6 Best Dado Blade Sets (Tested & Reviewed 2024)

Dado cuts may not be as common as rip and cross-cuts, but many woodworking projects still require them.

To make these cuts, you can use either a wobble dado blade or a stacked dado blade, both of which have a few benefits and drawbacks. Finding a quality dado blade set is essential to getting the result you want.

In this post, I’m going to help you find the absolute best dado blade set for your woodworking projects. Let’s dig in!

In a hurry? The best dado blade set is the Oshlun 8-Inch Dado Set because its blades are durable, reliable, sharp, easy to set and release, safe, and for the price – they’re great quality.

Best Dado Blade Set for Table Saws

• #1 Best Overall – Oshlun 8-Inch Dado Set
• Highest Quality – Freud 8″ Super Dado Set
• Best for the Money – Mibro Group Dado Blade Set
• #2 Overall Runner-Up – DeWalt Dado Blade Set
• Best 6″ Set – Freud 6″ Pro Dado Set
• Easiest to Use – Diablo 8 Dado Set

1. Oshlun 8-Inch Dado Set – #1 Best Overall

If you’re looking for the best dado blade set you can find, this Oshlun 8″ Dado Blade Set is my top choice.

This dado blade set includes:

• (2) 42-tooth saw blades
• (4) 1/8” chippers
• (1) 1/16” chipper
• (1) 3/32” chipper
• (8) shims

The outside blades and chippers are both made with C-4 micro-grain tungsten carbide, but the chippers have just six teeth while the outside blades have 42.

The blades and chippers fit well on a 5/8” arbor, and they require a wing fastener.

Together, the blades and chippers can deliver a range of dado cuts, from 1/4” to 29/32”.

And not only do the chippers make setup simpler—they also reduce vibrations, which can help with accuracy when cutting.

Plus, the outside blades make score marks in the material being cut which reduce tearing and splintering.

As far as shims go, this set has:

• (2) 0.005” shims
• (2) 0.015” shims
• (2) 0.010” shims
• (2) 0.020” shims

The shims allow for fine adjustments which is helpful for many different projects.

They go best with table and radial saws that are equipped with a more robust and powerful motor, but they work with other saws as well.

What I Liked:

• High tooth counts on the blades and chippers allow for smoother, precise cuts
• The 3/32” chipper is great for making precise groove cuts in plywood
• Because the blades and chippers are on the heavier side, they can make balanced, clean cuts that other blades have a hard time with
• The Oshlun brand is great quality that will last for years and the blades and chippers remain sharp even after hundreds of cuts have been made

What I Didn’t Like:

• The shims don’t fit on a 5/8 arbor, so I wonder why these are included in the set. You’ll have to look elsewhere if you want shims that fit a 5/8 arbor
• Packaging isn’t built to last, so I had to put everything in this set in a secure container
• After dozens of blade and chipper changes, it gets harder to remove these components from the arbor

2. Freud 8″ Super Dado Set – Highest Quality

If you’re looking for the highest quality dado blade set, this Freud 8″ Super Dado Set is the set for you.

The Freud SD508 8″ Super Dado Set includes:

• (2) 8” outer dado blades
• (4) 1/8” chippers
• (1) 3/32” chipper
• (1) 1/16” chipper
• (1) shim set

These blades are made with a proprietary TiCo HI-Density carbide crosscutting blend, so their 24 teeth are extremely sharp, making them fantastic for cutting through a range of hardwoods, softwoods, and wood-based materials.

TiCo Hi-Density carbide is a proprietary carbide that’s engineered and manufactured by Freud, and it’s used on all of their cutting tools. It’s made of titanium carbide, cobalt, and tungsten, and it’s exceptionally thin, which means it lasts longer.

When it comes to carbide size, the larger the size, the faster the edge will wear down.

Most carbides are 5 microns, while high-end, advanced micro-grain carbides are 1 micron. Freud’s proprietary carbide is 0.8 microns.

Plus, these blades are coated with a Silver I.C.E. coating that prevents material build up. Because of this coating, the blades don’t get as hot when spinning, and they also stay cleaner for longer.

And for added safety, these dado blades are backed up by Freud’s patented anti-kickback technology.

Freud utilizes an innovative and sophisticated process to manufacture these blades, and that’s the main reason why this dado blade set offers superior performance that can last for many years.

What I Liked:

• Despite having a lower tooth count, the blades don’t tear out material at the edges.
• The blades are extremely sharp and will last for years
• Unlike the Oshlun set, this set comes with shims you can actually utilize that are made of a high quality steel.
• Much cleaner cuts than lower-quality models. These blades produce shavings instead of sawdust.

What I Didn’t Like:

• These are much more expensive than other dado blade sets on this list
• The case that holds the components could be better; when I got mine the pieces were rattling around, but thankfully nothing was damaged.

3. The Mibro Group Dado Blade Set – Best Value

If you’re looking for a quality dado blade set without paying a fortune, this Mibro Group Dado Blade Set is for you.

The Mibro Group Dado Blade Set is a 14-piece set that includes:

• (2) 8” carbide saw blades
• (1) 1/16” chipper
• (4) 1/8” chippers
• (7) metallic shims

This set also comes with an instruction guide and the case is both compact and durable.

In addition to dado cuts, this set can also make rabbet, fillet, groove, and mortis and tenon cuts making it a multi purpose set.

The grooves these blades make can be 1/4”-13/16” in width, and the width is adjusted in 1/16” increments.

The outer blades have 24 carbide-tipped teeth, and both them and the chippers have a 5/8” arbor hole.

The teeth are arranged so there’s one straight-raker tooth for every five bevel-cutting teeth.

Using electronic welding, the teeth are welded to the bodies of the outer blades to ensure precision.

At max speed, this stacked dado blade set can spin at 5,000 rpm.

These blades also employ anti-kickback tech, which demonstrates that even a budget pick can have this much-needed safety feature.

Lastly, this set comes with metal shims that are 3-5/32” in diameter which allow for more precise cuts.

What I Liked:

• I’m a big fan of this set’s price; in fact, it’s among the best dado blade sets solely because it combines great quality with a can’t-beat price.
• Like the Freud 8” Super Dado Set, this dado blade stack utilizes anti-kickback tech, making it safer compared to some other sets.
• But unlike the Freud set, this one actually comes with a durable, compact case, which makes you wonder why this set is cheaper.
• For an affordable stacked dado set, it makes smooth edges and flat bottoms, despite having fewer teeth.
• Also, the shim set actually works—and works well!

What I Didn’t Like:

• This set doesn’t come with as many chippers as other sets, which limits the range of cuts it can make
• The blades dull somewhat quickly (when compared to competing blades)
• Since the blade tips are hardened, they can’t be sharpened so you may have to replace them more often
• The blades do generate a fair bit of sawdust, in addition to wood shavings, so cleanup may be lengthy if you use this set for an extended timeframe

4. DeWalt Dado Blade Set – #2 Overall Runner-Up

DeWalt is one of my favorite brands and their Dado Blade Set definitely lives up to the name.

While this set is more expensive than many others, it’s extremely high quality that will last for years.

The blades in this set are made of a blend of materials, and the outer blades have 24 carbide-tipped teeth. It includes stainless steel shims that allow for finer adjustments and accurate cuts.

This stacked dado set can effortlessly cut through a range of natural and engineered woods making it great for a wide range of projects.

Plus, this set includes a well-secured storage case, so you don’t have to worry about the components being damaged when you take this set on the go.

The stack fits a 5/8” arbor, and at max speed it can make 7,000 RPMs.

Because the outer blades are heavier and laser-cut, they can make precise, balanced cuts.

What I Liked:

• These blades are great quality and will last for years with a warranty to back them up
• The case is much better than other brands on my list
• This dado stack can cut grooves in no time, since it spins fast without running the risk of overheating.

What I Didn’t Like:

• Quite expensive compared to other options
• Doesn’t include an instruction manual
• Blades are on the heavier side, which can make using the set a bit difficult.

5. Freud 6″ Pro Dado Set – Best 6″ Dado Set

If you need a 6″ dado blade set, this Freud Pro Dado Blade set is a terrific option that I would highly recommend.

The Freud 6″ Pro Dado Set includes

• (2) 6” outside blades
• (3) 1/8” chippers
• (3) shims

Like the blades in the Freud 8” set discussed earlier, these blades are coated with a proprietary protective coating and equipped with Freud’s patented TiCo HI-Density carbide.

The outside blades have 10 teeth each, and both have a 5/8” arbor hole.

What I Liked:

• This set is just like its 8” counterpart in most respects, but the blades in this set are smaller and have less teeth.
• Its smaller size also makes it easier to store and transport.
• More affordable than the 8” set.

What I Didn’t Like:

• This set too comes in a lackluster storage case, which makes me wonder why a company that makes high-end blades can’t make or include a case of similar quality.
• Because there are less teeth, the blades are more likely to cause tearing.
• There are less components overall.

6. Diablo 8 Dado Set – Easiest to Use

If you’re searching for a simple Dado Set this Diablo 8″ Dado Set is worth a look.

The Diablo 8 Dado Set comes with two 8” outside blades, a few chippers, and some paper shims.

The quality that distinguishes this set from all the other ones discussed already is its color—the outside blades are bright red!

This stacked set goes on a 5/8” arbor, and the outside blades have 12 teeth each.

At max speed, these blades can make 9,000 revolutions in a minute, and they can cut through a range of wood and wood-based materials.

Lastly, these blades are carbide tipped like all the others I’ve discussed, but they’re coated in a proprietary non-stick Perma-Shield coating.

What I Liked:

• Simple design and clear instructions make these blades the easiest ones to use
• The blades remain sharp even after dozens of cuts have been made
• Set comes in a durable carrying case

What I Didn’t Like:

• Because there are less teeth, this set can tear materials occasionally
• I don’t like the bold, red design—these blades stick out like a sore thumb in my workshop
• They’re not the most expensive but they’re definitely not cheapest

Considerations When Buying a Dado Blade Set

Blade Type

Blade material is the first thing you should consider when browsing dado blades.

Most modern dado blades are carbide-tipped, and some even have protective coatings so they don’t warp from overheating.

Along with blade material, you need to consider how many teeth the outer and chipper blades in a stacked dado set have. Generally speaking, blades with 24-48 teeth are best.

And if a blade set utilizes anti-kickback technology, this should be seen as a benefit.

Lastly, consider the brand that puts out the dado blade set. If it’s known for superior quality and reliability, then purchasing the set is probably a good move.

Diameter & Saw Compatibility

Dado blades are usually 6”-8” in diameter, while chipper blades tend to be a fraction of their size.

There are 10” and 12” dado blades, but these aren’t used often, since they only work well with larger table saws, like contractor table saws.

7” dado blades exist too, but most woodworkers opt for either a 6” or 8” blade.

The blade’s diameter is especially important when it comes to saw compatibility. Specifically, if a blade is too large or small (relative to the table saw’s size), it may not be able to work efficiently.

Like with all other saw blades, diameter determines how deep of a cut can be made. In other words, an 8” dado blade can make larger dado cuts in less time (when compared to its 6-inch counterpart).

Arbor Size

A stacked dado set must fit on your table or radial saw’s arbor, otherwise it won’t be able to achieve precise cuts.

Most dado and chipper blades are made to fit a 5/8” arbor.

Even the best dado blades won’t perform well if they’re too big for the arbor.

Not only will they fail to achieve smooth, balanced dado cuts, they’ll also be more dangerous when in operation, since they’ll be wobbling as they cut.

Most dado blade sets come with shims, and these should fit the arbor too. However, if they don’t, they can be filed down until they do—unfortunately the same can’t be said of dado blades and chippers.

Kerf

“Kerf” is a term woodworkers often use to describe the thickness of a cut, but it can also refer to the thickness of a blade.

You’ll see “Kerf Width” on many dado sets because the thickness of the blades and chippers these sets include are especially important when making these cuts.

Most standard table saw blades have a kerf of 0.098 inches, while more precise blades have a 0.087-inch kerf.

Usually, both of the outside blades that come with a dado set have a kerf of 1/8″, while the chippers can have a 1/8″-, 1/16″-, or 3/32″ kerf.

Not only is kerf important when you need to make precise cuts—it also plays a major role in determining how cost-effective the blade set is.

Specifically, blade sets that have a thicker kerf will take off more material, and if you’re not careful you could inadvertently convert a lot of expensive material, like hardwood, into useless sawdust.

Price

When considering price, also consider:

• How many blades and chippers came with the set
• Whether or not shims were included
• The quality of materials used
• The size of the carbide grain
• Whether or not a carrying case was included

If a dado set includes high-quality components that are not only reliable and precise but built-to-last as well, it’s probably worth the higher price.

Lifespan

Finally, lifespan should definitely be considered when you’re browsing dado sets, since a set that performs well over many years will get you the most bang for your buck.

On average, dado blades and chippers last just 2-4 years, and how often you use the blades largely determines their lifespan. That said, the quality of the materials used to make the dado set is important too.

Therefore, if you want the most cost-effective dado blade set, get one that can withstand frequent use because it’s made of durable materials.

Need help making a dado cut? Check out the video below!

FAQs

How many teeth should a dado set have?

A dado set should have at least 24 teeth, and the chipper blades should have at least four. Outer blades and chipper blades that have a lot of teeth tend to deliver smoother, more precise cuts. And if these blades are carbide-tipped, they work pretty fast too.

Can you use an 8″ dado blade on a 10″ table saw?

Yes, you can use an 8” dado blade on a 10” table saw. In fact, this is done often. The blade won’t have any trouble reaching the table’s surface. You can even use a 6” dado blade with a 10” table saw. What you need to avoid is using a dado blade that’s larger than a 10” table saw.

Final Thoughts

In the end, the best dado set on the market right now, in my opinion, is the Oshlun 8-Inch Dado Set, since it contains high-quality outer blades, chippers, and shims, yet it’s offered at a reasonable price.

The most affordable option is the Mibro Group Dado Blade Set, the easiest to use is the Diablo 8 Dado Set, and the set that’s sure to get you the best cutting results is the Freud 8″ Super Dado Set.

And for those who only purchase name brand tools, there’s the DeWalt Dado Blade Set.

Lastly, if you like the Freud brand so much you want one of their 6” dado blade sets to complement your 8” set, pick up the Freud 6″ Pro Dado Set.