Dado cuts--newbie - Woodworking Talk

Itchy Brother · 11-13-2008, 11:09 PM

Ive done a few dado cuts but now I've gotta make some cuts on two pieces of 2'x8' sheets of red oak vaneer ply across the width for shelves.I dont think using the fence would work as the slightest off it might bind against the fence,correct?I was gonna just put an extension piece of board on the miter mark the board and go for it.I have a frued dado set that does cut nice flat bottoms.I ran some scrap thru and its a little tight but goes in but I think I shoud maybe put a thin shim in so I dont have to mallet it in.My question is? Am I on the right track in my thinking? Itchy/Gary

cabinetman · 11-14-2008, 07:05 AM

If you prefer to do your dadoes on the TS, and you add shims for spacing, and want to maintain that spacing between shelves, keep track which way the shelf is shimmed in relation to the cabinet (up or down).

For tall cabinets, I would maybe dado a shelf near the middle somewhere just to orient the rigidity of the cabinet, and use adjustable mounting for the rest of the shelves.

For that size of a panel, I would rather use a router than muscle a large panel through the saw. Holding down a large sheet while maintaining good fence contact can be a chore. I just feel it's a more accurate procedure done with a router. Besides doing it on the TS you can't see what's happening.

GeorgeC · 11-14-2008, 07:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cabinetman

If you prefer to do your dadoes on the TS, and you add shims for spacing, and want to maintain that spacing between shelves, keep track which way the shelf is shimmed in relation to the cabinet (up or down).

For tall cabinets, I would maybe dado a shelf near the middle somewhere just to orient the rigidity of the cabinet, and use adjustable mounting for the rest of the shelves.

For that size of a panel, I would rather use a router than muscle a large panel through the saw. Holding down a large sheet while maintaining good fence contact can be a chore. I just feel it's a more accurate procedure done with a router. Besides doing it on the TS you can't see what's happening.

Absolutely agree in all aspects of this comment.

I do not know how you could ever use anything but a hand held router. If you are concerned about getting a single edge guide accurate you could place a guide on each side of the router. I once built a jig when I was making a number of cabinets for my store.

The jig roughly consisted on two boards spaced exactly the width apart of the measured diameter of my router base place. These boards were held still be cross members at each end. This jig was clamped to the boards to be routed be be sure there was no movement of the router.

I think that you will also find that having most of your shelves adjustable will be good.

George

knotscott · 11-14-2008, 08:05 AM

I typically prefer to do dados with my TS, but a panel of that size is difficult to manage, even with a sled. In this situation I agree that the router is a wise choice.

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Itchy Brother · 11-16-2008, 01:36 AM

I took your advice and the dado's came out real nice thanks.I'm about half way done with the first corner cabinet as you cans see.Still gotta make the adjustable shelves and face frame tho!Show ya the finished product soon . Itchy

Kenbo · 11-16-2008, 09:32 AM

Looking great. Be sure to post the final product when you are done.

Joe Lyddon · 11-17-2008, 12:04 AM

Bob Lang of POP ww'g showed a simple slick way of doing it...

I like it... No fuss... No muss... and Right On!

http://www.popularwoodworking.com/ar...an_bookcase_1/

http://www.popularwoodworking.com/ar...an_bookcase_2/