Are Dado Stack Chipper Teeth Typically Oversized?
Asked by WoodWanderer42
I recently purchased a Bauer dado stack from Harbor Freight, and I've noticed that all the teeth on the chipper blades are wider than the stated measurements—specifically, one chipper is 1/32" wider than it's supposed to be. For instance, the 1.8 chipper is measuring at 5/32" and the 1/16 blade measures 3/32". The outside blades seem accurate at their stated 1/8" width though. Before considering switching brands, I'm curious if this oversized measurement is a common issue with dado chippers or if it might just be a manufacturing flaw in this set.
Answers
It's actually normal for chipper teeth to be slightly wider! The design ensures they overlap neatly with the outer blades to prevent any gaps when cutting. As long as the thickness of the chipper body is correct, you're all set!
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I haven’t measured my dado stack, but I think the wider chippers are made to sit against the outer blades properly. They won't spin freely since the overlap keeps everything secure. Just keep in mind that you’ll eventually use spacers to get the width right, and that overlap is crucial for clean cuts.
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What you're experiencing seems to be standard. The measurement on chipper blades reflects their contribution to the total dado width, so they must be wider to overlap the outer blades adequately. Just make sure they align without exceeding the overhang too much!
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WoodWanderer42: Thanks for clarifying! I didn’t realize I’d need to use shims with the outside blade to achieve the correct width. That’s helpful!