Stacked Dado Blade Setup: Dadonator XL and Shim Set Guide

Quick answer

Set up a stacked dado blade by confirming your saw arbor and throat plate clear the stack, mounting the blades and chippers in the correct order, then using shims and test cuts to dial in the exact width. The Dadonator XL reduces stacking steps, while a shim set gives you micro-adjustment without guesswork.

Step-by-step stacked dado blade setup

1. Confirm arbor size and saw capacity: Check your table saw arbor diameter and confirm it matches the 5/8-inch bore of the Dadonator XL. Also verify the saw accepts a dado stack and that the throat plate opening is wide enough. If the arbor or throat plate does not match, stop and use a different blade or insert.
2. Assemble the stack in the correct order: Install the inner flange, then the first blade, then the chippers and shims as needed, and finally the outer blade and flange. Follow the blade manufacturer's order and keep the teeth oriented correctly. A stack that is not seated flat will produce an uneven cut, so check that every component is fully seated before tightening.
3. Set the initial width with test cuts: Start with a stack narrower than your target and make a test cut in scrap. Measure the cut width, then add shims or chippers to increase width gradually until you reach the desired size. Make test cuts on scrap that matches your project material; a test cut in different stock can mislead you.
4. Fine-tune with shims: Use the .005-inch, .010-inch, and .020-inch shims to close the gap between your current cut and the target width. Add one shim at a time and re-test after each change. Record the shim combination that works so you can repeat the setup later.
5. Verify depth and fence settings: Set the blade height for the desired dado depth and adjust the fence for the cut position. Lock the fence and double-check the measurement before cutting. A test cut that is the right width but the wrong depth or position still ruins the joint.

Products used in this setup

• Infinity Tools Dadonator XL, 8" Stacked Dado Saw Blade Set, 5/8" Arbor: The Dadonator XL is an 8-inch stacked dado set with a 5/8-inch arbor and four-blade design that includes two 1/4-inch chippers. Fewer blades mean faster setup and fewer stacking errors, but you still need to verify arbor fit and throat plate clearance.

  

• Infinity Tools 6-Pc. Shim Set For 6" or 8" Stacked Dado Blades: This 6-piece shim set includes two each of .005-inch, .010-inch, and .020-inch plastic shims with a 4-inch diameter and 5/8-inch bore. These thicknesses let you make small width adjustments without changing the main stack, and the plastic material resists tearing during normal use.