Can You Put a Dado Blade on a Circular Saw

Do you need to make grooves or joints for a woodworking project? Dado blades come into play here since they are capable of doing these jobs properly and swiftly.

A dado saw blade is a set of table saw blades that can cut different widths of flat bottomed ditches, or dadoes. Dado saw blades are normally sold as a set, or “stack,” and you may customize the width by adding or removing blades from the stack.

Outer blades and chipper blades are the two types of blades in a dado set. The chipper blades normally have 2-6 teeth, whereas the outer blades have numerous teeth.

These are made with a table saw and a dado blade, which removes the wood to make the channel. Dadoes can be cut with a router, although a circular saw can also be used. You’ll need to build two unique fences with the width of the circular saw shoe’s edge to the blade integrated into them.

But it is recommended by many users that the dado blade should not be put on a circular saw as the shaft doesn’t protrude enough to hold dado blades nor is the guard wide enough.  An accident waiting to happen. 

What Can I Use Instead of a Dado Blade?

A rabbet is an abbreviation for one-sided groove. Cut rabbets without a dado set using the same process. The use of a sacrificial hardwood fence prevents the blade from cutting through the metal fence on your table saw.

What Makes a Dado Different From a Rabbet?

A rabbet is the same as a dado with one side missing. It’s just a notch cut into a board or piece of plywood’s edge. There are several methods for cutting dadoes, grooves, and rabbits.

Why Are Dado Blades Banned in Europe?

EN and IEC standards forbid the use of DADO blades. As a result, it is not available on the European market.

Dado blades are outlawed in the United Kingdom due to the potential harm they pose. The situation in the United States is different. They are legal to use in the United States by woodworkers. Table saws in the United Kingdom, for example, will not fit dado blades, preventing their usage.

Table saws aren’t inherently hazardous, but they’re notorious for punishing inattention, inaccuracy, hubris, and recklessness. Commercial users are not allowed to use them for anything other than cutting, which is their design function and for which they are extremely effective and typically safe, according to European regulations.

In Europe, you cannot legally sell a saw that can accept a dado set since they can only be used for non-through cuts, which are forbidden commercially.

Is it Safe to Use Dado Blades?

Dado blades, like any other woodworking tool, may be deadly. Dados are a possible threat to you and anyone who may come into contact with them because of their sharp edges. Handling dados with care and storing them carefully, away from persons who do not know how to handle sharp items, is critical.

How Do You Use Dado Without a Table Saw?

Dado joints are a simple technique to attach two pieces of wood together, but they require a precise cut to work properly. You can still cut dado joints using a jigsaw if you don’t have a dado blade or table saw. All you’ll need is a scrap piece of wood to use as a guide. Simply follow the instructions outlined below:

1. Cut out a rectangle from one side of the scrap board. Make sure that the width is equal to the depth of your dado.

2. Use a straightedge to measure the length of the rectangle. Then mark the center point at both ends.

3. Using a drill, drill two holes at each end.

4. Place the scrap board over the hole and attach it with screws.

5. Now place the dado along the edge of the scrap board.

6. Remove the dado by pulling it away from the scrap board.

7. Repeat the process until you finish the entire dado.

8. Sand down the edges of the dado.

9. Use a router or sanding machine to finish the dado.

10. Have fun with your new dado.

How to Use a Circular Saw to Make Dado Cuts

Even though I said you couldn’t use a dado blade on a circular saw, it doesn’t imply you couldn’t create dado cuts with it. Circular saws, as I have stated, are really intriguing instruments.

You can use your circular saw to produce flawless dado cuts for your projects with a little ingenuity and the appropriate method.

Let me show you how to create dado cuts with a circular saw without a dado blade the proper way.

For this project, you’ll need the following items:

• A circular saw
• A decent Woodworking Circular Saw Blade
• Speed Squares
• ruler or measuring tape
• woodworking pencil
• chisel
• sandpaper

Clamping the Workpiece and Taking Measurements (Step 1)

The first stage is taking accurate measurements. You may use your speed squares, measuring tape, or a ruler for this stage; whatever you use, just make sure you can draw accurate lines.

Draw a straight line with the speed squares on the timber. After you’ve drawn a perfectly straight line, you’ll need to set up a block of wood or a board to determine the cut’s breadth. The block that you wish to fix inside the cut must be used.

Make sure one side of your measuring block is in contact with the line you created earlier. Use it as a guide to mark the opposite side, and when you remove the block, you’ll have two parallel lines.

These two parallel lines are precisely the same width as your dado cut.

Adjust the Circular Saw Blade’s Depth (Step 2)

You’ll need to adjust your circular saw blade once you’ve taken the proper dimensions. Make sure the depth of your saw blade is equal to or slightly more than the measurement you took for your dado cut.

With 14-inch circular saw blades, you’ll have plenty of room to alter the depth, but smaller ones will require wedges. To make the blade deeper, use them between the stop collar and the blade.

However, keep in mind that as you add wedges, the depth of your cut will gradually decrease. So proceed with caution.

Using Speed Suarez as Guides to Make Dado Cuts (Step 3)

You can begin cutting when you’ve set the blade to the correct cutting depth. Two-speed squares, placed side by side in front of your circular saw, are required to achieve exact cuts.

Clamp these two speed squares together to prevent them from moving during the cutting process. It will assist you in making straight cuts without harming the wood or the blade.

The wood must be cut in parallel and close lines throughout the cutting process. Continue doing so until the whole width of your incision has been cleared.

Using a Chisel, Clean Any Leftovers (Step 4)

You’ll need to clean the wood at the depth of the cut once you’ve sliced the entire region. Because a circular saw can only be cut vertically and there is nothing to clean the horizontal surface, there will be some bits of wood behind.

You can clean the depth of your cuts with a good chisel, fortunately. The procedure will take some time, but it will be worthwhile in the end.

Using Sandpaper to Smooth the Surface (Step 5)

Finally, sand the places where you used a circular saw to make cuts. It will remove the rough surface and make it seem smooth in the end.

If your project will be painted, you won’t need to bother about this stage unless you want it to be flawless.

Wrapping Up

Can You Put a Dado Blade on a Circular Saw? It’s feasible, but it’s never a smart idea since you’ll never be able to correctly control both blades.

So, before you use a circular saw, be sure you’re using the proper blade for it. Also, strive to take as many precautions as possible, since being careless might result in terrible mishaps.

If you like this post, please leave a comment and share it with your friends.

Read more:

• Can I Use a Smaller Blade on My Circular Saw?