The video “Don’t ban dado sets! Fix the problem with this trick (no table saw needed)” is by Stumpy Nubs. In this engaging tutorial, Stumpy shares valuable insights on tackling the common challenges faced by woodworkers when it comes to cutting dados and grooves. Whether it’s a lack of the right tools or issues with existing tools, Stumpy provides practical solutions that are easy to follow.
Understanding the Basics of Dados and Grooves
Dados and grooves play crucial roles in many woodworking projects, especially when building cabinets and shelves. However, many new woodworkers struggle with these techniques for one of two primary reasons: either they don’t have a dado set for their table saw, or they have one that cuts poorly, resulting in an uneven bottom.
Addressing the No Dado Set Problem
For those without a dado set, Stumpy recommends using a router instead. While this might typically involve complex setups with edge guides and calculations for offsets, he simplifies the process significantly. By taking a scrap piece of wood and placing it right along the line to be cut, woodworkers can avoid the hassle of math and offsets. The use of a trim router is suggested, making the process both cheaper and safer.
Stumpy demonstrates that the bearing on the router bit can ride against the scrap wood, producing a perfectly flat-bottomed dado in a single pass. He reminisces about his childhood experiences making bookshelves in his grandpa’s garage, expressing how beneficial such a method would have been back then.
Improving a Poor Quality Dado Set
For woodworkers who do have a dado set but find it leaves a messy cut, Stumpy offers a clever solution. He explains that the dado itself can serve as a straight edge, allowing the bit to clean up the bottom of the cut without needing a straight edge. This technique is particularly useful for those using inferior dado sets.
Stumpy also addresses the common issue of cutting wider dados. He shows that by using the workpiece intended to fit into the dado, woodworkers can set the spacing between two straight edges and make the cut in two passes, accommodating various material thicknesses.
Additional Applications of Router Bits
Stumpy doesn’t stop at just dados and grooves; he reveals several other clever uses for the same router bit. For instance, he demonstrates how to cut a notch in a scrap piece of wood and then create a hinge mortising jig by attaching additional scraps to form a fence. This method eliminates the need for offset guides, making the process much more straightforward.
He also discusses the use of forstner bits and how to avoid the dimples they leave in the bottom of holes. By using the edge of the hole as a guide, the bearing can ride along it, resulting in a clean finish. Stumpy emphasizes the versatility of these bits, showcasing their ability to create holes or shapes of any size by using templates.
Understanding Router Bit Design
Stumpy highlights the importance of the design of his router bits, noting that they feature three carbide cutters angled to create a downward shearing cut. This design is key to preventing tear out or fuzzy edges, particularly important when working with delicate plywood veneers.
He explains that while these bits come in various lengths, the quarter-inch length is ideal for most jobs involving dados and grooves. Longer bits are also available for deeper mortises, but the flexibility to make shallow cuts with longer bits by adjusting templates or guides is a significant advantage.
With Stumpy’s practical tips and tricks, both novice and experienced woodworkers can tackle dados and grooves with confidence, ultimately leading to more successful and enjoyable woodworking experiences.