I'm planning to make my own shaker doors, but my current blade isn't cutting it for creating the groove I need. I have a small 10" Ryobi table saw and I'm interested in trying a dado set. I don't need the most expensive, high-end blades; just something that will leave me with a flat and smooth 1/4 inch groove. Any recommendations? Thanks in advance!
5 Answers
Before buying a dado set, check if your saw's arbor can handle the stack and make sure it has enough power to push it through. If your saw can’t handle a dado stack, you might want to consider a router with a bearing-guided cutter instead, which works just as well for grooves. Just my two cents!
You might want to look into getting a router with a tongue and groove bit set instead. It could be a better option than investing in a whole dado set, especially for what you're trying to achieve.
For a solid and reliable option, I’d go for the Freud or CMT sets. They're well-reviewed and can give you the quality cut you're looking for. Try to avoid the wobble blades; they're pretty sketchy and not worth the risk.
If you're leaning toward a dado set, the 6" Freud set could work well for you, just make sure to grab a Ryobi dado throat plate to go with it. Alternatively, you could use hand tools like a hand router, which might take a bit more effort but could be enjoyable. There are some great YouTube tutorials out there for making these kinds of doors, like those from Paul Sellers – his videos have great reviews!
There used to be low-cost wobble wheel blades that could work for your need, though they're not very common now. They used to get the job done for under $10, but make sure whatever you choose is reliable – I've heard some horror stories about those wobble blades!
I get that, but the router setup can be a bit more of an upfront cost.