Passes the Dado Test

algale · Post by **algale** » Mon Feb 20, 2012 6:01 pm

As I mentioned on another thread, I am working a project that will determine whether I am going to switch full time to my 520 as my only table saw and get rid of the contractor saw in my shop. It is mostly a space issue.

Today I was using the Mark V to cut some dados and grooves, the first time I have attempted this on the Shopsmith. This required an investment in the dado arbor as well as the dado insert for the table (although I could have made my own insert). I purchased those last week from Shopsmith but today was the first time to try 'em out. I am very impressed with the dado arbor. Feels very substantial..

I mounted my 8 inch Infinity "Dadonator" -- a stacked dado blade -- and set up to make some 3/4 inch wide dados/grooves. Now for those not familiar, the Dadonator http://www.infinitytools.com/Dadonator- ... o/SDB-800/ is a heavy piece of metal because its got more chippers (6) per blade than other dados. And when it is set up to cut 3/4 inch wide dados it is really H-E-A-V-Y. Truth be told I was apprehensive because the Shopsmith is not recommended for an 8 inch dado stack. I am happy to report, however, that the Shopsmith handled it without a problem. In fact, while my contracor saw has always squealed a bit when using the dadonator, the Shopsmith hummed along as usual and didn't make any abnormal sounds.

A word of advice, if you use a 8 inch dado on the Shopsmith make sure you pay attention to table height setting since you could easily bottom out the insert on the blade.

Another test passed. Not looking good for the contractor saw.

paulmcohen · Post by **paulmcohen** » Mon Feb 20, 2012 7:30 pm

On another thread I reported the same thing and posted some pictures of a 1/64" wide sliver that was left over from a 3/4" dado's cut 1/64" from the edge of the board. Also with the 8 inch Infinity "Dadonator", the one difference is I used a 220 volt PowerPro which had no issue at all with the weight of the blade. With my 520 I always had to wait for the blade to fully come up to speed before I started the cut and go really slow especially on hardwood. I never tried the sliver test on my 520 so I don't know if it would have done as well.

I have been using my Shopsmith as my only tablesaw for 30 years and I have yet to find something I need it to do that it can't.

mbcabinetmaker · Post by **mbcabinetmaker** » Mon Feb 20, 2012 9:36 pm

I use my 520 for dado's all the time. I keep a couple of arbors set up and can drop them on the SS and be ready to go a lot faster than I can remove the blade and set up the Unisaw. I also like the fact that I can zero in the fence and scale to either side of the cut.

nikbot · Post by **nikbot** » Wed Aug 01, 2012 11:17 pm

Hi everybody - large marge (google) sent me. I got my 520 about a year ago and am finally ready to try another saw blade- the carbide blade that came on it is fine, but I was given a Freud super dado 608 and want to use it.
So I just need that 5/8 Molder/dado arbor?
http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/cata ... oarbor.htm

Thanks for any advice! I'm a total rookie, so so stating the obvious is encouraged

backhertz · Post by **backhertz** » Wed Aug 01, 2012 11:47 pm

Wait till you try using a DVR motor on.....anything. Priced really high because everything inside the headstock with a bearing is replaced because the top speed goes from 5,200 to 10,000 RPM along with constant torque. If you purchase during a Lowes demo & Lowes offers their 18-month no interest financing for using a Lowe's card and 10% off if you hold a military ID card. Hard to not rationalize ownership to only$2.40 a day..... It is remarkable and no wife will argue that logic....<no offense intended>

Tony

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Thu Aug 02, 2012 5:39 am

mbcabinetmaker wrote:I use my 520 for dado's all the time. I keep a couple of arbors set up and can drop them on the SS and be ready to go a lot faster than I can remove the blade and set up the Unisaw. I also like the fact that I can zero in the fence and scale to either side of the cut.

Hey, Mark. Great to hear of you again.

letterk · Post by **letterk** » Thu Aug 02, 2012 10:31 pm

dusty wrote:Hey, Mark. Great to hear of you again.

I wouldn't get too excited since his post in this thread was over 5 months ago. Looks like he hasn't posted in two months.

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Fri Aug 03, 2012 8:30 am

letterk wrote:I wouldn't get too excited since his post in this thread was over 5 months ago. Looks like he hasn't posted in two months.

Yeah, you are right. It also shows that I need to read the posts more thoroughly (from the beginning).

brick1 · Post by **brick1** » Fri Aug 03, 2012 11:32 am

algale, I use a Teknatool Super Nova 2 chuck for lathe turning and it is quite substantial. so far the quill bearings are holding up fine. It never gets warm in that area. apparently the bearings are very substanial themsleves!!

take care, bill

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Passes the Dado Test

Passes the Dado Test

About that 5/8 arbor...