I’m considering the purchase of a dado set. Actually, I’ve already decided on the Freud Super Dado, but I was wondering if anyone has any preference for an 8″ set versus a 6″ set. A local retailer told me that Delta has been advocating the use of a 6″ on the Unisaw, which is what I own. The Delta rep claims that the 6″ set would turn at a higher RPM since there’s less mass. I’m not sure that I buy into that. It seems to me that the 8″ set would have a much higher rim speed (even with the incremental weight increase) which could lead to a cleaner cut. Besides the blade speed issue, there may be other factors to consider which would make one a more desirable choice than the other.
Does anyone have an opinion/advice on this or an experience which might be helpful?
Replies
If Delta recommends a 6" for the Unisaw I definitely defer to them. However this is the first I have heard of it. A 6" dado puts much less strain on the motor than an 8" and that could result in less tendancy to slow the motor but you are correct that the larger diameter will have a faster rim speed and should cut more efficiently. Deferring again to Delta, in the past I have recommended the 8" for contractor saws and larger and the 6" for contractor saws and smaller.
Freud, Inc.
I have a 8" dado set right now. but if I were to do it all over again I would definately go for the 6". I havent done anything in the last 9 years with the 8" that couldnt be done with a 6". Plus because the 6" is a little less costly you can go for a higher end dado set.
Darkworksite4:
Gancho agarrador izquierdo americano pasado que la bandera antes de usted sale
I had a freud but had to part with it when I sold the saw. The buyer insisted the dado was part of the deal.
I now have forrest 8". I think the freud is a better blade. As for 6 or 8" I agree that the size does not mater. Get the least espensive. Dados do have ####tendency to bog down on my 3hp powermatic.
I also have the Powermatic 66 and I never had a problem with dados or power. Almost all the dadoes I cut are only 3/8 deep and I do that with out effort. I bought the 8" Systematic dado with full blade chippers, a lot of metal and costly to sharpen, but fantastic quality dados.
You are right. I have noted a slow down. No problem.
I have the Freud 6" on a 2hp, 220v 1953 Sears Craftsman. I've been using this for years without any motor slowing and I've never needed any more depth. The Freud cuts flat dados with little or no splintering, even on oak plywood.Alan & Lynette Mikkelsen, Mountain View Farm, est. 1934, Gardens & Fine Woodworking, St. Ignatius, MT
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