A serious woodworker would certainly need to make several dado joints during each project. Adding grooves, dados, or rabbets to a workpiece is not simple, however, a table saw is the workhorse tool for cutting dadoes and rabbets when fitted with a good dado head.
And it could be quite risky just to put a dado blade into any saw so you need to look for a suitable saw that would be able to accept dado blades in order to help to make precise dado cuts.
7 Best Table Saws That Accept Dado Blades in 2022
In this review, we aim to fetch the best table saw for dado cuts for you, with information about the best tools any woodworker or carpenter interested in making dado cuts can settle for.
Here is my list of the Best Dado Cuts Table Saws in 2022;
1. DEWALT DWE7491RS – Supports 8 inch dado blades
DEWALT DWE7491RS a table saw equipped with a 15-ampere high torque motor rotating a 10 inch blade with 24 teeth at 4800 rpm can make quick work of dadoes and other styles of cuts on pressure-treated lumber and hardwoods with ease.
It has a maximum of 32-1/2 inch ripping capacity and 3-1/8 inch maximum vertical depth of cut. The maximum dado width is 13/16 inches with a standard 5/8 inch arbor size.
It has a rack and pinion telescopic design for accurate and quick fence adjustments that can extend and retract. The tool-free guarding component adjustment feature is especially helpful for quick and precise woodworks. Its flip-over ripping patented unique material support arrangement makes it highly suitable for narrow cuts and complicated dados.
The provided stand also rolls as such simplifying setup and breakdown providing excellent stability along with large heavy-duty wheels that easily roll over steps, job site rubble, or any restrictions.
Its 2-1/2 inch dust collection port can be connected to your in-house vacuum system for efficient dust collection. It also features onboard storage of components further enhancing the ease of use.
2. SKIL 3410-02 – With Heavy-duty Steel Folding Stand
SKIL 3410-02 is a 15 ampere table saw with a no-load rpm of 5000 on 10 inches, 28 toothed carbide tipped blades making it an ideal tool for DIY woodworkers working on bigger projects in and around the house.
This SKIL Saw can rip long boards to width, miter, or bevel between 2 to 47 degrees, cross cut smaller / finer pieces, and make dado cuts with thickness up to 13/15 inches in pressure-treated lumber. The self-aligning ripping fence allows accurate measurements while the miter gauge makes cross cuts easy by guiding the workpieces.
With a 26 inch wide die-cast aluminum table that can extend up to 32 inches, it is designed to handle longer workpieces. It can rip through large pieces and a maximum 3-1/2 inch height capacity makes it able to cut through almost 4 times as much material in one pass. The self-aligning ripping fence offers great reliability and flexibility for dado cuts.
The patented EZ View measurement system helps you achieve accurate cuts. It can be set up pretty quickly thanks to the quick-mount system on a heavy-duty folding steel stand for easy transportation and storage.
3. SKIL TS6307-00 – Ideal for serious DIYers and home users
The SKIL TS6307-00 is a 10 inch job site table saw equipped with a 15 Amp motor that can provide 25.5 inches (64.77cm) ripping capacity from its 24 toothed blades. This saw integrates foldable legs, rack & pinion fence rails along with a dust port elbow to keep the work area tidy and clean.
It has a maximum dado width of 5/8 inches which makes it one of the most prominent candidates. The powerful motor can easily and quickly rip through hardwoods with a 4×4 cutting capacity at 90 degrees. With a bevel capacity of 2 to 47 degrees; the quick release lever allows cuts at positive stops in between 0 and 45 degrees.
While the rack & pinion fence rails make fence adjustments fast and accurate, the integrated foldable legs effortlessly transform into a folding stand to provide portability and convenient storage. This saw also offers micro-adjustment of the blade so that it remains parallel to the rip fence and/or miter slot for precise and accurate cuts.
The dust port elbow in this table saw is designed to systematically redirect generated sawdust to a container for easy cleanup. This large glazed cast aluminum tabletop saw also features an anti-restart switch in case of power outages for increased safety.
4. Metabo HPT C10RJSM – Budget Friendly Table Saw
The C10RJS is a job site table saw features a 10 inch 40 Tooth Carbide Tipped Blade, a direct drive universal 15-Amp powerful motor with 4,500 RPMs no-load, plotted for rip slicing and cross-cutting of regular wood, hardwood, plywood as well as composite wood materials.
This flexible table saw is an ideal choice for any workshop or job site with a bevel capacity of 0 to 45 degrees, capable of 3-1/8 inches cut at right angles and 2-1/4 inches cut at 45-degree angles. The 8 x 13/16-inch Dado capacity of this table saw assures for simple dado cuts.
The fold & roll stand with incorporated wheels is designed with sturdy foldable legs for easy setup and breakdown, providing stability while being used and being able to roll over any distractions on the way.
This table saw has some additional features including a soft start, an electric brake, and a large working table top of 28-3/4″ x 22 inches with telescoping table extension to support a maximum rip capacity of 35 inches to the right.
A ¾ inch T-slot miter gauge features a large scale with adjustable positive stops at common stops for true cuts, and the bevel scale and bevel height adjustment knobs for the blade are situated up front for easy accessibility.
5. Makita 2705 – A Decent Contractor Saw
Easy to access on/off switch with easy to read scale along with cam-lock rip fence and bevel locking lever allows quick and precise adjustments. 3/8″ x 3/4″ T-slot miter gauge has grooves that provide support for wide crosscutting jobs. The 32-teeth carbide blade with table extensions can easily rip through 4×8 foot plywood sheets.
Every time when going for through or non-through or dado cuts, its riving knife can be adjusted into 3 different positions by using the release lever, without having to remove the throat blade.
Efficiently calibrates (lower and raise) the blade depth using the two-pole slide system. Aluminum-based machined tabletop, the effortless fence slide design along with the dual side guards allows precise cutting adjustments.
Some of the key features of this versatile 10-inch contractor table saw are top-class engineering, durability, precision, upgraded technology, mobility, high-power, productivity, and much more, which is created keeping the needs of remodelers, woodworkers, cabinet and decking installers, contractor and finish carpenters in mind.
6. SKILSAW SPT99T-01 – A combination of power and portability
An ultimate solution for all your woodworking problems. With a powerful worm drive ripping mechanism that has the proficiency to tackle even through the toughest of material without slowing the saw down.
The powerful 15-ampere motor and an excellent dual-field motor with a great 5300RPM torque has sophisticated copper wiring that keeps the motor cool under pressure.
The 3 horsepower and 24 teeth crisp blade provide an awesome 25 inch ripping capacity to smoothly rip the whole plywood sheets in half. At 45 degree it has a depth of cut capacity of 1-7/8 inch and at 90-degree of 2-5/8 inch, can seamlessly slice up to 3x material.
The rack and pinion sliding fence and the 0 to 45-degree bevel adjustments offer a flawless cutting experience. The sturdy aluminum built and the steel roll-cage can easily handle the rugged worksite conditions as well can efficiently endure heavy cutting. You can easily access the blade and hex wrench, miter gauge, push stick and a table insert with onboard storage.
A 44 lbs worthy investment with portable worm drive gearings offers convenient maneuverability and flawlessly rip through the wood to get you the desired cut and the reliable and long-lasting metal construction with all the upgraded safety features will keep you protected from all the worksite mishaps.
7. SAWSTOP JSS-120A60 – With Detect, Stop, and Drop safety system
Innovation, Durability, and Precision are what you get when you buy this Pro Sawstop, with all the upgraded features that can endure all the job site hardships. Sawstop with its 10-inch blade and 15-ampere power motor and 1.5 HP can impeccably and quickly meet all the professional woodworking demands.
The 8 inch diameter dado has the maximum dado cut width capacity of 13/16″. At a 0 degree angle, the blade has a maximum depth cutting capacity of 3-1/8 inch and a maximum rip capacity of 25 ½ inch to the right. Easily and safely rip large wooden pieces with the 24 5/8 inch durable table depth.
To avoid any serious injury, they have designed a Patented safety mechanism that stops the spinning blade within seconds of it touching the skin and drops the blade below the table, the blade has a small electric signal which activates the safety system thus protecting you from any severe injury.
Another key feature is the active transparent dust collection guard with a dust exhaust port that captures the harmful dust particles above the table keeping the workshop tidy.
The Ergolock locks the T-Style high-low fence with a single touch and the extendable shelves add the extra support needed to cut thin pieces of wood. The low and deeper fence is designed to perfectly cut the dado. The control box ensures every system is running smoothly and the simple to use intuitive foot pedal allows to extends and collapse the cart for convenient transportation.
What Are The Advantages of Having a Table Saw for Dado Cuts
The advantage of using a table saw is that it can fluently cut a large number of grooves or dados in sheet goods quickly and accurately, doesn’t matter whether using it for rip fence or a crosscut sled, depends according to the conditions.
The table saw provides one of the easiest ways to make dadoes, only with a couple of limitations. Fit the table saw with a perfect dado head for cutting grooves, dadoes, and rabbets.
Safety Techniques While Cutting / Making Dado Cuts
Not only a table saw with a giant blade sticking out the middle but also the plates used for doing dadoes could cause serious injuries and doing it is pretty hard for a beginner or a DIYer as dadoes require intricate details. So here are a few safety measures you need to keep in mind… because if you are not careful, it could have grave harmful consequences:
- Read Manual
Carefully read the user manual before you start the saw, and make sure to always check the manual for maximum permissible dado width. Mark the location on the base showing precisely where the dado cut will be made.
- Protective gears
Operate the table saw using proper guards and protections, wearing eye protection or goggles or other essential safety equipment. Also, keep the area dust free and clean, as saw chips could affect your health as well as the blade performance. Avoid using the cutter if the carbide tip is dull or damaged.
- Protect yourself
Keep your hands and fingers away until the blade has completely stopped spinning. Keep yourself a good distance away when using cutters and never reach over when the blade is spinning.
- Disconnect the power
Always disconnect the saw from the power outlet whenever changing, removing, or adjusting the blade, or before installing the dado cutter set. Insert the appropriate throat blade designed for doing dadoes. Use the cutter only for cutting wood, not metal, plastic, or aluminum.
- Use right tools
Use appropriate outfeed Tables or Stands, and try to push the board using a push stick through the blade. Make sure that the screws and bolts are not in the path of the projected dado cut, as it may damage the blade teeth.
- Cut carefully
To avoid damage to yourself and the tool, make sure to use both outside dado blades of the set, never skip them nor use only one. For deeper or wider dado cuts always remove the material in several shallow cuts, doing so will get you even cut with reducing kickbacks.
The Ultimate Buying Guide of Table Saw For Dado Cuts
The Buying guide for the Top Rated table saw for dado cuts mainly consists of the same points as for a regular table saw with the addition of measuring dado capabilities. Following are some of the key points to look at when considering buying a table saw for cutting a dado:
- Motor power and Blade
Depending upon what type of materials you would be dealing with, you can either look for portable type low powered table saw which are cheaper or you can go for the expensive high powered one for hardwood, etc.
Although dado cuts can be made by using explicit dado sets, the blade specifications are nevertheless very important as you would also be making a lot of cuts in addition to dados. So look for the best blade options.
- Cutting Capacity, Fences, and Miter Gauge
Any table saw has its features measured in terms of the ripping/cutting capacity, its miter, and bevel capabilities. The size and effectiveness of fences are also very important aspects that play significant roles in determining the accuracy and precision of a table saw. As you would be using the saw in traits other than dado cuts, you should carefully look for your requirements and weigh down the cost-effectiveness of your purchase.
- Arbor Size
When it comes to the ability to dado cut, the arbor size of the saw is the most important parameter. Arbor size is defined as the width of the rotating motor arm or how much thicker blade can be used on it. Since the dado cuts use two standard blades packed with chipper blades in between them to achieve your required thickness; it is of utmost importance that you get the widest arbor you can find in your cost brackets.
- Mobility, Dust collection, and other add-ons
Although less important, other available features such as mobility, dust collection, etc also make your life easy and give you the flexibility of woodworking. These features may vary in different available options and cannot be considered a deal-breaker when it comes to doing dado cutting.
Wrapping Up
With all the information we have shared from the detailed and unbiased product reviews to a buying guide, finding the table saw for dado cuts should not be challenging anymore. With this article, you would be able to identify their strengths and their weaknesses easily, allowing you to find the ideal table saw for yourself.
GOOD LUCK WITH DADO CUTS!