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Adding grooves, dados, or rabbets to a workpiece is not a simple job. In this case, it is imperative to create a perfect slot that can provide a firm mechanical connection for your door panels or drawer bottoms.
Any serious woodworker will possibly make several dado joints during each project. Dado grooves can serve just about any function where you need to create a slot in a workpiece.
Even though they happen to be quite basic joints, they are much easier to make using a table saw.
Table saws are powerful pieces of equipment that can help you make precise cuts and work fast.
If you are searching for the table saw that accept dado cuts, you are in the right place.
We did in-depth research, tested dozens of units, and sieved out the top 5 models.
Check them out!
Table Saw for Dado Cuts – Comparison in 2021
5 Best Table Saw for Dado Cuts
Irrespective of your needs, you will find a table saw that is perfect for you on this guide.
We have listed models from each category, including the most portable, the most user-friendly, and even the most budget-friendly.
DEWALT DWE7480 10 in. Compact Job Site Table Saw
First on our list is a high-performance 10-inch table saw that is uniquely designed for experienced weekend warriors and professional contractors.
While this is a compact job site tool, it is lightweight and weighs 40-45 pounds approximately.
If you need a table saw that offers the perfect blend of performance, portability, and competitive price, the Dewalt DWE7480 is your best bet.
This machine has a powerful 15 AMP motor with moving parts that are factory lubricated and fully sealed to ensure a longer operating life span.
It also brags of an impressively high rip capacity (24″), and this makes it an ideal tool for working on deck building, furniture making, and general carpentry projects.
The high-quality construction materials used, such as steel and aluminum, make this tool ideal for frequent use. I must say that for a unit that operates on 120V circuits, this model offers excellent performance.
It is engineered to cut hardwoods, including maple and red oak, and provide unrivaled cutting precision.
The rip fence creates part of the table extension. It is set on a mechanical runner, and it scores high in terms of both quality and functionality.
The fence and blade are perfectly square to allow smooth movements and excellent levels of accuracy.
PROS
CONS
DEWALT (DWE7491RS) 10-Inch Table Saw, 32-1/2-Inch Rip Capacity
The DeWalt DWE7491RS contractor table saw is engineered with precision and portability in mind.
This is a top-quality tool ideal for contractors as well as skilled DIY enthusiasts. Some of its highlights include a high rip capacity and an excellent fence design for those narrow rip cuts.
Setting up your unit and tuning it will not be a hassle, thanks to the simple instructions that come with the package. You will also get all the accessories you need, so the assembly process should take about 30 minutes at most.
The tool features a robust 15 Amp motor with an astounding speed of 4,800 RPM (no load). Compared to the power and speed of other machines in the class, this model scores higher and performs more efficiently when working on harder and softer woods.
This powerful motor delivers smooth ripping quality. You can cut huge pieces of material thanks to the collapsible fence on the left side of the blade that provides a 22″ wide rip and can accommodate an extra 32-1/2″ to the right.
In short, you will benefit from a combination of a wear-resistant 10″ 24-tooth carbide blade and an impressive rip capacity.
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CONS
Related Review: Quietest Circular Saw
SKIL 3410-02 10-Inch Table Saw with Folding Stand
If you are searching for the best portable table saw for dado cuts, here is an excellent model to consider. It is one of the best options for beginners with first-rate cutting capabilities and an entry-level price point.
Better still, it comes from a brand synonymous with superior quality power tools.This is a perfect table saw for users with light and moderate demands.
It comes with a stand for a stress-free and quick setup. Because it is designed with home DIY job sites in mind, it is not ideal for use over extended periods. You can, however, use it intermittently throughout the day.
Don’t be fooled by the compact design of this unit. While it is neither the largest nor the most powerful table saw on the current markets, it runs on a sturdy 15 AMP motor that allows quality rips.
You can use the machine for decking, framing, carpentry, and general woodworking.During our tests, we unveiled that this tool is somewhere above a mid-range performer.
It adequately cuts both solid and hardwoods as long as you remain within the recommended depth specifications
You may also want to ensure you have the right blades for your applications because they have a notable impact on the results achieved.
PROS
CONS
Related Article: Table Saw Under $1500
Hitachi C10RJ 10″ 15-Amp Jobsite Table Saw
The Hitachi C10RJ had to be on our list because of its numerous bragging points. Apart from having a solid construction, it is also powerful and versatile. Its ability to take on any woodworking task as well as its signature green color has even afforded it a cool nickname —”The Hulk.”
One of the best features of the model is the collapsible table extension that supports a maximum of 35-inch rip capacity to its right side. The outfeed support can accommodate an additional 10 inches of material.
Then again, this unit has a 22-inch rip capacity on the left. In short, you have the ability to carry out a whole range of applications.
The highlight of this tool is that it has an all-purpose capability. Apart from ripping lumber, it can also cut hardwoods, make dado cuts, and even create clean finishes.
It has a soft start system that ensures you don’t have to sacrifice power and ramp-up, and it also features an electric braking system.
For enhanced performance and accuracy, a ¾ inch t-slot miter gauge is included. There are also a host of advanced safety features, including an emergency off switch at knee level and a riving knife.
Moreover, the machine is ergonomically designed to ensure the comfort and convenience of users.
PROS
CONS
Bosch 10-Inch Portable Jobsite Table Saw GTS1031
The Bosch GTS1031 is quickly gaining new fans and is perhaps even more popular than its bigger brother the Bosch 4100-09. This is the upgraded version, and it weighs only 52 lbs. It has a compact design and can be carried with one hand.
Apart from its obviously fancy design, this is a powerful machine with a 15 AMP motor that delivers a horsepower of 4. It has a blade speed of 5000 RPM that only drops slightly even when working on pressure-treated framing lumber.
This machine can make 3-1/8″ deep cuts at the right angle and 2-1/4″ deep cuts at a 45-degree angle.
Another solid perk is that the entire machine is built on an all-steel base for enhanced durability. It features a Squarelock rip fence that needs no adjustments.
This guarantees smooth and consistent cuts at all times. Just lift the lever and place the fence in your desired position before locking it down.
Other highlights include the modular safety features that can be attached or detached, depending on your needs. This unit also has a 2″ dust collection port for easy cleanups.
If you need a powerful, compact, portable, and easy to use table saw, this option must not escape your attention.
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Things to Consider Before Buying
Of course, there are numerous vital aspects to consider before choosing the unit to purchase. You want to confirm that your machine of choice has a rigid construction and adequate safety features.
However, it is arguable that it is more important to choose a tool with a smooth cutting capacity.
Let’s dive right in and study the three main design aspects that impact the cutting capacity of a table saw.
Motor
If you often work on thinner material sheets, a portable table saw will suffice. These types of units have small direct drive motors that operate on 120V circuits and generate about 2 horsepower.
In case you need a higher cutting capacity, you should consider buying a contractor, or cabinet table saw. Such units have more powerful motors that operate on 240 V and deliver a production capacity of 3-5 horsepower.
Blade
Table saw blades are classified with regard to their number of teeth, diameter, speeds, materials, arbor, and kerf sizes.
The majority of models have blades that are about 5-12 inches in diameter, although portable table saws feature blades with a standard diameter of 10 inches.
Blades can have a minimum of 24 teeth, although some blades have 80 or more teeth. They can be made from a range of materials, including carbon, carbide, or even diamond. A decent number of portable table saws for home use have carbide-tipped blades.
Fence and Miter Gauge
These play the most significant roles in determining the precision of a table saw. The T-square fence ensures accurate rip cuts while the miter gauge comes in handy when making crosscuts and angled cuts.
Whether or not you intend to also use a drafting triangle to provide greater precision, it is vital to choose a machine with a sturdy miter gauge and fence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the function of a riving knife?
Riving knives are essential safety features found on table saws. They move behind the blade to prevent kickback—an issue that can pose safety concerns to an operator.
Are all table saws capable of making dado cuts?
Well, not all table saws are designed to accommodate dado blades. For instance, small saws tend to have shorter arbors that cannot safely accommodate a complete dado blade set.
The models on our list are, however, engineered to made dado cuts and more.
Is there any difference between a table saw and a band saw?
Band saws are used for precision when making curves. On the other hand, table saws simply cut straight and make it quicker to complete the majority of woodworking tasks.
Which table saw model would you recommend for a beginner?
The SKIL 3410-02 10-Inch table saw is by far the best model for beginners.
Apart from being user-friendly and having adequate safety features, it also has dependable cutting capabilities and even an entry-level price point.
You should, however, understand that it is only ideal for moderate and light-duty demands.
Which table saw is the best for a professional?
A decent number of models on our list are sturdy enough for professional use.
However, the unit that takes home the crown in terms of its heavy-duty performance is the Hitachi C10RJ 10″.
This is an all-purpose unit designed to take on everything, including hardwoods.
Final Words
With all the information we have shared, finding the table saw for dado cuts should not be challenging.
We have even provided detailed and unbiased reviews of the top five units in the market.
Feel free to get insights from our review to compare other models that are not on our list. Trust me; there is a good chance you will still end up picking one of the table saws we have recommended.