This table saw trick may FINALLY end dado blades

[@CP-mb7ly]

I'm just grateful there are teachers like you out there!

[@dporrasxtremeLS3]

Very Well Stated! Thanks Stumpy Nubs!

[@brucehansen7949]

Stumpy nubs is a genius

[@jlivewell]

Agreed. So well worded and easy to understand.

[@kholdanstaalstorm6881]

I'm speechless... It's so simple and easy, truly a "why didn't I figure that out" moment... I literally facepalmed from It's straightforward simplicity. But this is a perfect example of what we get from Stumpy Nubs, tips and tricks that are so elegant and easy to replicate because of the accompanying commentary and visuals!

[@mrz80]

Yeah. "A shim the width of the sawblade." That's so blindingly obvious once you've seen it. Why hasn't EVERYONE figured this out by now? :D :D THANK you, James, for sharing this.

[@valvenator]

Simple yet brilliant, plus a huge time, space and money saver since you don't need to spend 💵💸 and storage space on specialized tools. Stumpy definitely deserves two 👍👍 for this one.

[@thefrogking481]

Good video. Those of us who were too broke to buy stacked dado blades have done it this way for years. Poverty, the driving force behind invention. Good stuff, brother.

[@MichaelCampbell01]

Broke or not, just changing and fidgeting with a dado stack is so irritating. When you might need a BUNCH of them in a batch it's worth it, but for the onesy twosy, nope.

[@eloscuro704]

@@MichaelCampbell01 I actually have a nice dado set, but you are right. Setting it up and fiddling with is a pain. If I have to do something like 50 dadoes, then yes. But most projects, I'm going to just use this.

[@elvinhaak]

Here we cannot even access stacked blades (officially), yes Netherlands.

[@marcelinanoss8825]

what are you talking about, ??? He is using a dado set. He is using the two outside blades and perhaps a spacer

[@cottonbrad]

Necessity breeds invention...

[@ranyalbegwein7470]

For every blade I own I 3D printed a card as thick as the kerf. Thank you so much for sharing this method!

[@ryanhirschey]

I love the uncommon sense you bring to woodworking. Brilliant idea as always.

[@franco28stl]

Newbie here. Was practicing cutting a dado with a router, and each time was worse than the attempt before. Tried this and it worked like a charm on the first attempt. Thanks!!

[@twizzlerboy]

Best woodworking tip I've seen in a long time!

[@AxGryndr]

To make this work the best you can use a blade with a flat raker tooth. Most tablesaw blades use alternating tooth bevels (ATB) which will leave the bottom of the dado with a handful of VVV that need to be cleaned up with a chisel where the raker tooth blade will produce a flat bottom like a dado stack.

[@StoneyMeyerhoeffer]

I use a box joint grind from Forrest. Works great.

[@jimweisgram9185]

I have a couple of those but since I have a router plane, I can clean the bottom of each dado in about 30 seconds. Zip zip fine tune, zip zip zip and on to the next ones. Of course I do need to sharpen that blade now and then

[@TheCyberMantis]

Nah. The VVV is great for holding glue. Think of it as glue-channels.

[@sjsomething4936]

I e used a less effective way of doing this for awhile, for “cleanup” of the middle I do a few passes to remote majority of the unneeded material and then a router to finish up, i have much less concern about the router biting, causing a dangerous situation due to an excessive amount of material being removed it does a great job of cleaning the groove.

[@dores893]

Exactly! And, if you have a sawstop, good luck finding a flat blade! I haven't found one yet, but I'll keep looking.

[@sonnyaluzzo4788]

This was amazing. You know this was a "I can't believe I didn't think of it " moment. I can't add dados to my table saw. This is a game changer. Thanks.

[@MakerBoyOldBoy]

Thank you for your continuing instruction in a calm manner. It's good to see the craft continuing to expand through the generations for the woodies. Good on ya.

[@MarkKelly1307]

As a new woodworker (at 55yrs old), I am amazed at all these tips and tricks. I really appreciate your style of "teaching". Thanks for the great video! I'll incorporate this soon. Cheers, Mark

[@carlmclelland7624]

Stumpy... I've been 'destroying wood' on a table saw for sixty years now... WHY didn't I ever think of that?!?! I'm making my 'dado guide' right now! You've earned my subscription!!

[@ericsiegal603]

You can do the same thing with a drill bit. Measure the thickness of your saw blade, and then use a bit of the same thickness as a spacer. Shaun Boyd has a great little video about this.

[@williamellis8993]

You beat me to it. I was going to say the same thing.

[@micschemelin663]

👍👏 Great, STRAIGHTFORWARD tip and thank you for always having a focus on safety!

[@markanderson8066]

Or even a piece of bar stock or sheet metal or plastic as the spacer. Thanks Stumpy! Great stuff 👏

[@baileythesleepless9966]

I wonder if you could use another sawblade as a spacer if you were desperate lmao

[@safriedrich1631]

for a "piddler" of woodworking like me...this unbelievably simple trick, is life changing !! No amount of thanks could even up for your tips !

[@nicolascomesse7432]

As you probably know, dado blades are uncommon if not illegal in Europe, where many of us have used this technique for years. Great that it made it's way all the way to the other side of the pond!

[@JohnDoe-nl5mf]

Why are they illegal?

[@jonathanbuzzard1376]

@@JohnDoe-nl5mf They are not illegal but as a consequence of EU Safety legislation, they are tricky to legally implement. The legislation says that the saw blade must stop within a certain time after it is turned off. I am not sure what that is but it is quite quick. This is usually done with an electric brake on the motor. There are two issues. The first is that with the mass of a dado blade, stopping it that quickly would cause the nut holding the blade onto the spindle to come loose apparently. I have no idea if that is actually true but I can imagine it is. It could be solved with some sort of quick change mechanism that didn't rely on a nut but that would be more expensive. The second is you now need a more complex and hence expensive braking mechanism that can detect and compensate for the increased rotational inertia when a dado blade is fitted, to stop it in the required time. The simple solution for the manufacturers is to make the spindle too short to accept a dado and the problem is solved from their perspective.

[@syninys100]

@@jonathanbuzzard1376 I'd note that this set of safety rules only applies for situations where an employer is hiring workers to use the employers saw. If you're the owner of the saw, then they do not apply. With that caveat, it does make more sense - you can do what you like, but when responsible for other peoples safety then there are more rules.

[@Hashimo]

As far as I know, it's also not recommended to use both stop fences at the same time.. due to kickback and so on.

[@emm_arr]

@@JohnDoe-nl5mf A few reasons, one health reason being that dado blade injuries are much harder to treat.

[@scottwilliams8636]

Great tip! Just when I think that every woodworking tip that could possibly be thought of has already been explained, you come up with another gem!

[@fidgetshouse]

I am certain you don't expect comments on older videos, but you just saved this fan girl from the anxiety of cutting my first dados. I love how you explain everything so clearly. I am so glad I found the video!

[@tonyjenkins7156]

I have avoided the table saw for years, but now see the benefit and got one. You might be the clearest explainer on KZbin!

[@thebigksmoosey]

Great tip. I saw this a few years back on someone else's video, but I can't remember whose. With so many newer woodworkers around, and so many veteran woodworkers putting down their tools due to age, it's always good to keep tips like this circulating through the community, in my opinion. This keeps knowledge fresh and stops it from being lost to time.

[@Hoeech]

I am literally one sleep away from proceeding to the part of my current build in which I'll be cutting dados and I was dreading it. I always second guess myself and overthink the measurements, usually ending up with a dado that's too wide. This solution is so stupidly easy and virtually foolproof that even a fool like me can cut confidently. Thanks!

[@taylormcintyre5759]

Oh my god. Definitely a head slap moment

[@Rukkus333]

It's funny how obvious things can be after you see them.

[@JoeMac1983]

Agree.

[@amauryrodriguez477]

Brilliant, Simple, Sexy!

[@scottmessina9435]

Genius.

[@woodstover]

Now I just have to remember the trick when I need it 😆

[@randytellez2451]

Your videos are some of the best. Precise narratives without any off topic blah blah and your demeanor is to be applauded. Even better is your all inclusive explanations. Thank you for sharing your expertise.

[@BlindGrilling]

Wow! Your explanations are always great. Since I’m blind, it is hard to find YT videos that explain things so well. Thanks again.

[@BobHerres]

Fantastic! James continues to be a "modern day woodworking pioneer!" Thank you !

[@dannymurphy1779]

Thanks - you showed a lot more simply than in the other video I saw about this, actions speak louder than words!

[@LeighWoodIT]

I cannot tell you wonderful it was to find this very simple method. In the UK dado blades are as common as hens teeth and all those US videos showing how easy it is to cut with them is a little trying. You sir are a scholar and a gentleman. Thank you.

[@olddawgdreaming5715]

That's about the slickest idea I have seen in a while, THANKS James, can't wait to try it out. Stay safe and keep up the fun. Fred.

[@glencrandall7051]

Thanks James. It is a simple idea. And as you stated it has been presented by others. But from the comments here a good many folks have not seen this before. Therefore it is a useful reminder. For those concerned about this technique not leaving a flat bottom, this is a great opportunity to use your router plane. In fact regular use of a router plane to finish off dados is a good idea. It ensures uniform dados. Thank you for sharing James. Have a great day and stay safe.🙂🙂

[@LAP1050]

This one goes into the keeper drawer. Thank You!

[@tgahan01]

I’ve seen this method shown on other videos, but I must say, James, your explanation is the easiest to understand.

[@manyirons]

You can save the shim step for all dadoes by using it to rip a rabbet one sawblade thickness off the spacer before beginning cuts on your workpiece(s).

[@TheCyberMantis]

This is the most useful trick I have learned in a long time. Simple. Genius.

[@running_rich]

Thanks for this, I'll use it a lot unless I have many dados to do at once. Hate dealing with the stacked dado blade.

[@rgsiiiya]

WOW! Perfect Timing. I was going to go buy a dado blade this weekend. I don't need to do this very often, and this approach 'just makes sense". You just saved me $80!!!!!

[@rexseven93]

If the spacer boards along the fence through the whole cut bother you, you could just clamp it before the blade. You would want to hold the panel secure to the miter bar, but it would work fine.

[@JerInCrik]

I’ve now cut a dozen different dados like this - it works like a charm! What a time and frustration saver! Best tip I’ve learned in years! Thanks Stumpy!

[@DomenicDatti]

Great tip! This will surely save me time, as I do not have a dado capable saw. I bought the Freud blade you mentioned a long time ago in one of your other videos to cut dados, so I will definitely be using this trick. The thought dawned on me that this trick works with a dado stack as well. Your shim would have to match the thickness of the stack, but depending on how wide of a dado you're cutting, you might save a ton of time using this method.

[@DomenicDatti]

@@kyronnewbury I believe he suggested a bunch. I ended up with the Freud 24T Heavy Duty rip blade. He mentioned another from Ridge Carbide and possibly others. I'm sure you can find the video on his channel somewhere.

[@Cecil_X]

It also works with a router bit.

[@sageman5525]

I have been struggling to cut dados with my router, the price of lumber keeps me from making all these jigs, and of course my Table saw doesn’t allow dado blades.. once again, I find a video of yours and I’m saved!! Thank you!!!

[@larrygardner53018]

Wonderful tip! Your careful video editing and straightforward explanation make it clear and succinct. Keep 'em coming!

[@billybike57]

Wow! Thanks! I’ve put off using dado joints simply for the cost of a dado stack. This is great news for a paycheck to paycheck hobbyist like me!👍🏼

[@MrMarkpeggy]

Thanks for the great tip, James. You are so good at explaining things. I remember years ago that you made an amazing finger joint jig that was capable of doing dadeos.

[@thomasclarke8220]

You are one of the best instructors on You Tube! This video is, as we used to say, Far Out!

[@WhatAboutZoidberg]

The video finished and Im just sitting here blinking with a blank expression on my face. "Huh, thats so elegant and simple."

[@cyrilnorrie8450]

Thanks for this trick, which will come in handy when we just want a quick dado or two, without installing a dado blade. You always come up with time saving ideas, sometimes money saving as well.

[@GeorgeCooper_LoneWolf]

Finnaly after watching all your fantastic helpful tips and information. I can for the first time say this... I have been doing this trick for years. However the tip to add a bit of tape just to get the right thickness is a great idea that I never thought of. Great video buddy 👍

[@tinynolamike6360]

Wow. You said it in the intro and delivered in the video. Many thanks for this great tip!

[@philjohnwilliams]

You can save yourself a few passes over the blade by using a dado stack that is narrower than the dado you are cutting, for example using a 5/8" stack to cut a 3/4" dado in two passes

[@paristo]

The idea of this is that you don't need to switch blades. You just get the required cuts made quickly, as making few extra passes is not wasted time.

[@percyfaith11]

@@paristo Depends on how many dados you have to cut. A dado in 2 passes versus 6 or 7 passes is a lot of saved time if you have to do 10 dados.

[@paristo]

@@percyfaith11 If it would be dedicated machine for this one task, it would make sense more, or if the cut needs to be long ones. Then dado stacks make sense. But swapping between working and all, it is just time saver to even do those few cuts more. Common cut is only 1/2-3/4" wide. Common blade is what, 1/8" kerf. For one dado you need to do 5-7 cuts with little overlapping, so you don't need to use chisel to finish it. Having a good sled makes it super fast. First, last and then between. Even easier is often to use a router with good sled jig, that does it with one pass, but table saw is still faster. If one doesn't do dados all the time, time and effort savings to use dado stack isn't there.

[@y2kroxy]

I like the idea of the dado stack when you have production work. No , I don’t do this for a living but I could see using that dado stack as the kerf thickness could save me time. I’m currently making 22 cabinet drawers using the 1/2, 1/2, 1/2 method which will have 1/2” and 3/4” thick bottoms that will be in a dado all around . Having to do this with a a regular 1/8 kerf blade would take forever. Using the dado stack with this video would be easier than having to fidget with differing dado stack thicknesses and will only to do 2 passes at most.

[@CoronaWolle]

Most useful woodworking video I will watch this decade

[@CarlYota]

It’s also worth noting that instead of the small shim you can use a drill bit. That way if your blade isn’t 1/8 you can easily get it perfect no matter the blade size. Remember that you don’t have to drag the wood against the rip fence you’re just using that tool set the position of the wood on your miter gauge or crosscut sled. So just jam the piece against the drill bit against your rip fence. Then make your cut leaving the drill bit behind. Of course if it’s easy enough to get your shin the size of your blade then that’s fine.

[@BartOpregt]

Now I understand how the "kerfmaker" works. I was going to buy one soon, but with this trick there's no need for that anymore. Thank you for the comprehensive video!

[@glennryzebol4472]

This is a great trick. The guys over at foureyes furniture have a very similar one using a drill bit as a spacer in the same way you`re using that piece of hard board. Slightly different but the same result. I think your method might be a bit simpler to use so i will have to try it also . thanks

[@9and7]

Another awesome idea that keep coming from the makers of YT. I Build It had a great one for dowels and now we get this Dado dandy from Stumpy Nubs. Genius!

[@IanPrest]

This would also work well *with* a dado blade, so you have to do fewer passes. Just make sure your stack is thinner than you need your dado to be (though preferably greater than 1/2 the desired dado size, so you only need two passes), and make sure it's of a known thickness, so you could use a brass setup block as your 'thin' spacer.

[@rallapalli48]

After watching this video, I tried this trick and worked absolutely fine. Thanks for the tip!!

[@ralphiewigs2208]

This simple jig (masonite, maybe with tape) will now need to be turned into an impossibly complicated build. i'm imagining quick change inserts, rulers, adjustable stops, possibly a laser, and lots and lots of t-track.

[@tomb.8485]

I keep putting off buying a dado blade, now I know why. Thank you!

[@makerspace533]

This method has been around for many years, but like many of the old techniques it was pushed in obscurity by the drive to get new tools. It is a great way to do a few quick dados, but you can't beat a real dado if you have to make a bunch of cut. Keep in mind that for this to produce a flat bottom dado, a flat kirf blade is required, something that is not normally on the saw for crosscuts. Thanks for bringing this technique back into the light.

[@1steelcobra]

Eh, run a router plane down the cut and you can clean that up if you really need to, though.

[@GordonKjolhaug]

Thank you for the intelligent and simple method. When I watch your videos you come across as a really intelligent and skilled person.👍

[@LewHarriman]

Sheesh. So obvious and so clearly a good idea as soon as one sees it in action. Thanks James.

[@TheLovelyMissBeans]

This is so smart! Just a really brilliant and simple solution, exactly what I've come to expect from you! So great for new woodworkers who haven't acquired a dado stack, or our friends across the pond who are not allowed access to them. And great for making one or two quick cuts instead of changing out blades.

[@chipperkeithmgb]

Not correct in England if you want to you can use them

[@rankeny2]

Why didn't I think of that? Great video. BTW, I taught woodworking for 34 years and it's nice to still be learning new things.

[@cottonbrad]

FINALLY! A way to cut accurate dados on my Bosch portable jobsite saw! This is sheer brilliance!

[@araphelt]

Thank you for the continued tips and short form videos to deliver the information without saying any more than necessary. Extremely useful channel.

[@davidkettell1073]

This is a great tip ,most weekend woodworkers use contractors saws which do not have an arbor long enough for dado stacks .

[@christopherdean1326]

That's really neat! Now, all I have to do is remember it when I get back to my workshop!

[@dinobernardi170]

O geez....no way. Where have you been all my years. Just subbed. Love your calm voice and teaching method. Thank you!!

[@IrwinCunningham]

This is brilliant. Matchfit has sold a little device for a few years called the Dado Stop Pro that uses the same principle, but avoids any potential issues of using a mitre gauge and fence simultaneously. You could use the same approach here simply by clamping your shim further forward on the fence. I've been using Matchfit's device for years now and am kicking myself that this simple idea never even occurred to me!

[@Whodatindyman]

Sometimes the simplest things are oblivious to everyone. Great video and tip

[@devilsdance87]

Just tried this today and absolute game changer!! Thanks Stumpy!!

[@Uglidan307]

In my dream shop, I will have every incremental dado stack in its own table saw in order, kinda like Norm and all of his routers! Great tip, I will use this one!

[@raymcedward1416]

I used this method for a 36” groove in some oak. Worked great! Thanks for the tip.

[@torchlight4003]

So many complicated and time consuming ways to cut dadoes. Now here is a method that eliminates all the hassles. Thank you !

[@edwardholmes91]

Such a brilliantly simple, accurate and repeatable tip! It's worth noting that you'll want a blade with a flat grind on either all, or some of the teeth, otherwise you'll end up with small notches that you need to clean out with a chisel or sandpaper.

[@1959mikel]

I struggled many times how to mitigate that spacer thickness. You’re right the answer is so cool and simple… thanks for sharing. All I need now is a good flat top grind blade!

[@Dazza19746]

Brilliant, a mystery simplified and transferable to other work such as a router table, just match shim to cutter! Thank you 🙏

[@lynbren]

Wow, cant get any simpler and more accurate than that, thanks

[@BvictoryforChrist]

What a clutch little tip! Thanks for sharing with us!

[@justgettingby42]

This tip is so good, I even watched the ads to support Stumpy Nubs 😀

[@zS39SBT4fe5Zp8Q]

Thank you for sharing this! It's really encouraging to learn beginner friendly techniques.

[@TheArozconpollo]

I like this idea! So many times I've have to swap out blades, when one does it all.

[@lukmanadewunmi3876]

Wow!!! You just helped me with a solution to a problem that has been troubling me. Many thanks.

[@chrisbroome]

As soon as I saw the cut line up on the outside of the blade I was like “oh we could use the hardboard” and then “omg this is brilliant!” followed by “why didn’t I think of that”. Like you said some things seem so obvious in retrospect. Great video!

[@anhhaineou.s.a425]

Thanks for sharing I found this is the best way to cut dado. No jig needed.

[@Woojo01]

Holy cow! This is so simple and extremely useful. Thanks for sharing this. I try to watch all of your videos and always find them useful. 😀😀

[@eddiemoreno2922]

This is a great video for those who have a table saw that doesn't accept dado blades!

[@javierflores4567]

This video is going straight to my favorite playlist 🎉🎉🎉thank you I saw this in onother video but the way you explain is the best 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@williamkilpatrick101]

Once seen vevor forgotten. Another brilliant video.

[@cyrilnorrie8450]

You're right, I don't know why I didn't think of this. I think we sometimes just keep using the same techniques that we've been using for years without giving a thought that there may be a better way. Thanks for sharing this and I always look forward to your videos!

[@robertlove7607]

Great Tip. I'm glad I came across this video of yours. I've seen other videos by you but not this one.

[@MikalAasved]

This is one of the best tips I've ever seen. Thank you!

[@22busy43]

Perfect timing. I just bought a budget table saw. I’m building a crosscut sled for it. I need a couple of dados for t track. I don’t have a dado blade, and didn’t want to remove my router from the router table. This might be a quicker solution.

[@gteam53]

You make the complex simple. Thank you for your excellent videos.

[@wjpelleguy]

When you buy somethings or get advices from somebody, you never know wwhat to expect. You dont know everything but i am sure you know what you are talking about and that's worth more than gold. Excuse my english and hope to see a lot more from you!

[@vincenthuying98]

Absolutely fabulous method to produce a flawless dado!!

[@tzavitz]

I was just watching how to make a "kerfmaker".....then I saw this. Now I don't need the kerfmaker! Thanks!

[@brianfreeman8290]

Tomorrow, I intend to make such a cut ! THANK YOU !!!

[@richardredwine6710]

I always avoid dados when I can but no more! Keep them coming Stumpy

[@norm5785]

Absolutely fantastic idea. Thank you for sharing. Everyone stay safe, happy and healthy. From Henrico County Virginia

[@paulkramer4176]

I do love your channel, and I agree that this method is certainly superior for a couple cuts.... but there are lots of times I'm making multiple cuts for carcasses that make a figuring out a dado with shims well worth while. Also for long dados or rabbets a dado stack is pretty useful. I also use a dado stack with my tenoning jig. Yes, such cuts can be made with a single blade, but it is faster with a dado stack. And finally, I while I agree that everything you've shown is pretty safe, still, EVERY cut you make with a saw is an operation that requires care. cutting the number of cuts isn't a bad thing. Thanks again though for this reminder. Your channel is the best for such tips.

[@larrystrayer8336]

As an occasional woodworker, I’m a metal sculpture artist this is fantastic. Thanks