Dado stack suggestions?

[Autonomous]

I waited all the way to Cyber Monday hoping for a deal on medium to high quality dado stacks, 6 or 8", but it is such a niche item that the prices didn't budge. I kept a close eye on Craigslist just in case, but no luck.

I'm looking for less than $100 to get something that makes a nice flat bottom. Right now I'm running out of time so I'm leaning towards the Freud 8" for $89-ish on Amazon. Anyone got better suggestions? Is the Diablo stack at Home Depot worth the extra $10?

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[Sticks McGee]

I have this one and I love it..

 

[Gizmosity]

I have that same $89 Freud set off Amazon. I'm actually pretty impressed with it for the price.

 

[todd_fuller]

What kind of saw do you have?

I have a contractor saw and after a bunch of research, I bought a 6" Freud SD206. The consensus was the smaller saws have a harder time pushing the bigger stack and the smaller one is safer.

 

[Git]

The Diablo line (From Freud) is geared towards contractors and DIYers and is intended for rough carpentry - framing, decking etc. That is why you see them at the big box stores. The carbide teeth/tips aren't as thick as their better quality blades, so they have a shorter life span (you can't resharpen them as many times) and the they usually are a thin kerf. It is also their cheapest stuff

If you are truly looking for a nice flat cut - have you considered a router with a jig of some sort?

 

[AZ Pete]

I have the 8" set and have made a bunch of furniture with it. I have never regretted buying freud blades, and find a stack dado much easier to use than a router. If you are more comfortable with a router, that is the way to go.


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[tarmy]

I have that same $89 Freud set off Amazon. I'm actually pretty impressed with it for the price.

Freud make two different sets...this one...and one that is about 200$. I like to use my dado on expensive cabinet ply...so I went for the better set...had it for years and highly suggest it. Good carbide blades last longer, can be resharpened and should last a long long time.

View attachment 602208

You can see my set up here...if you are using a dado...make sure you don't force it...and use a good fence.

 

[Autonomous]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions.

@todd_ fuller : I have a 10" Craftsman contractor saw. I've read the 6" is easier to spin up to full speed as well. I was leaning towards the 8" simply because it is $7 more and i am confident I won't wear out the blades before I get a better saw, but you are right.

@Git: I have an inherited 1966 Craftsman Router that I have yet to master and am more confident with the table saw right now. I do want to get better with it though.

Also thanks for the clarification on the Diablo line up. I was under the impression that it was Freud's premium line up, but that's info from folks who dig the red color. Anything is better than what comes with the Craftsman, of course.

AZ and Tarmy, and everyone, thanks for the info. Carry on with the thread if you would, I've got plenty to learn. The Super Stack and Dial a Dado are beyond my price point and need right now.

You know the saying, though: "Buy once, Cry once." I'll add mine: "Buy cheap, cry heaps!"


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[IowaDon]

Be advised, if your Craftsman contractor saw's model number starts with 113.xxxxx, it is made by Emerson, which is a good thing. However, these saws have an issue with the arbor. You may have to fill in a groove that prevents part of a dado stack from remaining centered.

This (really annoying) video will give you an idea of what it takes to fix:

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[Autonomous]

@IowaDon Thanks for the heads up. I'll check the model number later today.

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[Cahark]

I have the dewalt DW7670. It's currently $117 on Amazon. I purchased the set because it had fine adjustment shims included. You could always make your own out of shim stock, but I enjoyed the fact that they were already included in the set. They are also furnished in a very user-friendly molded case. i've been using them for a year now and they perform very well. Very little tear out. The carbide is super thick and of good quality as best as I can tell. I like my set so much, that I ended up buying another set that I use at work. Happy choosing!

 

[WWheeler]

Build a router table extension for your table saw to use your router in = perfect dadoes and enjoy being able to do a gazillion other things too.

 

[Autonomous]

@Cahark: Thanks for the review, that's why I love this forum. If you use it at home and professionally then it must be a great product.

I actually just ordered the Freud 6" stack before I checked back in because this is a Christmas project and I'm slower than Christmas. The stack arrives Saturday so I'm about to do some rough cuts for my straight pieces and will rabbet the edges when it comes in, and make finger joints for the trim also.

I worry that my ambition outweighs my skill, but we all learn by doing. The beauty of wood is that mistakes can be corrected for free or very little if the piece is self-designed and not a commissioned work of art.

@WWheeler: when there is time to spare I will be making a proper table/cabinet with folding extensions and out-feed support. I've been thinking hard on adding the router to it, but I'll probably buy a different router to put underneath. This one is as much a piece of art and history as it is a tool and I'd hate to hide it under a table.

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[rharman]

It's almost impossible to go wrong with a Freud product.

 

[derosa]

I've found the cmt sets to be nice, Lowe's blew them out a few years ago so I've got several and I'm happy with how well it works.