[ecozort]

Suppose that I wish to make a 7/8 inch dado, 1/4 inch deep using a 1/2 inch bit. Further I wish this dado to be 3/8 inch from the edge extending to 1 1/4 inch.

I know that I need to make a pass with the fence set at 3/8 and also make a pass with the fence set at 3/4.

My question is: Is there a preferred order of these cuts?

Is it better to make the cut that is further from the fence first and then the closer cut? Is it better to make the close cut then the further cut?

 

[Cherryville Chuck]

Yes it makes a difference. I think you cut the inside of the channel closest to the fence first. Then move out. If you cut the outside first then move in the bit will try and self feed.

 

[mbrun]

I concur with Cherryville Chuck. Make your full-width cut closest to the fence first.

I recommend making this full-width cut in multiple passes of increasing depth. Once you’re at full depth, move the fence back incrementally and make a series of partial-width full-depth cuts. I recommend these cuts be no wider than 1/4 the bit diameter. Continue until the target width of you dado is reached.


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[mgmine]

Do you have a table saw? If so I'd use it to male the dado even if you are only using the blade. The second way would be to make the in and outside costs then use the router to hog it out.

 

[dman2]

Do you have a table saw? If so I'd use it to male the dado even if you are only using the blade. The second way would be to make the in and outside costs then use the router to hog it out.

or, unless you have a flat saw blade, hog it out first with the table saw, a mm or so from the final width / depth, then use the router for the clean final cuts.

 

[ecozort]

Thanks for all replies.

The example I gave was not an actual case for me, but I have often wondered if there was proper order. I think Cherryville Chuck mention of self feeding is a good reason to do the closest cut first.

I do have a table saw and dado set that I generally use for dados. However I have encountered this situation several times making stopped dados, not to the extreme in my example but maybe trying to make a dado for "1/2 inch" plywood.

 

[Stick486]

Thanks for all replies.

The example I gave was not an actual case for me, but I have often wondered if there was proper order. I think Cherryville Chuck mention of self feeding is a good reason to do the closest cut first.

I do have a table saw and dado set that I generally use for dados. However I have encountered this situation several times making stopped dados, not to the extreme in my example but maybe trying to make a dado for "1/2 inch" plywood.

stopped dadoes are done easier free hand using a guide/jig and a two pass cut.....
a two pass cut is up the left edge (away from you) and down the right edge.. (cut towards you)...
safer...
more accurate...
faster too...

.