Just curious, anyone use a wobble dado with their BT3x saws?

[LCHIEN]

Or any saw for that matter.

How do you find it? I think they are quick to set up instead of having to deal with adding up stacks.
Do you find it dangerous in any way (moreso than a stacked dado which is pretty dangerous).



Makes an ever so slightly rounded bottom (exaggerated for effect)


I calculate the edge depth to center depth difference of the bottom to be .021 inches for a 6" wobble dado and a 1/2" wide groove. That's less than 1/32 of an inch and a bit more than 1/64th.

[leehljp]

In my opinion and experience from long ago - Wobble dados were popular and used by framing construction mindsets where being off by 1/32" or 1/16". And cabinets were not made by cabinet shops so much back then, but by the construction guys. The strength of the dado joint was in the nails, not the joint. Wobbles were quick and adjustable and set up on the go. 1/64" and better precision was not a part of the equation back then.

The popularity of it continued on until the 80's and to the 90's. Many if not most home shop enthusiasts are looking for precision more or less today. The precision made joint with smooth sides and bottom and 1/100" or so - GREATLY reinforces the strength of the joint, something not overtly considered years ago where the finishing nail did the job of "strength".

The precision cuts with no slop is where the pocket hole screw construction gets it strength. No slop precision doubles its strength. Since buying the BT3000 and a good dado blade, I have changed my mind (for me) on the dado set up. Before, I thought the adjustable (wobble) dado was pretty good, but now, knowing the strength of precision all the way around, I prefer the tight fit on the sides AND bottom. And, smooth bottom dados are my preference over uneven grooved dados. Yes, I know, I am persnickety on good joints - but almost getting too old to make them.

[Slik Geek]

I tried one in my BT-3000 and the vibration horrified me. I couldn't hit the "off" switch fast enough. I suspect they may be better used in a heavy iron saw. I ended up picking up a stacked dado set from Infinity and have been happy with it. I don't get the "danger" concern - any spinning blade is dangerous.

[Jim Frye]

If you think the wobble dado was scary, try a molding head cutter on the saw. My FIL gave me his Craftsman unit and it terrified me without even try to pass a workpiece over it. I actually threw the set away.

[JamesDean19]

I’ve used a wobble dado before, not on a BT3x but on another saw. They are definitely quicker to set up since you’re not messing around with shims and stacks, but the cut quality isn’t as clean. Tthere’s usually a slight “scooped” bottom. As for safety, I didn’t find it more dangerous than a stack dado, just the usual precautions apply. If you’re after speed, it’s handy, but if you want super crisp, flat-bottom dados, a stacked set is still the way to go.

[LCHIEN]

I guess it makes sense that the stack dado makes a cleaner cut... it typically has a 24-tooth outer blade that makes 24 cuts per revolution while the wobble dado has one outermost tooth cutting the outer edge once per revolution.

[LCHIEN]

I do have a two-blade Craftsman Excalibur wobble dado. It cuts a bottom groove like a very shallow "W".
Its an 8" dado I bought before I learned all I know now. I think I got it onto the BT3000 arbor without moving the shroud but it was a real struggle. Excalibur was Sears' "best" blades and cutting tools.

[cwsmith]

I had considered one when I first purchase my BT3 back in 2005, but in consderation of the higher RPM and the lighter weight construction of the saw (when compared to most table saws of that time), I thought it might lead to premature wear. I'm not much of a fan of dado blades anyway and on the very rare occasion I've had to cut a dado, I use my RAS, making a couple of passes and then, if necessary I clean up the cut with my router.

CWS

[RangerRick]

This is my dado set. Works great on the BT 3000. I’ve had it f years. Kind of fun to fine tune my dados

[LCHIEN]

SD206, excellent dado set. I have one, too.