What size dado can fit in the BT3K?

[rnelson0]

My brother has a BT3K and was building something he needed a dado cut on. I was thinking about getting him something like the Freud 8" dado set for Christmas. Will that work on a BT3K's standard throat plate and arbor or is too wide?

For reference, it says up to 7/8" wide dados: http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=10502

[BobSch]

The BTs will handle an 8" dado but most tend to go with a 6" set, I've got an Avenger 6" set myself. Here's a thread on dado sets for the BTs.

http://www.bt3central.com/showthread...highlight=dado

[LCHIEN]

there's BT3 issues with wobble dados; stack dados tend to work best.
Among stack dados, 6" works best; there's BT3 issues with 8" stack dados.

If you get a 6" stack dado you will be able to cut dados to 13/16ths wide and 1.5" deep. 13/16ths is the standard max width most dado sets go up to. The Freud SD206 is a fine, consistent quality 6" stack set. Usually found between $75 and 100.

You will have to remove one or both of the "spacers" on the arbor, depending upon the size of the stack, to allow the arbor nut to seat against the stack. there's a 1/4" and a 1/2" spacer. Make sure you use the two blade washers on either side of the stack.

There's great detail in the BT3 FAQ on this, I think you got a copy in the past.

[dbhost]

Ryobi recommends a 6" Stack dado, and not 8", or wobblers. I personally can attest to the quality of the Oshlun SDS-0630 6" dado that I got from Rockler. It's not terribly expensive, and cuts super clean dadoes... The Freud 6" is another excellent dado... Steer clear of the cheapies like Vermont American or Skil (those two are the same thing just packaged in different boxes). While they work, they leave rough bottoms.

You will need a Dado throat plate. Or to make a Zero Clearance Throat plate for the dado. I've done both...

[thetimbo]

I'll second the Oshlun dado stack. I've used mine several months. Great performance, even better price.

[rnelson0]

Thanks for the tips. For the throat plate, is this the right one? http://www.amazon.com/DADO-THROAT-PL...3&sr=8-1-fkmr1 If not, suggestions on where to buy one that might get here before Christmas? Making one is out of the question given the lack of a BT3K to size it for and the timeline.

[LCHIEN]

yes, that's the one (throat plate).

[pelligrini]

There have been many times where I didn't bother putting the throat plate in for some dado cuts I needed to do, especailly so on wide material like sheetgoods.

[dbhost]

Thanks for the tips. For the throat plate, is this the right one? http://www.amazon.com/DADO-THROAT-PL...3&sr=8-1-fkmr1 If not, suggestions on where to buy one that might get here before Christmas? Making one is out of the question given the lack of a BT3K to size it for and the timeline.

Yeah that's the right one...

The Oshlun SDS-0630 is available from Holbren. Use the BT310 coupon code for a 10% discount...

[Knottscott]

Yeah that's the right one...

The Oshlun SDS-0630 is here on Amazon.

I'd go with Holbren on this item...more personal service, and often comes here to give us first shot at his clearance items...super guy to deal with. 10% discount with "BT310" code puts them at about the same price to your door.

[dbhost]

Does Holbren have the Oshlun?

[pelligrini]

Yea, Knottscott's link is directly to it.

[Cochese]

That's actually a fairly high price on Amazon. Holbren is one of the buying choices under new and used from $58.49

[dbhost]

Okay I changed my link...

[rnelson0]

Thanks, guys. My brother will hopefully be happy with this, and Holbren with the order!