Thread: To Dado or not to Dado? Spindle Moulder or Router?

Originally Posted by Dovetail

G'day Folks,

I'm about to order a combination machine but before ordering, I need to specify whether or not I want the capacity to fit a dado cutter or not. I've never used a dado blade but it would appear that they are gaining in popularity and perhaps may be more suitable and easier to use for tasks like trenching etc. rather than fiddling about with the router.
Which brings me to the second question. Router or spindle moulder? I have never used a spindle moulder and have numerous router bits to hand and I need to decide whether I want to replace the SM with a router - cheaper to do that now rather than later. Also, I have the router bits and the tooling for the SM is not inexpensive.
I guess all of this comes down to personal preference at the end of the day but I would be interested in the thoughts of other members.

When I searched for my tablesaw I must admit the ability to take dado blade did not figure highly on my list of "must haves". Once I had selected one it was nice that it took one, but again I wasn't overly excited about it.
I then got a dado blade set for my Fathers' Day and have used it frequently ever since then. If I had to replace my tablesaw now I would not consider one that didn't take a dado set. I know that you can do most things that a dado set does with a router, however the cuts I get with the dado are cleaner and quicker than with a router and it gives me infinite width of the cut between 1/8" and 3/4". I'm sold on a dado set and would suggest that if you have the choice that you go for the machine that takes one.

As to the choice between router and spindle moulder, I have never used a spindle moulder so can't comment.

Dovetail,

Without knowing which combo machine you are buying, it's hard to answer.

I've got a Minimax combo as well as a Jet TS and wouldn't dream of putting the dado head into the Minimax - too much stuffing around with the clearance plate. So much easier on the Jet - just replace the insert and away you go.

But if you don't have a TS, I'd be going for that capability for sure.

As for the spindle moulder v. router table question..... Don't ask!

I use both to varying degrees of success. I only wish the RT was as accurate as the SM re: height adjustment. Variable speed on the RT does however win out most of the time.

Jeff

The dado head is a real boon. Accurate and smooth cutting. Having had one I would not get a saw without one. Much quicker than a router, no jigs necessary for dados and rabets and very smooth. I get no chip out on melamine or plywood. You do go through zero clearance plates though.

Pusser

What Big Shed said re the dado head. re the spindle moulder & router table, I have used both. If it came down to one or the other I'd go for the spindle moulder any day (accuracy etc as per Jefferson plus a good one has maybe three speeds) - but they are not cheap and the router table alternative is a not-bad compromise. I can't imagine you'd need both.

Thanks Team,
Sounds like a Dado it is! And Jeff, I'm looking at the Hammer C3 31 - seems like the fitting procedure is a cinch. After-market refit is a pain in the veritable and for a smallish $ input now, I'll save heaps of gnashed teeth later....along the lines of Big Shed's experience.
With regard to the router/SM, I'm inclined to have the SM on the combo, but will hang onto my router for the time being - my thoughts being that I'm in this for the long haul and I guess I want to aim high!

Cheers
Dovetail

A lot depends on what your building. But like many I couldn't get by without a dado set. I use it on my table saw all the time. I want a set for my old DeWalt RAS for cutting tenons. Again, it depends on what your going to build. I do a lot of furniture and a dado is very typical cut.

As for the spindle molder (we yanks call them shapers) I really prefer mine over a router. They cost more and the tooling is more. But you have a lot more mass. They have more power than a router and you don't have to build a cabinet or anything for them. The adjustments are simpler. As for the cost I think by the time you buy a good router, build a table, fence etc. the cost isn't that much difference. They are not portable and so you still want a router.