Thread: Dado Blades

Legal here otherwise you would not be able to buy them from woodworking tool stores.

What Burnsy said. I imported my own a year or two ago, only problem was that the case started to break up due to rough handling by the post office somewhere along the way.

They are actually legal in the EU, they just have to be designed to stop spinning within a couple of seconds of power-off, which is why most US made ones don't qualify - the whole thing weighs so much it may keep the arbour turning without help from the motor - CMT - an Italian company - even make their dado sets to fit 30mm Euro-style arbours.

Guess that will teach me for asking the expert in bunnies

Originally Posted by rrobor

Guess that will teach me for asking the expert in bunnies

I am surprised he didn't send you to the decorator section where "they sell dados by the roll"

You should be able to get a good set for $US99.00 plus state tax.... But they's heavy and it would be best to get someone to bring them back for you. BTW, if they were illegal, what you do in your own shed should be your business, more or less......

Best option is to request Dado set to be posted using USPS flat rate box. The maximum weight is 20 pounds and the box dimensions are approx 350mm x 350mm x 90mm high. The flate rate international boxes to AUS are USD$36.50

Most dado sets and blades that I have seen coming out of the USA are 5/8" arbor. Both my saws are 30mm.
Just check to be sure.

Think I might just pass on it and use the router. My arbor is 3/4 but the threading goes up to near the end and the blade is slack on the threads so I think I would be asking for trouble.

Originally Posted by rrobor

Does anyone know if Dado blades are legal in Australia. I think they were banned in UK but OK in USA. So if you ordered one up from US would Mr Plod be on your case.

Dadoes are illegal in Europe due to a directive of the EU. Its a stunning example of a nanny state going too far. Apparently the EU committees don't think that European woodworkers are as competent as Aussie and Americans...

Oh, and I picked up a Freud 6" Dado set from the USA for US$84. Come to think of it, aren't Freud blades made in Europe?

They are certainly not illegal in Australia, nor is there any need to import one from the US.

At least 2 companies, Northwood Tools and Carbatec, sell dado sets.

I have the Northwood Tools one and it is very good, use it all the time.