Ridge Carbide Northwoods Dado-Master Set

[WoodWrangler]

Currently I am using a cheap dado set called "Avenger". They cut well, but don't have a perfectly flat bottom (which I desire).

I own a Ridge Carbide blade and it's great. Now I'm looking for a dado set and see they offer one.

Does anyone out here use the Ridge Carbide Northwoods Dado-Master Set ... and if so what do you think about it?

Are there better dado blade sets available in the same price range ($190 from Holbren)?

 

[McRabbet]

Without question, I think the best dado set on the market is the Freud SD-508, which is $199.99 at Amazon.com (plus a discount may apply) -- I have had mine for about 2 years (bought it at the Charlotte Woodworking Show for $169) and it cuts very square dados and does not chip out the surface veneer on plywoods or hardwoods. I has 24-tooth outer blades that are full 1/8", and enough chippers to take you all the way to 13/16". Very good and accurate metal shims are included to fine tune to the odd sizes of plywood we all encounter. See Amazon.com: Freud SD508 8" Super Dado Set with Anti-Kickback Design: Tools & Hardware. They also make a 6" version for a little less money (the SD-506). I do not recommend the SD-608, which is more expensive and has a dial-a-width feature to set the widths. It's hubs are thick enought that you cannot go wider than 3/4" on some saw arbors (I've read that, but do not have personal experience with it).

Rob

 

[NZAPP1]

I am with Rob I have the Freud SD-508 and love it:icon_thum

 

[chris99z71]

I can't comment on the Ridge Carbide dado set, but if it's anywhere near as good as their TS2000 blade, I'm sure you won't be disappointed.
I have the Freud SD208 ($95 at Lowes or Amazon) and so far, I'm very happy with it. It's about half the price of the SD508, but it's got 2 tooth chippers (vs. 4) and 12 tooth outer blades (vs. 24). It cuts a very flat bottom dado, provided it's on a good arbor. On my old $99 delta TS, I couldn't get a flat bottom worth anything and I think it's because there was too much slop on the arbor. It doesn't force all the tips to cut in the same plane. On the Uni, this set cuts fantastically.
I guess what I'm trying to say is - the dado set itself isn't the only thing that contributes to your dados not having flat bottoms. I'm sure that the arbor on your new sawstop is fine, just a warning to others to make sure that their dado blades fit tightly on the arbor before condemning the dado blades.

 

[ashley_phil]

I have the $ 90 Frued set and used it for cutting tenons on my sons crib, couldn't have asked for a better finish or result.

 

[Partman]

I have the Freud SD208 have had good cuts with it both on TS and RAS.

 

[WoodWrangler]

Sounds like the Freud dado sets are winner out here ... I'm going to have find the best deal possible on these! Maybe at the Hickory show ... ?

Thanks for all of the feedback! :icon_thum

 

[McRabbet]

Klingspor has them in their catalog for $199.95, so when you use your handy-dandy NCWW.Net 10% discount, you cover more than the taxes on it! I'm sure you will see them at the show and you may get a better price then...

Rob

 

[NCPete]

Thanks for the endorsements/comments on the SD-208, It is very likely that LOML will not allow me to spend more than that... I hadn't seen reports on it before.

 

[chris99z71]

Sounds like the Freud dado sets are winner out here ... I'm going to have find the best deal possible on these! Maybe at the Hickory show ... ?

Thanks for all of the feedback! :icon_thum

Just curious, are you going for the 208 or the 508?

 

[Brian]

I have a Freud SD608 I'll sell for $200 to anyone that wants it plus $10 for shipping anywhere in the US. It is brand new and never used or even taken out of the case.