Dadonator XL

[thewalnutguy]

I've got a Freud dado set for my Saw Stop and have generally been happy with it. However, is does leave "scribe" cuts from the outer edge of the stack. I'm beginning a project building a Greene and Greene style chest of drawers, with the extended fingers on the drawer fronts. The Greene and Greene book I purchased describes the technique for the finger joints using a table saw, and the "scribe cut" left by the Freud set would be visible and totally unacceptable. I recently got a catalog in the mail for Infinity tools, and the description of the Dadonator XL dado set sounds like it would work very nicely for this use. I'd be interested in hearing feedback from folks who've used this dado set for a while. I found some reviews online and they were generally quite positive. An added feature of this set is that it was designed specifically for the Saw Stop saws, where full body chippers are not to be used due to their weight.

[fredhargis]

I saw that set in the new catalog, and thought it had just been released. If true there may not be a lot of experience behind it. But I would think someone would know if the claims (and they do sound good) are true. You might consider a box joint set of blades (less costly) if this will be something you do a lot of...they eliminate the 'devils ears" that most dado sets have. Should you get the XL set I'd be interested to hear your opinion of it.

[thewalnutguy]

I saw that set in the new catalog, and thought it had just been released. If true there may not be a lot of experience behind it. But I would think someone would know if the claims (and they do sound good) are true. You might consider a box joint set of blades (less costly) if this will be something you do a lot of...they eliminate the 'devils ears" that most dado sets have. Should you get the XL set I'd be interested to hear your opinion of it.

The expected delivery date has now come and gone, and I finally got a reply to inquiries as to when I might expect the blades - late  April or maybe sometime in May.  Going to have to find an alternate approach so I can continue work on my project. I wonder how long it will take Infinity to refund my payment.

[firefighter]

If you're doing large box joints look at the WS jig. Uses a router rather than a blade. I built a 24" version for making toy boxes. Lot cheaper and the results are perfect. Built mine from left over stock.

[thewalnutguy]

If you're doing large box joints look at the WS jig. Uses a router rather than a blade. I built a 24" version for making toy boxes. Lot cheaper and the results are perfect. Built mine from left over stock.

I've got a Leigh mortise and tenon jig that should be able to handle the job, but I've found that the router bits (and I've tried straight bits and both up and down spiral) bits, some brand new,  tend to result in some tear-out on black walnut, and the present project will be walnut.

[kurt18947]

I've got a Leigh mortise and tenon jig that should be able to handle the job, but I've found that the router bits (and I've tried straight bits and both up and down spiral) bits, some brand new,  tend to result in some tear-out on black walnut, and the present project will be walnut.

I'm not familiar with the Leigh M&T jig. When you use router bits, can you back the work piece up with a piece of scrap? Let the bit exit the walnut into the scrap. That should help with tear-out on the exit. Another trick if the jig would permit would be to climb route where the bit will exit, maybe half the diameter of the bit. You don't get tear-out when climb routing, it can be very tricky to control the router though.

[Willyou]

I can't speak to the Dadonator XL, but I have an older CMT set and it does not leave any "devil's ears" at all. I don't know if the newer models are the same or not.

[JohnnyEgo]

I've got a Forrest Dado King that leaves bat wings. When such things matter, I run my dadoes a little shallow and then use a router plane to clean them up. No experience with the Dadonator, but like Fred, I'd be curious to hear your opinion if you go that route.

[paul2004]

Freud makes a blade "Freud SBOX8 8" Box Joint Cutter Set" that does box joints for 1/4" and 3/8". I am not sure if that will work for you, but it's another option. The picture shows a flat bottom. They are pretty inexpensive now on ebay.

I bought one, have not used it yet, because in order to use the 3/8" width, you need to make a custom insert (like you do for zero clearance) -- this is because on the 3/8" size, there's extra carbide sticking out on the fence side of the cut... On the 1/4" size, the carbide edges are turned inward.. hope that makes sense..

[rwe2156]

I wouldn't hesitate to by the Dadonator. They are made by Amana, BTW.

I have a set of the old type Dadonator which I'm (not supposed to ;-) use on my SawStop.

I have a Dado King, too. The Dadonator does a better job. The Dado King was sharpened by Forrest, the Dadonator by my local service. Go figure.....