8" dado (Freud SD508) on BT3100

[RickT]

Has anyone successfully used the Freud SD508 (8"dado) on a BT3100? I know I'm supposed to use a 6". I'v wanted an SD506 with Freud's new ICE coating, but I recently learned that it will be at least 1 - 1 1/2 years before they will be making any more 6" dado blades. They don't sell many of them, and they won't make more with the new ICE coating until the ones in stock are sold. I picked up the SD508 with the ICE coating, and the blade closest to the arbor bracket will rub slightly where the bracket extends for mounting the riving knife/splitter. I recall some of you using 8" dado blades and using a Dremel to clear enough space for the blade. Anyone have experience and/or comments? Should I return the 8" and buy the 6"? Will I every need the extra depth provided by the 8"? Will I damage my saw by using the 8"? I honestly won't be using it too frequently.
Thanks,
Rick

[LCHIEN]

Has anyone successfully used the Freud SD508 (8"dado) on a BT3100? I know I'm supposed to use a 6". I'v wanted an SD506 with Freud's new ICE coating, but I recently learned that it will be at least 1 - 1 1/2 years before they will be making any more 6" dado blades. They don't sell many of them, and they won't make more with the new ICE coating until the ones in stock are sold. I picked up the SD508 with the ICE coating, and the blade closest to the arbor bracket will rub slightly where the bracket extends for mounting the riving knife/splitter. I recall some of you using 8" dado blades and using a Dremel to clear enough space for the blade. Anyone have experience and/or comments? Should I return the 8" and buy the 6"? Will I every need the extra depth provided by the 8"? Will I damage my saw by using the 8"? I honestly won't be using it too frequently.
Thanks,
Rick

I have a SD308 and recently ordered a SD306 because I was tired of not being able to put that last chipper in.

I explain it fully in the BT3 FAQ but the 8" set requires one more spacer... and I don't want to be grinding parts off the saw housing.

[gsmittle]

I don't have the Freud 8" set, but my Avenger 8" (ordered before I knew any better) works fine. I can get a 3/4" dado if I'm careful--I have to remove both spacers and the washers, but it fits with just barely enough clearance.

g.

[HarmsWay]

I've been using an SD508 on my BT3k for as long as I've had the saw. There were no clearance issues with mine but it was close so perhaps manufacturing tolerances account for the differences.

I bought the SD508 rather than the more appropriate 6" version because the latter was more expensive and was only available as special order.

Bob

[diamondman]

It will work

So this is how to get the 508 to work on the BT3 saws. Use one of the shims (I don't recall which one I use, but it's one of the medium shims supplied with the set) and place on the arbor after removing everything else. Then, begin with the outside dado cutter blade and build up your dado set. I had no trouble getting to 3/4" without running out of smooth space on the arbor. Try not to go onto the threaded portion so as to get even cutting. The first shim will hold the set away from the aluminum casting enough to avoid problems.