I'm looking for recommendations on a good 8-inch dado stack to use with my Dewalt job site saw. I mainly want to use it for cutting rabbets and half laps in 3/4" plywood, and I'm aiming for a clean, finished cut suitable for custom built-ins. I don't want to go for the most expensive option, but I'm willing to pay a bit for quality. Ease of changing the blades also matters to me.
7 Answers
Most dado stacks work fine, but watch out for the cheaper models. They sometimes have bad tolerances, leaving a not-so-flat bottom on the dado cut. I've been unimpressed with my cheap Mibro set; while it cuts ok, it lacks the flatness I need. I've ordered a new Freud set and heard great things about their performance!
I'd recommend the CMT locking dado set; it's around $160 on Amazon. Pair it with a Freud dado shim kit, and you should be set! They really perform well together.
Links please? I’m curious to check it out! :)))
In December '22, I bought the Oshlun dado stack from Amazon, and I'm happy with its performance. The Freud set is also a great choice and might be cheaper now. Just a heads up, if you're using it on a job site saw, the blades can get heavy. You can rough cut most of the material with a regular blade and then finish with a router, but just keep in mind that router bits can burn out faster.
Be cautious if you're using the Dewalt DWE7485, as it won't support an 8" dado stack. The design restricts anything wider than about 1/4", so I had to switch to a Freud box joint setup that fits within those limits. Hope this helps!
I’ve had good luck with the Harbor Freight dado set for over two years. It’s seen a lot of use and holds up just fine!
If you're mainly working with 3/4" plywood, consider going for a 6" dado stack instead. It'll reduce stress on your saw and is usually cheaper. I found a good quality set on Amazon that has multiple width options, making it easier to adjust without shims. Here's the link: [Amazon Dado Set](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000223OB) - it should give you cleaner cuts compared to entry-level options!
I’ve been using the Dewalt 8" stack on my Bosch job site saw for several years, and I’ve had no issues at all. It works well!
You can find it for just $135 at Acme Tools. I bought that exact set for my SawStop job site, and it works great! Here’s the link: [Acme Tools Dado Set](https://www.acmetools.com/cmt-8in-12t-wood-locked-dado-pro-blade-set-23031208/S0000000000967.html?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwytS-BhCKARIsAMGJyzp93g5w63cYcT_At25bOBtagPyWM1MNvlw7qNwjdK__PzkoYH6rAIcaAlksEALw_wcB)