How to Set Up and Use a Dado Stack - Full Tutorial and Examples

[@michellereed2535]

For anyone watching this video. DO NOT move your already cut dado back though the blades like this gentleman has shown! Not only is it dangerous,but seeing that his hand is not a clamp there is a chance that you can widen the cut by going back.I was very surprised to see him do this. It is not recommended by professionals.Once your through the cut remove the piece and then you can slide your miter gauge back.

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Thanks for pointing that out. Something I’ve always done but it doesn’t make it right for others.

[@chriscaswell6157]

I will keep that in mind thanks.

[@canadianfudge5648]

I WAS thinking the same thing. eventhough I have done it. myself. Never used daods before. Just bought mine I can see how much work they save doing it the old fashioned way. Great video however for use except yes, going backward.

[@heimdall4148]

Only not advisable when you make a cut and have wood left on both sides. But when he did it with the tennons there is nothing wrong with that.

[@marionroark8237]

don't see anything wrong with it

[@Juniordc21]

Thank you for being direct and right to the point and not playing pop music in the background the entire time

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

No problem 👊

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

Ha, I'm guilty of that on some of my videos... I'm trying to improve...

[@TobeJex]

Man I was going to say the same thing. No wasted time in this video. Exactly the Information I needed and no wasted time with unnecessary "fluff". 100% great video.

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

👊👊👊👊

[@jenlong9905]

I have done some woodworks in the past but this woodwork plan kzbin.infoUgkxZF0EMnrujZvqHhGkxiz559uIABJWR9TG helps me do much in a far lesser time than i used to do i have already built several projects with this plan and i intend to do many more soon. Thank you so much!

[@savmom1]

Thanks. Blade kit came with no instructions at all. Figured I had it set up correctly but confirmation of that was nice.

[@mr.squeegee2937]

I've been out of woodworking for several years, but now I'm retired and getting back in to it, This video was refreshing, Clearly spoken, stationary camera, right to the point, and comprehensive. Thank you.

[@stevew2631]

Great video and info. It's SOOOOO enjoyable when the person just cuts to the chase, explains things well, no B.S. and delays, just the meat and potatoes !

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Thanks Steve! I appreciate that!

[@johncritser449]

ABSOLUTELY Agreed Steve....

[@talibhassan25]

I was planning to buy a dado Cutter for my workshop coincidentally jus saw you video abt it..thanks for sharing knowledge learned a few things...gr8 from Chennai India

[@nvanpraag]

Thank you! Just secured a dado stack from a neighbor for 30 bucks but I had no idea as to how to use it. Now I do! Thank you.

[@TheFalconJetDriver]

I have a set of dado blades that I have had for over 20 years and to this day I have not seen one rabbit that you say they make!🤣🛫 Seriously this is a good video with sound techniques!

[@russw3926]

Just purchased my 1st😂dado stack and looking for how to use on my table saw. Very good video thanks for the guidance. You’re good at instructing.

[@ConstantinoCollamat-sd4oe]

Thank you sir for a very informative blog. I am just a beginner handy man it helps me a lot.

[@preacher1775]

As a long time woodworking hobbyist, I can really appreciate this video. In the past, I used a Craftsman adjustable dado blade, but unfortunately, someone helped themselves to my dado blade. While searching for a replacement, I learned that the adjustable blade isn't available, anymore. So, watched this video to learn how to use the dado stack approach. This video, I found, is very informative and lots of help! Keep up the good work!

[@atkgrl]

Try eBay that is where I bought my old craftsman dado stack set, very old but still works great.

[@roberttheurer6719]

I’m Robert Theurer in Oak Creek, Wi. So far have been self taught based on videos like yours. I like that are detailed as I would be. I’ve been in sales / mgt. most of my life. So, I wanted to thank you and will follow you.

[@Sarge-pg8vm]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! For explaining the order of the chippers and spacers within the dado stack!

[@jackwebb5917]

This was an AWESOME video! I’m researching for my first table saw and this was something I really wanted to know about. I watched a video “dado for beginners” and this guy was more interested in showing off what he could do rather than teach the basics! Your video rocks!

[@uvaldoordonez8353]

Outstanding! Great tutorial very descriptive, and very clear. It appears that I will need to spend several hundred to get the proper tools.

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Thanks! Glad it was helpful!

[@81Sevit]

2:05 The hiding finger. Nice and useful video. Thumbs up

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Hahaha cut it.

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

Great tutorial. I use a dado set a lot over on my channel for box joints and dado slots. Thanks!

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Thanks!!!! They sure are handy!

[@tonyhendrick]

My timing is off because I’m watching this 2 days AFTER I shortened my index finger by half an inch from kickback. It was late in the day and thought I would keep going to finish my project even though using dados require more alertness than I had (first mistake). I decided to stack the maximum amount of blades to save time (second mistake). I didn’t establish a solid fence (third mistake). I used my hand to hold the wood (biggest mistake). The 3/4” plywood’s sharp edge sheared the top of my finger off down to the bone. I’m so thankful to the surgeon who cleaned up the mess leaving enough finger to still play the piano … I’m very fortunate. No more messing around. I’m going to buy some micro jig push blocks this afternoon.

[@timburton5950]

thank you so much; was wondering how to keep dado from contacting fence, and tightening blades with leverage stick great idea!

[@jrecipes]

Thanks for posting this video. I’m totally new to carpentry, and totally intimidated by Dedo projects. Because of that, I have been using tons of nails and screws. LOL. I am no more encouraged to learn more about dado blades and eventually get on a project to move forward. Thanks again!

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bethhughes2786]

Very nice, thank you. Retired and making some things to sell. Going to use a dado stack to cut 3 1/2" half laps for planters to save some time liked & subscribed

[@TuanBui-yp7oz]

awesome! just got a set and was pretty much intimidated to run it cuz i didnt know what those teeth were going to do clanking against each other! i knew it wld be bad. but this vid was what i needed to get me to that point of giving her a go! it really is thorough and will watch again prior to installing and running. again, thx!

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Glad it was helpful! Be safe and build some great things!

[@ronswoodshack3855]

Thanks! Never used a dado stack before. The possibilities are endless

[@Foresterarborist]

Never used a dado stack. Now I know how to start. Thanks

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

👍👍👍👍

[@rryan234u]

Great tutorial and very well explained.

[@UppsalaSal]

Good tip about using the board to keep the blades from moving when tightening the arbor nut. Also...nice placement of your fire extinguisher and first aid bag...easy to see.

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Thanks! Safety first!

[@michaelbedell6523]

Great video, thanks for the “not what to do” comments. Both are teamwork to make the best of any ideas.

[@guitarstitch]

Commenting from the great lockdown of 2020. I'm a beekeeper and have been in a never ending quest to make cheaper bee boxes for my expanding apiary. It looks like the dado stack is what I need for not only the joints, but the rabbets for my frame rest. Your video demonstrates much of the flexibility of the dado stack clearly and just kept me from spending money on a router table! Thanks!

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

That’s awesome and thank you! There is nothing better than some fresh honey!

[@notafuckinpplperson8233]

Good luck man. I just started using dado blades to start making my own bee boxes, the tear outs are horrible! Maybe it’s just my blade? It’s a brand new diablo 8” 12 tooth. If those $300 dado stacks get rid of this crazy tear out problem I’m having, I’d buy them. Anyone know if this would solve my tear out problem? I’ve tried the normal fixes, scribing a lime, taping the back and using a backer board. Scribing helped, but still nowhere near good enough. Oh and going really slow helped. Still super inconsistent with tear outs. More often than not

[@Rebel9668]

Cool. I'll be mounting mine to a radial arm saw. When I'm ready to tighten them I'll just lower the arm till the blades are against the table and that should keep them from moving.

[@garyperrin8172]

Great job showing how a dado blade works.

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Thank you

[@patrcrnn]

You do a great job explaining. I'm A Plumber trying to be a weekend Carpenter. Lol. Appreciate it, Thanks.

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Glad it was helpful!!!

[@freddyjoe0910]

I just bought my first dado stack and wasn't sure how to install it thanks to this video I believe I can safely install it and use it

[@garymoffat8366]

Really like the description you use. It’s clear and easy to follow. I’m new to this so it’s very helpful. Since I haven’t used my dado stack yet, I feel better about it now.

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Awesome! Glad it was helpful!

[@tonyserafine2094]

Greatest KZbin instructional video of all time. Thank you!

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Thanks Tony!!!! 👊👊👊

[@erwinerwin1245]

I knew zero on dado stuff, but after watching this super excellent video, I know how a lot as in how to assemble them and all. Just an amazing instruction video. I would say as good as one can ever have in a video.

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Wow, thanks for such a great review and kind comment! I’m so glad the video was helpful and thank you for your support!

[@Firevine]

I bought my first dado stack today. This video was an awesome resource. Thanks a ton!

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Glad it was helpful

[@garyj4870]

Very descriptive. I hope that you do many more tutorials because you are very informative, and you apparently know what you're doing. Thank you!

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Thanks Gary, I appreciate the kind words and support!

[@richragan4810]

Hey Jess just another Thank You! I purchased a new Dato Stack from DeWalt and used it a couple times. But today I wanted to do a max Dado cut for a simple project. So when I placed the blades and all the cutters and also the washer that came with the saw there were only a few threads left on the Arbor. Had I not watched your video I prbably would have used the washer and minimal threads. So Jess I remembered your video and used the stack without the washer and all was fine. I just feel like for all youdo I should let you know how much you have helped me. I'm 71 years old and have been woodworking for 10 years but only recently have I discivered the value of KZbin videos. What you do is important to me and obviously many others. Thanks so much for all you do and most likely don't get paid enough. Peace and success to you Jess.

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Rich, messages like this mean a lot to me and I sincerely appreciate you taking the time to type it out and send it. Experienced woodworkers, such as yourself, have helped me in the past and I’m so glad that I can pass the knowledge along.

[@markglenn8239]

Thanks for taking the time to record this video. I just bought an 8 inch 24 tooth stack made by Dewalt. After watching your video I felt much more comfortable firing up my saw for the first time last night with the stack installed. My wife says it isn't a project unless I bleed. Well, I guess this was a project :-).

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Haha well thank you and glad it was helpful!

[@jimmyfeatherston3741]

Great video in many ways. It was clear and easy to understand, very professional and no music to distract from hearing the instructions. You did super great!!

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Thanks Jimmy! I appreciate that!

[@tomdaoust]

Excellent demo. Lots of clear, concise explanations. Thanks.

[@lauramarshall6376]

Excellent video. Just bought my first dado stack and this makes me actually not afraid to use it.

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Great to hear!!! Glad it was helpful!

[@stephanegeorge9936]

Thanks, I've learned so much in only a few minutes, keep doing the vidéos.

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Thanks friend!

[@christiangriffin1683]

I've been using the repeated-single-saw-blade method for dados and rabbets. Tonight I use a dado stack for the first time. Excited to leave behind the world of ridged, bumpy dados.

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

That’s great, man!!!! Welcome to the dado club! Haha

[@TheBikersurgeon]

can't believe I've never thought to use a leverage board when tightening the stack....Thanks for that!

[@l.clevelandmajor9931]

I am descended from a long line of woodworkers, with My Pop before me, his Pop before him, and so on. I have about 50 years of experience in woodworking, and their no woodworking power tool I cannot use. I dropped in on this video, because I wanted to see how well you know dado stacks. I have to say I am impressed! You indeed know quite a lot about them. I have been supervisor of a cabinet shop for a custom bus building company, as well as their top cabinet and wood structure designer. I trained many woodworkers in the proper use of all woodworking tools and accessories, like the dado stack. My way of training is to have them watch me do what i am teaching them. I love that you demonstrate your techniques as you teach also. In the case of dado stacks, there is one thing you did in the video that you did not mention. It is an important safety technique you obviously know to practice, though you probably have it so ingrained into your routine that you don't even have to think about it. For a tutorial though, it is something you should mention. Cutting Speed: When using a Dado Stack to cut a dado, or any other cut possible with it, make your cuts slowly. Do not force the piece through to cut down the time it takes to make the cut. A dado stack is much thicker than a regular tablesaw blade, and it is comprised of several pieces. Trying to save time during a dado cut can cause the chippers to shift between the outer blades. If they shift to much, you will have a disaster on your hands, with possible injury, and definite damage to the dado stack and likely the blade arbor and even the drive shaft. Expensive to replace, and even more costly if you are injured. All the other safety measures you provided explanation for well enough. For this one though, you could say "Slow and steady gets it done right, and keeps you and your equipment safe." As you demonstrate what you mean, your audience will hopefully understand what you mean. Now there is another type of dado that is not stacked, and I would like to know what your thoughts are on it. I call it the Adjustable Dado. It has a dial type thingy that can be turned and locked into place once you have the thickness you want. As you cut with it it has a wobble type effect that grow worse with greater thicknesses. For that reason I do not recommend it. I is safe enough to use if used properly, but it does set up unwanted vibrations in the blade mount parts of your tablesaw. As I believe you know, that can greatly reduce the life of your machine. So what are your thoughts concerning that type of dado?

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Thank you so much for the kind comment! 50 years of experience is nothing to shake a stick at!

[@kmbytt984]

Just got my first dado stack. Wanted to be sure I was doing it right. Joy joy.

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Glad it was helpful!

[@paulshaw9355]

Thank you, just got dado for christmas thanks for instructions

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Awesome! Be safe and enjoy!

[@seanward5211]

Very helpful information. Clearly explained. Excellent video! Thanks.

[@lukesyers9683]

Really informative, thank you for shedding light on how to set-up the dado.

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Glad it was helpful!!!

[@michaeldequatro1012]

Great and simple video. Sorry I'm just writing this now, but I just started woodworking and I wanted to get a dado stack but was too afraid of them. I never took my blade out of the table and frankly, I didn't know how to install them. I saw the blades on Amazon but they didn't how to install them. Thank you.

[@charlesthomas9294]

Fantastic job. I understand this much more thoroughly than I did before.

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Awesome!!! Thank you!!

[@rubentomas1863]

This is big help for me as new to making a cabinet thank you soo much awesome 👍

[@cyshorseandwoodworkingwebsite]

nice video I just got my first dado set and now I can use it to do all the things like dados, rabbit's, tenon's and I am grateful for your knowledge you shared. Thanks again!!!!

[@jordankrebs2822]

your tools behind you look great. Its like a window to the heart of a lover of woodworking👍🏼. Thanks for the info

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Haha love that. Thanks friend

[@edjharris1]

Impressive, first time trying it today. I'll be following your video , wish me luck 🤞

[@SilverGorilla1776]

Great video! Trying a dado blade for the first time. Straight to the point and covers everything. Made me a success on the first try. Thank you!

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Heck yeah! Glad it was helpful!

[@SilverGorilla1776]

Got you a new sub here. 👍

[@SemourKlitz]

TWO THUMBS UP! Man, I just acquired a Dado kit from a friend and can't wait to experiment with this baby. I was going to buy an expensive router bit to make those tendons but now realize using a dado, I can make rabbets all around to achieve the same thing only neater, faster, and nicer! Thanks!

[@fatahaac3]

i think router table do the same output.

[@scottwilliams8636]

Thank you for this video, I just bought a Dado set and have not used it yet. Very helpful!

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Awesome! Thanks Scott! I appreciate the support

[@mutigers88]

Really good. I’m gonna try it. Was a little apprehensive but you helped me.

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Heck yeah!

[@mutigers88]

@@PenaltyBoxWoodshop Really Great. I did it. It worked and was able to finish the project of my new Tool Battery Charger & Tool Storage. Wish I could add a pic. Lots of first time mistakes - but ... It's progress. Learned a lot. Thanks @PenaltyBoxWoodshop!!!

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

That’s awesome, Alan! Thanks for commenting and the kind words. Let me know if you ever have any questions I’ll be happy to help

[@AngieWilliamsDesigns]

I've had a dado stack for... Five... Maybe six... Yikes. They are intimidating. This was super helpful. Now... I just need a zero clearance throat plate so I can start practicing. Thanks for sharing. You are a great instructor.

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Thanks Angie, I appreciate that! Good luck and stay safe!

[@francisarledge9981]

Is there a way to use dados on a circular saw? 🤔 Or is there a special saw for that purpose?

[@mycats7321]

Thanks for explaining this. I took woodworking in school over 25 years ago and we never messed with dado stacks. I'll have to look into that as there are some projects I want to work on that this could help with.

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

You are welcome and I’m glad it was helpful!

[@patrickpeterman8736]

thank you for taking the time and effort to produce a very useful video; PJP

[@dc4334]

This was an amazing straight to the point explanation of Dado blades. Thank you!!

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Thanks friend! Love your profile pic!!!👊👊

[@dc4334]

Penalty Box Woodshop thank you :-).

[@tcbridges]

Really great advise. Thanks for making this video helped me understand Dado much more.

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

So glad it was helpful!

[@GregPock]

Great video!! I'm a beginner and am really enjoying the knowledge!!

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Thanks Greg! Glad it was helpful

[@spicyhot1695]

I bought a dado set a while back but I have always been intimidated to use it, after watching your video I feel like I am ready to give it a try. Thanks for sharing this amazing video.

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Thanks and I’m glad it was helpful! Be safe and build something awesome!

[@edwardsimon5097]

Thank you brother, I make and install cabinets and I always use a tongue and groove router bit, but clearly a dato set would be more ideal as I also have to dato out the face frame as well as the cabinet carcass. Thanks again I appreciate you.

[@martinzepeda6201]

best dado video i have seen tks straigth to the poin

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Thanks!!!

[@mark2talk2u]

I think the pushblocks are better held with the flat side towards the fence. In this way, the tilted handles are helping you push the workpiece towards the fence b

[@kathaleenwright7206]

Great informative video, especially for someone just starting out. Thanks for sharing.

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Glad it was helpful!

[@brianives7437]

Thanks man! I was just given a Dato stack for my saw and had no clue how to use one!

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

So glad it was helpful!!!

[@tonylatimer1308]

Many thanks. Nice clear demos and explanations.

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Thank you!

[@davidndahura7437]

I have just learnt something very amazing, thank you.

[@edriv3722]

the best video explaining about the dado stack. thanks.

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Well thanks!👊👊

[@tglenn13]

Great instruction and useful info. The safety notes are taken. Thanks for the video.

[@fernandorivas4230]

your explanation was easy to understand, thanks so much

[@emmettjordan7921]

Nice video great to see the real way to stack your dado blades thanks for the info!

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Thanks friend and I appreciate the support!

[@miltonwelch8619]

Very thorough for teaching a johnny-come-lately!

[@GetOffTheCouchDesign]

Great explanation of the dado stack and how to use it Jesse.

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

GetOffTheCouch_Design Thanks Scott!!!!

[@christopheraddlesee5588]

Hello from the UK, Great vid thank you...

[@franklawson2735]

I am using this process tomorrow on a project I've been working on, thanks.

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Glad it was helpful! Be safe and build something awesome!

[@johnwhitley2898]

👍 Good Stuff! Great informative video... Really refreshed/renewed my knowledge base after being out of the craft for 20 years!

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Love hearing comments like this! Thanks John!

[@davel9956]

Very helpful! No I see where the shims are to go in the sequence and how a sacrificial fence makes it so you dont have to always resize the dado stack. Thanks!

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Glad it was helpful!

[@LittleBozo]

Great teaching brother, thank u!

[@chucktrue4928]

This is a great picture and I will be able to do things better thank you so much God bless you

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Thanks Chuck! 👍

[@HipsterDoofus100]

Nice video. I just got my first table saw and was curious as to how dado blades work, ie how to determine the width of the dado. This was helpful and yes I check my saw does accept dados up to 13/16. Thanks

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Thanks man! Congrats on getting started with your new saw!

[@lorenzoramirez447]

Thanks for the advice! God bless your knowledge!

[@HomeImProveMentHow]

Thanks for sharing taking the time to give the details

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Thanks for the kind comment and support!

[@federicogalimberti9707]

Good! Simply explained and well presented. Congrats

[@overthetopcargotrailerjerr2278]

EXCELLENT video 👍👍👍👍👍😎⭐😎⭐ NO BS and no fluff

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Thank you!

[@kenlane6655]

Informative. Gave me all I wanted to know and that last bit was very neat. the sacrificial fence, I like that.

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Thanks Ken! Thanks for your support and the kind comment

[@anthonysmith7627]

Thank you for the video very informative keep my fingers safe thank you

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Glad it was helpful!

[@leorhault6432]

@@PenaltyBoxWoodshop how do I subscribe?

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Go to my profile page and click subscribe

[@katigroszek]

Very good vid! Still I do not quite get it why you had to dig in the sacrificial mdf guide so deep and high preparing to cut tenons. Wouldn't just a little bit be enough?

[@VROne111]

Hopefully won’t go wrong on the precision stacking after watching the instructions from you thanks and best wishes

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

You’re very welcome. Thanks for the support!

[@Saleh.binmaleh]

Thanks George costanza this video is really helpful 😅😊

[@Boomproof]

Very nice tutorial! It's always interesting to learn different techniques.

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Thanks friend!

[@green53100]

Great video for first timers. I am still a little uncertain about the alignment of teeth between blades and chippers?