table saw. table saw seems to be the easiest and safest.

 

[lakeman1999]

Re: Question For You Wood Workers

You can use a dadoe blade on a radial arm saw, but be very cautious, as it is very dangerous (years ago an employee of mine lost a thumb that way). It would be much easier, and much safer with a router.

 

[ebbtide176]

Re: Question For You Wood Workers

i used the wobble/adjustable set of dadoes and it worked for me. but this was on a table saw.

 

[Mike Langianese]

Re: Question For You Wood Workers

Save your money, if you only will use the dado blades for this one project.<br />Use your radial arm to cut the slot in the wood then carefully move the board and nibble the wood away. If you need to do several boards clamp some stops to your table and slide the work between the stops. You can smooth the bottom if necessary with a hand chisel.<br />For most people a Radial Arm is safer than a router, its bigger and people tend to respect it more. In any case safety first.<br />Remember CROSS CUT ONLY!<br /><br />Just my .02<br /><br />Mike

 

[Scoop]

Re: Question For You Wood Workers

If using a radial arm, clamp the board so you keep both arms for controling the saw. Those can quickly pull themselves toward you which can panick you and thus cause an usafe condition. They still seem to be safer than table saws. IF you rip, then push bars are a must with any saw. Why take a chance. <br /><br />On a table saw, an Antibuck piece of wood clamped to your fence will help you be safe and get a better cut because it holds the wood to the saw and will not let it come back to you. Norm on the New Yankee workshop has made a good one with flexible fingers instead of a hard piece of wood.

 

[SeaMasterZ@aol.com]

Re: Question For You Wood Workers

for a one time or occaisional use type of usage, the el cheapo stuff from harbor frieght is great, does the job, but not for someone that uses it day in day out<br /><br />but for something like this, give em a shot!