I am brand new to skilled wood working. I have whacked away at 2x4s for 65 years but never never have done any true “wood working”. I am using a Craftsman 8″ Dado for the first time and getting very sloppy cuts.

I am “trying” to cut a 1/2″ x 3/4″ Dado in a 1″ x 3/4″ pine board.

The Dado starts at 1/4″ but by the time I get to the end 14″ I am at 1/2″ on and off through the length.

Obviously I am not hold the board down, but how does one hold the board down.

I have done a dozen cuts and they seem to have gotten worse as I went along.

Thanks for the help, oh pictures realy help.

Ralph