SD508: 8" Super Dado Sets

I'm very pleased with the way this dado set is working out. I was concerned with using an 8" stack with a 1-1/2 hp delta contractors saw, but so far it's working out great--even with all the blades installed. I don't have any experience with other dado stacks, but to my eye the cuts from the SD508 are superb. Clean, flat bottoms and sides. No chip out at all. The only thing that is a hassle (not unique to Freud) is that it IS a dado stack. Putting the both cutters and the chippers together for a cut can be a chore. Now I know why Bill Hylton says avoids using a dado stack in favor of using a router to make dados in some of his books. :-) Other reviewers said that they had a hard time judging which chipper is which. There are 4 in the set. Two 1/8", one 3/32" and one 1/16". I found that looking at them carefully from the side made it easy enough for me to determine the widths without resorting to using a dial caliper or other measuring device. The box the blades come in is nice, sturdy and protects the blades well. Just make certain the tabs to hold it closed are secure. Otherwise there's the potential for all your blades to fall out if you aren't careful. There's a dvd with an intro on how to use the dado, as well as a chart that tells you which cutter and chipper combos will produce a certain size dado/groove, that comes with the set. The dvd is specific to the dial-a-width product and really doesn't cover much other than the 'basic of basics' on how to use the dado. It also has a plan on it for a dado sled. One other thing. Using any saw blade can be dangerous; using a full dado stack the first time can be VERY intimidating and dangerous if you aren't careful. Make sure all your safety gadgets are in place so you can deal with the intimidating part so you don't 'accidently' experiance the dangerous part of while using it. That said, after making a full depth, clean bottomed dado in one pass, all I can think to say is "sweet"! Feeling intimidated by all those spinning blades quickly fades to healthy respect.

As I state in most of my reviews, I don't mind paying a little more to get a little more. If you're like me, this is the blade for you. I'm building a built-in wine rack for my house and wanted to use veneer plywood for the carcass. Well, as anyone knows, you need a _damn_ good blade to crosscut a dado in veneer plywood with no tear-out. This blade performed magnificently. Setup was a snap with the chart. Look up the thickness that you need in the manual, and it tells you which size chipper to use in conjunction with the outside blades. The bottom of the dado was so sqaure that you could use it on an exposed joint, such as a bookcase. The top of the dado was razor sharp and the fit was perfect. Also, this comes complete with a nice, metal, shim set. I've used the paper shim set in the past and you can never get a duplicate thickness once you've torn down the blade. Tighten the arbor screw a little more then last time, compress the paper a little mode and , viola, a thinner dado. Not the case with the metal shims here. One last thing to add is the carry case is a nice touch. Each of the blades and chippers are separated with a plastic ring. The entire thing filts in a small brief-case looking case. Again, well worth the money if you don't mind spending it....

If you read the reviews, like I did, BEFORE you buy this, you know the case is no longer included. *** AMAZON - CHANGE THE PICTURE WHICH SHOWS THE CASE *** Yes, the blades are not labeled with their size or the letter designation in the chart indicating which blades to use to make up a stack for a specific dado. You can easily measure the width of the plate (not the cutting head) and mark it on the chipper with a Sharpie. I wish they had marked the blades like the model number was done, but it's not a deal breaker. On my first series of test cuts I did see a small high line in the dado bottom. But that was easily removed with a pass with a chisel. HOWEVER, in my 2nd series of test cuts on undersized plywood, I never saw a ridge. I made sure to use all the blades, but all the bottoms were smooth. The order in which the blades are set in the stack might have something to do with the tiny ridge I experienced at first. I don't know how the order could make a difference, but for now, that's all I got, and I can deal with it if it happens. I am impressed with the quality of the cuts on plywood, softwood and hardwood. Bottom line: Should have a case OPTION if they are not going to include it. Should have blade sizes etched in the chippers. For the price, compared to others at twice the price, the cuts are smooth and accurate.

Easy to use, very sharp. And cuts super even. Zero ridges in the cut. Also zero tearing when cutting oak plywood cross grain. Wouldn’t even think of buying a cheaper one. But this one and and be done.

Excelente producto me llego rapidisimo, en perfectas condiciones y aparte por oferta solo pague 2500 pesos aproximadamente.

This is a great dado stack! Case is a bit flimsy but who cares! Very reliable blades as expected from freud! We use this stack everyday for a couple months now and havent had to do anything other then clean them!

Very good steel, holds the edge for a long time. I use it mainly with pine.

Excelente. Cortes limpios, Fácil de instalar.