Freud SD608 8 Inch Dial-A-Width Stacked Dado Set

The Freud 8 inch Dial-A-Width Stacked Dado Set includes 2 outside blades, 5 chippers, a wrench and a carrying case. One of the first things to look for when using a dado set is a flat bottom on the cut and a clean shoulder. A second important feature is ease of adjustment. On that front this set is simply unmatched in the world today. I compared this set to the Forrest and the CMT, finding that all three made an impressive flat bottom and all three made a clean shoulder. Then we compared ease of setup and on that front the Freud Dial a Width Dado Set was simply miles ahead of the competition. The blade can adjust in .004" increments which made dialing in the width very easy and the best part is how fast you can set up the blade. There were so many high points to this set over the Forrest and CMT that I will likely not use the other sets unless I dedicate a saw to a permanent width all dialed in. Without question, on a daily use basis I will stick with the Dial-A-Width Dado set because the set up time is much quicker and the cutting performance is at least as good as the other blades in our shop. The features of the blade includes a sturdy Premium TiCo™ HI-Density Carbide crosscutting blend for maximum performance, and a Silver I.C.E. Coating which prevents build up on the blade surface and keeps the blade running cooler and cleaner. Finally, all the blades and chippers come with Freud’s anti-kickback design. One issue that did come up with this blade is that it came set up for a right hand tilt saw and we had to switch the adjuster to the other blade so that it works with our left tilt saw. Making this change took 5 minutes and this blade will only be used on my table saw so I won’t have to change it back and forth to use it on a daily basis.

Here is the feature list from Freud:

• Speed and Convenience
  Experience the speed and convenience of a stacked dado without the need for shim adjustments with the Freud SD608 Eight-Inch Dial-A-Width Stacked Dado Set. The patented dial system clicks into place to allow blade-width adjustments up to .906 inch in fine 0.004-inch increments. Included are two razor-sharp blades that cut with ultimate precision, so you can achieve clean edges and flat bottoms. This versatile dado set is designed for the serious woodworker and cuts a wide range of materials from hardwood to laminate.
• Exclusive Dial-a-Width System for Quick, No-Shim Adjustments
  The Freud SD608 is an innovative dado set, ideal for serious woodworkers who require an efficient and precise way to create precise, flat-bottom dadoes. It combines the clean, high-quality results of a traditional stacked dado set with the speed and precision of a dial dado. By eliminating the need for adding or removing shims, this set works quickly to help you tackle more jobs in less time.
• Precision and Control
  And because producing the perfect dado is often reliant upon finding the perfect blade width, this set allows you to make fine-tuned adjustments up to .906 inch. Each click of the dial moves the blade 0.004 inch, so you have total control over the precision of the cut. Just use the included wrench to make safe and easy adjustments by loosening the dial, clicking it to the desired width, and retightening.
• Razor-Sharp Blades for Smooth, Splinter-Free Dadoes
  You can achieve perfect results every time, the set includes two proprietary razor-sharp outside blades. These high-quality eight-inch, 24-tooth blades with 5/8-inch arbors cut dadoes and grooves that are clean, flat, and virtually splinter free.
  (Not recommended for non-ferrous materials).
• Flat Bottoms
  The five chippers have a truly flat-bottom grind saving you time and energy. With their four-wing design, they efficiently remove waste material and smooth the bottom surface on your work pieces.
• MicroGrain Carbide Tips for Long-Lasting Performance
  You can get maximum performance out of this set, the blade components are constructed with Freud's TiCo Hi-Density Carbide. This means the blades can withstand numerous sharpenings and still retain their precision. A tri-metal brazing process gives the blades impact resistance, so they last for the long term without dulling (a condition that can cause torn wood and uneven cuts).
• Freud’s History of Innovative manufacturing
  An industry leader for more than 50 years, Freud America, Inc. is a manufacturer and marketer of superior carbide cutting tools for the woodworking industry. Freud is the only manufacturer of woodworking tools in the world that produces its own MicroGrain Carbide with Titanium, called TiCo, a high-density combination of Titanium and Cobalt.
• Manufacturing Flexibility
  By producing its own carbide, Freud has the unique ability to formulate each tool for each specific application, thereby maximizing the cutting life and performance of the tool. Freud's full line of high-quality woodworking tools includes saw blades, router bits, shaper cutters, power tools, and more.
• Protection
  This product is covered by Freud's Limited Lifetime Warranty.
• What's in the Box
  Freud SD608 Eight-Inch Dial-a-Width Stacked Dado Set, including two eight-inch outside blades (for 5/8-inch arbors), one wrench, four 1/8-inch chippers, and one 3/32-inch chipper. A storage case is also included.
• Product Description
  The Dial-A-Width Dado set performs like a typical stacked dado, but Freud has replaced the shims with their exclusive patented dial system, ensuring accurate adjustments. Each click of the dial adjusts the blade by .004". The Dial-A-Width is easy to use and very precise.

In closing I find the Freud is the best dado set currently on the market bar none. It retails for $445.00 but I found it at Amazon for only $253.92 which is a great price a tool this nice. If you want to turn out great work you need great blades and this set all of that.

I give it 5 out of 5 stars on my performance scale. It simply is the best dado set I have ever used.

Lance Granum

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