The video “Your Dado Blade Doesn’t Cut Flat? One Simple Hack You Need To Try” is by Cody from Craftswright. In this insightful video, Cody dives into the common problem of uneven dado cuts and offers a straightforward solution that might just save your woodworking projects.
The Problem with Dado Cuts
Cody starts by explaining what a good dado should look like: flat bottoms and square sides. Unfortunately, many woodworkers encounter snaggle dados that can ruin the precision of their projects, particularly when cutting box joints. After testing various adjustments and tweaks, Cody found one unique solution that truly made a difference—pouring super glue into the table saw arbor.
Understanding the Cause
To understand how to fix the problem, Cody highlights the anatomy of a table saw arbor. The arbor connects directly to the motor and is essentially a threaded bolt where the blade is mounted. Typically, the thickness of a dado stack is around 7/32 inches, which should rest smoothly on the flat surface of the arbor. However, Cody points out that the threads taper off, creating a gap that can lead to uneven cuts.
Demonstration of the Problem
Using a visual demonstration, Cody illustrates how the inside chipper of the dado stack can sink into this gap, causing it to cut deeper than the outside blades. This misalignment results in the snaggle effect, as the blades spin out of center.
The Super Glue Solution
So, how does super glue come into play? Cody explains that the solution is to fill the gap created by the tapered threads. By using thick CA glue, woodworkers can effectively eliminate that gap without affecting the blade’s performance. The process is simple: drip the glue into the threads and allow it to set.
Applying the Fix
After applying the glue, Cody emphasizes the importance of sanding down the area to ensure a clean fit for the dado blades. He suggests using a sanding block with 120-grit sandpaper to carefully remove any excess glue while avoiding damage to the arbor threads.
Reversibility of the Fix
One of the concerns many woodworkers might have is the permanence of this solution. Cody reassures viewers that if they ever need to reverse the fix, it’s easy to pick out the glued material. The key is to be gentle and avoid sanding into the threads of the arbor.
Final Results
After completing the fix, Cody tests the dado stack to see if the super glue worked. The results speak for themselves—no snaggle, a dead flat bottom, and sharp corners. This simple hack not only improves the quality of cuts but also saves time and effort in the long run.
Conclusion
Cody wraps up the video by inviting viewers to try this hack for themselves and see the difference it can make in their woodworking projects. With this simple solution, woodworkers can achieve clean and precise dado cuts without the frustration of uneven results. For those interested, Cody also mentions a video on how to make a push stick, which can further enhance safety and precision in the workshop.
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