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In the woodworking world, precision is key, and one of the most essential tools for achieving that precision is the dado stack. Dado stacks have been widely used to cut grooves, box joints, and half-laps, saving time and effort by removing large amounts of material in a single pass. However, since 2018, traditional dado blades have faced significant regulation, particularly in the European Union, due to safety concerns. A revolutionary new dado stack is changing the game. This innovative design, compliant with EU regulations, offers not only greater safety but also enhanced ease of use, making it a must-have for woodworkers both in the EU and the US.
In this post, we’ll explore what makes this new dado stack so special, its key features, and why it’s safer and more efficient than older models.
CMT Orange 8″ Locked Dado Pro Blade Set, 12 teeth, FTG+ATB Grind Kerf 230.312.08
Key Takeaways
- Innovative Safety Design: The new dado stack’s locking mechanism prevents independent movement of blades, reducing the risk of accidents, and making it compliant with EU regulations.
- Ease of Use: This dado stack can be assembled and mounted on a table saw in one unit, unlike traditional models that require separate assembly of blades and shims.
- Wide Groove Efficiency: The 12-tooth design efficiently removes waste material when cutting wide grooves, making it ideal for projects requiring precision cuts in plywood, hardwood, or MDF.
- Compliant Across Regions: While traditional dado stacks are banned in the EU, this new design is fully compliant, allowing woodworkers in regulated areas to safely use it.
- Durable and Long-Lasting: The blade is coated with a technopolymer PTFE finish that helps prevent corrosion, reduces heat buildup, and keeps the blade sharp for longer.
What is a Dado Stack?
A dado stack is a specialized blade used in table saws for cutting wide grooves, also known as dados, into wood. These grooves are essential for projects such as shelving, box joints, and furniture-making. Traditional dado stacks consist of two outside blades and several “chippers” stacked in between, with shims to adjust the groove’s width.
While highly efficient, older dado stacks have safety limitations, primarily due to the way the blades and chippers interact. This new generation dado stack, however, resolves those issues, providing a safer, more compliant, and easier-to-use option for woodworkers.
What Makes This New Dado Stack Special?
This new dado stack is the first of its kind to be fully compliant with stringent EU safety regulations. The standout feature of this blade is its locking mechanism, which ensures that the blades and chippers move as one unit, reducing the risk of independent movement and shrapnel-like accidents, a major concern with traditional dado stacks.
Here are a few reasons why this design is a game-changer:
- Locking Mechanism: The unique design allows the blades and chippers to lock together, preventing the independent movement of blades that could cause shrapnel if they hit something hard, such as a metal piece embedded in the wood.
- Ease of Use: Unlike older dado stacks, where you need to place each blade and shim separately, this new version allows for easier assembly. The blades fit together in a specific pattern, allowing the user to mount them as one unit on the table saw, much like a standard blade.
- Safety Compliance: With its locking design, this dado stack meets EU regulations, making it legal to use in countries where older stacks have been banned since 2018. This ensures woodworkers in both the EU and the US can use this blade safely and legally.
- Lower Tooth Count: This dado stack features a 12-tooth design, which is lower than traditional blades but intentional. The large gullets between the teeth allow for efficient removal of waste material, particularly when cutting wide grooves in plywood or hardwoods.
Why Was the Old Dado Stack Banned?
Traditional dado stacks were banned in the EU primarily due to safety concerns. The biggest issue was that the chippers and outside blades could move independently, which posed a danger if something went wrong. For example, if the outside blades stopped due to contact with a hard object, the chippers could continue spinning and collide with the stationary blades, sending fragments of carbide flying like shrapnel.
The new locking mechanism eliminates this risk, ensuring that all components of the blade stop as one unit, preventing potential accidents.
The new dado stack is a revolutionary tool for woodworkers, offering safety, ease of use, and precision. Its compliance with EU regulations makes it a standout option for those who need a reliable and legal tool for cutting wide grooves in wood. Whether you’re a seasoned woodworker or just starting out, this dado stack will make your projects easier and safer, without compromising on quality.