Dado size?

[chopnhack]

Does anyone know the max dado size for a 6" set that can be accomplished on the BT3K? Do we leave all the spacers on or just the round washers? I am asking because I was interested in ordering the sd506 when I have some points saved up and it states that the max dado is 29/32"! I looked and I didn't think I could get much more than 5/8" dado. Thanks in advance.

[steve-norrell]

I have the SD206 six inch dado and its maximum width (according to their data) is 7/8 inches. Allthough I have never used it at full width, I have routinely cut dadoes for 3/4 plywood.

The dado is used with both of the outside washers in place. Use the spacers as needed.

Regards, Steve

[Black wallnut]

You'll have room for the whole stack as well as the inner and outer blade washers and shim spacers. I have the Frued 306 set which is nearly the same set as what you are considering except that I purchased my 3/32" chipper separate and my chippers are only two tooth and the 506 set has four tooth chippers.

I've been able to get the whole set on my arbor along with an inner blade washer and still be off the threads.

[gsmittle]

I have the now-discontinued Avenger 8" set and I've gotten the whole thing on the arbor, without shims or the blade washers. I've only had to make a dado that wide once, and I'm not sure I'd do it again. Normally I'll use the washers and the narrow spacer as needed.

g.

[LCHIEN]

it would be 13/16 (26/32) PLUS another few 1/32 or so if you spread shims around. Five .020 shims (about one between every chipper pair) would add about 3/32" and get you to 29/32".
That's a standard dado stack kit (2 1/8" outside plates, plus four 1/8" chippers plus one 1/16th chipper.)

Those should all fit on the BT3000/BT3100 arbor with no spacers, two blade washers and the arbor nut threaded properly on the threads (6" dado kit).
On most BT3s when you use an 8" kit, you need to put the 1/4" spacer on first, because otherwise the outer blade will graze the motor housing. With the full stack plus the 1/4" spacer, you have a choice of
(1) Leave off the left side washers (nut against the outside dado) and the leftmost outer blade will ride on the threads which allows it to sit offcenter and cut an uneven bottom
(2) Take off one chipper and have a smaller dado 5/8" or maybe 11/16" or so and have all the blades on the straight part of the arbor, a flat bottom and both washers on.

I always feel better with both washers on...

[dbhost]

What Loring said...

I have the Oshlun 6" dado stack, and have run it at full width, then realized that it is a bunch wider than I needed, but that is another story all together...

[chopnhack]

Thanks all, good to know my potential future investment will work!