5 Freud Dado Set Review [Crisp Buying Guide]

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 dado set review covers five best selling of Freud dado blade sets.

Freud is one of the few manufacturers of woodworking tools in the world that produces its own MicroGrain Carbide with Titanium, called TiCo, a high-density combination of Titanium and Cobalt.

Last Modified Feb 12, 2023 @ 4:44 pm

Buying Guide for Freud dado set Review

You should consider the materials used in making the teeth.It determines how long a blade set can last before becoming dull.  

When you are looking for a dado blade saw you must check and make sure it is compatible with your table. Most blades will work with most saws, but still it is something to be aware of before purchasing. 

In addition, various blade manufacturers use coatings which are components to extend their working life before requiring repair or replacement.

Finally, look for products that are easy to install and use.

List of Best Dado Blade Review

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Affiliate, Editor Earns commission on purchase, this  incurs no extra cost to the visitors.

1. Freud SD508 Review

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In our freud sd508 review, this blade set comes in first because of it’s amazing features and promising delivery.

Hi Density Carbide

In other words, to explain more this is a 8″ dado set with 24 tooth and 5/8″ arbor. Most importantly, It features Tico hi – density carbide crosscutting blend that ensures maximum performance.

Smooth Cut with 3/32 thick blade

Besides, It includes a 3/32 inch thick chipper that allows the cut width to be adjusted in 1/32-inch increments and doubles the number of slot widths available.

I.C.E Coating to prevent rust

Moreover, the silver I.C.E. coating prevents rust and builds up on the blade surface and keeps the blade running in order to remain cool and clean.

Titanium cobalt Alloy for maximum durability

The set is constructed out of titanium-cobalt alloy and high-density carbide mix that ensures maximum durability, efficiency, and performance. For instance, each blade has 24 teeth and the six chippers work well to hollow out your cut. It is excellent for both professional and novice woodworkers.

Applicable to any Table Saws and wood

It can be used on all table saws, and radial arm saws for cutting slots, grooves, dadoes, and rabbets whether it is softwood or hardwood. You have to keep in mind that, carbide tips should never come into contact with each other.

Efficient Product Dimension

Always use both outside blades and never use chippers alone or with just one outside blade. Product dimension is 13.25 x 11.75 x 4.3 inches and weighs 10.63 pounds.

Set includes:

• 2 blades
• 6 chippers
• Shim set
• Carrying case.

Pros:

• Titanium-cobalt alloy and high-density carbide mix
• includes a 3/32-inch chipper

Cons:

• Pricey

Detail Video of Sd508 review

Video courtesy goes to Wood U Make It

2. Freud SD206 Review-Pro Dado Set

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Crisp Summary

Blades works in Depth

Freud 6 inch stacked dado set includes 10 teeth and 5/8″ arbor. These smaller blades are easier to run on table and provide the depth of cut needed on beginner and intermediate woodworking projects.

Each blade has 10 sharp teethes

Each blade has 10 teeth that users found plenty to achieve perfectly smooth cuts without splintering over the shallower cut depths.

Sturdy blade construction

The blade is constructed from Freud’s high-quality high-density titanium cobalt carbide and coated with a silver I.C.E coating, which together make this an extremely durable rust- proof and long-lasting.

Above all, it has negative hook angles which make flat bottom grooves and virtually splinter -free cuts.

Less power consumption and Efficient Design

In addition, this requires less power to work. This set produces grooves or cuts all sizes from from 1/4 inches to 7/8 inches in 1/16″ increments.

Furthermore, all blades and chippers come with Freud’s anti-kickback design. The dimension is 6.9 x 9.55 x 1.75 inches and it weighs 1 pound.

Pros:

• The lower number of chipper blades works with shorter arbors.
• Freud SD206 comes with Precision shim set for micro thin adjust ability, creates clean edge, flat bottom and square shoulders.
• Kick back reducing shoulder design ensures better stability
• Moreover, it ensures impeccable cuts in solid woods, melamine, laminates and veneered ply woods

Cons:

• Comes with only three chippers which will limit the number of spacing
• Table Saw, portable table saw and Radial Arm saw use only
• On non ferrous metal it is not recommended to use.

3. Freud SD208 Review- Professional Dado

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According to Freud Maker– Freud SD208 Review  Summary

Crisp Summary:

1. Flawless finish with Tico hi density carbide with titanium for higher durability.
2. This stacked dado set ensures virtual splinter free cuts and the negative hook angles generates flat bottom channel.
3. Slot widths from 1/4-inch to 13/16-inch in 1/16-inch increments
4. Each SD208 dado blade set includes two outer blades and 3 two wing chippers. Besides, for micro adjustments, it comes with a shim set.
5. Diameter of each blade is 8 inch and each blade has 12 teeth.

Precise cut every time

Re-sharpened blades surprisingly make sure you get a smooth result for wood cutting. Besides, this SD208 dado set is equipped with precision grade feature that starts with two proprietary outside blade.

Therefore, these blades can be re-sharpened to deliver accuracy for the long run.

Flexible to cut hard wood, laminates and other range woods

Freud SD208 consumes less power to cut because of sharpness and efficiency to deliver best result.

For instance, It can be applied on hardwood, softwood, plywood, chip board and laminates.

For non-ferrous materials, it is not recommended.

Two wing Chippers, spacers and Shim set for better adjustment

Chippers and spaces save your time and energy to get accurate cutting. Any cut can be fine tuned. Two-wing design ensures removal of waste and derives a smooth edge cutting.

In addition, shim set widens the range of your kerf adjustments that assists you to get better stability of cutting and meticulous output of your woodwork.

Anti kick back Design for safer work environment

Anti kick back design ensures added safety margin while working with wood. Therefore, this feature is the enhanced version of this dado blade set.

Impact Resistant Blade

Freud’s TiCo Hi-Density Carbide makes sure multiple sharpening that ends up with accuracy of work. The recurrent sharpening also sustains it’s precision because of this technology.

In addition, tri-metal Brazing process of blade makes it impact resistant for longer term of use.

Pros:

• Optimum performance and longer usability Hi density carbide
• Promises a clean edges, thus delivers a square shoulders and flat botton
• chip free finish in plywood and melamine. As a result, it delivers state of the art result.
• compatible with bosch, De walt and saw step types of saws
• 3- 1/16 inch spacers saves time and ensure accuracy
• Works at softwood, plywood, melamine, chip board and hard wood. (not recommended for ferrous metal and masonry)
• Similarly, shim set saves time and ensures accuracy of work
• Heavy duty Tico Hi Density carbide withstands repeated sharpening with accuracy
• Similarly, highly durable for impact resistant blade
• Limited lifetime guarantee

Cons:

• Chipper blades may splinter the wood if not used patiently.

4. Freud SBOX8 Review-Box Joint Cutter Set

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Tico hi density carbide for durability

Freud 8 inch dado set icludes 20 sharp teeth and 5/8″ arbor.  It does not need any dado set or saw blade. Besides, it features Tico hi–density carbide crosscutting blend that ensures maximum performance.

Silver ICE coating to prevent rust

The silver I.C.E. coating prevents rust and builds up on the blade surface and keeps the blade running cooler and cleaner. This patent pending innovation is easy to use and installing.

Specializes in perfect box joint

You just have to install the two 8″ diameter and 5/8-inch arbor blades on a table saw with the blades back to back for 1/4-nch box joints, or face to face for 3/8″ box joints. Hence, this set specializes in creating perfect box joints made out of any type of wood.

Efficient anti kick back

The anti-kickback helps to boost safety in all working environments. Thus, assures utmost safety at work at all circumstances.

Works on any wood type

You can use these blades on all table saws for cutting grooves to create box joints in hardwoods and softwoods. finally, and most importantly product dimension is 1 x 1 x 1 inches and weighs 1 pound.

Freud SBOX8 Dado blade set includes

• 2 blades
• Instructions for making box joints and building a box joint jig.

Pros:

• Good quality
• Affordable
• Anti- kickback feature

Cons:

• Limited application on heavy wood working, thus please follow the instruction and wood type before application.

5. Freud LU85R010 Industrial-Ultimate Cut Off

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This is a 10” saw blade with 80tooth and 5/ 8” arbor and produces a 0.116 kerf. Similarly, it has unique side grinding in each tooth which actually polish the material as it cuts.

Smooth finish

This superior blade gives glass smooth finishing. Thus while crosscutting hard and soft woods, so no sanding requires. It also minimizes tear-out.

Laser cut anti vibration slots

New laser-cut anti-vibration slots help to eliminate the vibration that resonates in standard blades and produces glass-smooth finishing. It is ideal for Ideal for smooth crosscuts in materials that are 1/4 to 1-5/8 inches thick.

Well balanced Design

This is well- balanced and has anti- vibration design which requires no add-o This is a 10” saw blade with 80tooth and 5/ 8” arbor and produces a 0.116 kerf. Similarly, it has unique side grinding in each tooth which actually polish the material as it cuts.

Smooth finish

This superior blade gives glass smo n stabilizers with this blade. This cut- off saw blade’s 80 teeth are finished with tips made from Freud’s application-specific TiCo high- density carbide “crosscut blend”.

Therefore, this formulates to help the blade to maintain a sharp cutting edge in the face of demanding crosscut applications, this blend is extra hard.

Improved corrosion resistance/heat resistance and impact resistance

This offers improved corrosion resistance, heat resistance, and impact resistance. Above all, freud’s red perma- shield, a non-stick coating helps to reduce friction and nearly eliminates the heat buildup that excess friction can cause.

Shield allows to blade to spin freely

The shield allows the blade to spin freely while reducing stress on the motor and carriage of your saw. For instance, you can use it with any support station table, radial-arm, miter, and sliding miter saws.

Therefore, this coating prevents debris collection and resin or “pitch” buildup. Besides, Gummy pitch buildup causes extra drag on the motor of your saw.

Less buildup turns into longer blade life

Less buildup is another little convenience that translates into longer tool life and longer blade life. Thus, it takes less time for blade cleaning and you can your jobs done faster. The dimension is 10.2 x 10 x 0.5 inches and weighs 1.5 pounds

Freud Best dado Set includes

• Freud LU85R010 Ultimate Cut-Off Saw Blade with Perma-SHIELD–10-inch diameter
• 5/8-inch arbor
• 80- tooth design.

Pros

• Provides smooth cutting and superb finishing
• well- balanced and zero vibration
• Extremely sharp and cutting edge tech

Cons:

• no other color is available

6. Freud LU91R010 Review- Best Dado Blade Review

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LU91R010 is a 10” saw blade with 60 tooth and 5/ 8” arbor that gives a glass- smooth finishing to hard or soft woods. The Unique side grind polish smooths blade work surfaces as it cuts through them.

High quality delivery

This leaves you with a super-smooth, high-quality finish that doesn’t need to be sanded down.

Optimal Performance

This blade is specially designed for optimal performance when crosscutting wood that is 1/4 to 1-5/8 inches thick and when cutting chipboard and plywood that is less than 1-inch thick.

Similarly, thin kerf blades remove less material than standard carbide blades, thus requiring less horsepower to produce equally good results.

Laser cut and anti vibration slots that reduce chatter

It can easily tackle either thinner or thicker materials. It also features laser-cut, anti-vibration slots that reduce chatter for a cleaner finish, longer blade life and reduced noise while you work. And since the entire blade is laser cut from high-strength steel, you can trust that it will stay stable, flat, and true, even after prolonged use.

Works with no stabilizer

You will not need any stabilizer with this table to add on. The 5° negative hook angle helps to prevent the blade from being too aggressive and pushes the work piece down and towards the fence.

Perma shield non stick coating

Perma- Shield Non-Stick Coating reduces blade drag, protects the blade from corrosion and pitch build-up. The dimension is 1 x 1 x 1 inches and it weighs 1 pound.

Set Includes:

• Freud LU91R010 Thin Kerf Sliding Miter Saw Blade–10-inch diameter
• 5/8-inch arbor
• 60- tooth design.

Pros:

• Provides smooth and clean cutting
• Excellent for radial arm saw
• well- balanced and zero vibration

Cons:

• Not budget friendly

FAQ on Freud dado set Review

1. What do you use a dado blade for?

A dado set or dado blade is a type of circular saw blade, usually used with a table saw or radial arm saw, which is used to cut dadoes or grooves in woodworking. After that, you may find two common kinds of dado sets, such as, stacked dado set and wobble blade.

2.Can these blades be sharpened?

The dado set sharpens smoothly on a repeating basis. They need to be re-sharpened as a set.  Besides, Dado is way more expensive to sharp obviously but done rarely. Keep blades clean with soapy water to remove the gum up and you’ll be good for a long time.

Please note: To Sharpen Always use Freud Certified Shapener (Select your State from MAP)

3. What are the criteria for deciding between a 6″ and 8″ blade on a 10″ table saw?

There are several factors. First is the power of your saw motor. For 1.5HP or less, you should use a 6″ dado blade. If you have more than 2HP, you can go with the 8”.

Besides, one more factor is the depth you want to cut. If you are not going deeper then 1.25″ you only need a 6″. Finally, most 6″ blade simply weigh less and put less wear and tear on your motor.

4. How do you open the case to remove the dado set?

You have to unscrew the black knobs in the center of the dado

5.      Can you put 2 blades on a table saw?

If you stack two regular blades, make sure the set of the teeth are alternating so the blades are not bent. Above all, the Dado blades are set up to fit stacked.

6.      Are dado blades dangerous?

Yes, a dado blade is potentially hazardous. Heck, most woodworking tools can be hazardous. It’s how you use the equipment that reduces the potential for injury. In regards to making a dado at the end of a piece, it would be better to use a sacrificial fence with the dado blade slightly buried.

7. Why do you trust Freud Dado blade sets?

Freud’s industrial saw blades are crafted carefully using the best materials, most innovative designs, and the industry’s most sophisticated manufacturing processes.

Besides, every blade is specifically designed for superior performance and maximum life. These have wide variety of designs and sizes, thus leaves with a wide range of choices.

Freud’s TiCo Hi-Density carbide is scientifically developed using Titanium Carbide, Cobalt and Tungsten (as well as proprietary elements), to produce a supreme product.

Finally, It provides a lifetime limited warranty that adds a lot to consumer confidence and helps justify the price.

8. How dado blades work?

A dado is a circular saw blade for table saws to cut grooves into wood. They are used for interlocking applications. Interlocking joints are common in making bookshelves, drawers, door panels and cabinets.

9. What types of dado blades are there?

There are two common kinds of dado sets, for instance, stacked dado set and wobble blade.

10. Where to sharp freud dado blade sets?

In order to sharp and find the actual source, please use this link.

Types of Freud Best Dado Set

The stacked dado blade

It is a series of blades in a stack that create a wider blade. Between the stacked outer blades, it has a set of removable chipper blades, this you can easily add or remove depending on your cut width.

These blades intersperse with spacers to achieve a precise cut which is easily doable. Besides, stacked dado blade is more accurate and gives great versatility because of its ability to cut different size grooves.

Wobble dado blade

Whereas a wobble dado blade is less accurate and also tend to be cheaper. For instance, most woodworkers like stacked dado blades for their high performance and versatility.

How to install Freud Dado Set?

Freud Dado Blade Set up: Video courtesy: David Hay

Or to find in depth details you can download this PDF from freud dado blade set up and configuration guide

Read Transcript

Conclusion

By producing their 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.

Finally, freud dado set review introduces you with a high-quality, woodworking tools that includes saw blades, router bits, shaper cutters, power tools, and more.