I'm currently working on some shop cabinets and trying out a method for building drawers that involves quarter-inch dados and rabbets using half-inch plywood. I attempted a test drawer, and while two corners came out great, the other two didn't quite make the cut. I'm using a Metabo job site table saw with a dado stack, but I'm noticing some issues like a bit of slop in the fence and a throat plate that isn't perfectly flat. Given that I managed decent joints on half of them, I'm wondering if investing in a better table saw would improve my consistency, or could my skills as a woodworker be the main hurdle?
4 Answers
One option is to try a simpler approach for the drawers, like butt joints with a bottom piece. It's faster and still strong. If you're having throat plate issues, you can make a new one that fits by roughly cutting a piece, then using a pattern bit on a router table to fine-tune it. Just remember how your plate is supported; you might need to use shims or screws to adjust.
I get what you’re saying, and while I can't pinpoint the exact issue without seeing the drawer, I can say it’s tough to do precision work on a jobsite saw. It's not just about your skill level; the tool can definitely make a difference too.
How large are your drawers? When they’re upright on the saw, it's easy to unintentionally wobble them against the fence, leading to inconsistent cuts. If that’s the case, you might want to think about installing a taller auxiliary fence or using a tenoning jig.
I was using a tenoning jig, but there's still some wobble from the slop in the fence.
Check if the slop in your fence is adjustable. It should ideally lock in place without moving. Make sure your blade is square to the table; you can use a square for alignment. It might be a bit more work, but I've had success with this. Over time, investing in a better tool might be worthwhile, but you can probably finish your current project with your existing saw.
If all else fails, you can always clamp down the fence to keep it steady!
I usually go with pocket screws for drawers, but I wanted to challenge myself. The throat plate design is pretty complex, which is why fabricating a new one seemed tough.