Dado blade 101 - what type is best?

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  • ballard770
    Established Member
    • Jan 2016
    • 140
    • Washington State
    • Ryobi BT3000

    Dado blade 101 - what type is best?

    I had a friend ask me about the difference between stack dado and the other type (wobble ?) name escapes me at the moment - must be my CRS (can’t remember stuff) kicking in again. I have only used a stack dado on my bt3000 with mixed results. I did set up a sacrificial attachment to the rip fence so I could keep the blade away from the rip fence. I used it to cut a rabbett in 1” X 2” trim to make picture frame moulding. I subsequently found it preferable to use my Porte cable router with the accessory table and the ryobi router kit.

    Will the wobble router cut a flatter bottom than a stack dado?

    what are the pros and cons with each type?
  • Carlos
    Veteran Member
    • Jan 2004
    • 1893
    • Phoenix, AZ, USA.

    #2
    The stack is the more expensive and generally preferred type. A wobbler is just a cheap way to get a non-flat dado. There will be a slight cove to it since the wobbler section in the middle won't cut flat. Also I've noticed that wobblers tend to be small, like 6", because they don't run balanced so there's some vibration. I'm not aware of any positives to the wobbler other than price. The stack's advantages are a cleaner, faster cut because you have much more tooth to wood contact, it's balanced, and cuts flat/clean.

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    • leehljp
      Just me
      • Dec 2002
      • 8429
      • Tunica, MS
      • BT3000/3100

      #3
      It is a very tight fit for the 8 inch dado on the BT3x as the 8 inch stacked dado barely hits the housing at some points. I think of a few, it does not, so, it is that close, Most people settle on the 6 inch for the BT3X.
      Hank Lee

      Experience is what you get when you don't get what you wanted!

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      • LCHIEN
        Internet Fact Checker
        • Dec 2002
        • 20914
        • Katy, TX, USA.
        • BT3000 vintage 1999

        #4
        There's a rather extensive write up specifically on Dados for the BT3x in the BT3 FAQ, as always linked in the signature line of my posts.
        I've used Wobbles on the BT3 but its a real pain inthe neck for several reasons. You are much better off with a quality 6" stack dado for the BT3. Freud seems to be the best.
        Loring in Katy, TX USA
        If your only tool is a hammer, you tend to treat all problems as if they were nails.
        BT3 FAQ - https://www.sawdustzone.org/forum/di...sked-questions

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        • durango dude
          Senior Member
          • Mar 2011
          • 934
          • a thousand or so feet above insanity
          • 50s vintage Craftsman Contractor Saw

          #5
          I have used both a wobbler and a stacked. The wobbler is okay for quick n dirty stuff. However, it won’t cut flat. For flat, you need a stack.

          I found my my first stack at a yard sale for $20. Have since graduated to an Irwin set. For nice clean finger joints, there’s no beating Freud.


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